PDE-4 Inhibitor Roflumilast and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Combined Treatment With PDE-4 Inhibitor Roflumilast and Metformin Leads to Significant Weight Loss in Obese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The purpose of this study was to determine whether combined treatment with phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor roflumilast and metformin is more effective than metformin as monotherapy in the treatment of obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who had been previously poor responders regarding weight reduction on metformin monotherapy. The investigators anticipated greater changes in body weight in patients on combined treatment than in those on monotherapy with metformin.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years old to menopause
• polycystic ovary syndrome (NICHD criteria)
• BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher

Exclusion Criteria:

• depression
• type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus
• history of carcinoma
• Cushing's syndrome or congenital (non-classic) adrenal hyperplasia
• significant cardiovascular, kidney or hepatic disease
• the use of medications other than metformin known or suspected to affect reproductive or metabolic functions
• the use of statins, within 90 days prior to study entry