Board Certified Cardiology Pharmacist (BCCP) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the TACTICS-HF trial, the research was focused on the use of tolvaptan, a vasopressin receptor antagonist, in patients with heart failure. One of the key findings from this study was the safety profile of tolvaptan, particularly concerning the risk of renal dysfunction.

The concept of the number needed to treat (NNT) is utilized to evaluate the effectiveness or potential adverse effects of a treatment. In the context of this trial, the number of patients who needed to be treated with tolvaptan in order to observe one case of renal dysfunction was determined to be 11. This value helps clinicians understand the risk-to-benefit ratio when prescribing tolvaptan, indicating that for every 11 patients treated, one may experience a renal dysfunction event.

This information reflects the significance of thorough risk assessment in pharmacotherapy, especially in patients with concurrent renal concerns, commonly seen in those with heart failure. Acknowledging this data assists healthcare providers in making informed decisions on whether to utilize tolvaptan, weighing its benefits against potential side effects such as renal impairment.