Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) has significantly reduced the average wait time for pediatric patients experiencing severe pain from sickle cell disease from 56 minutes to 23 minutes. The hospital's quality improvement initiative also improved care by reducing the time to administer pain medication and increase patient-controlled analgesics.
Research finds that rural adolescents are 35% more likely to abuse prescription painkillers in the past year compared to urban teens. The study suggests that limited medical care and emergency room prescriptions contribute to this issue.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found racial disparities in pain management among children with appendicitis in emergency departments, with black children receiving less pain medication and opioids. The study analyzed data from 2003 to 2010 and suggested that more research is needed to understand why such disparities exist.
Researchers isolated machinery for producing cancer-fighting drug etoposide from endangered Himalayan plant and applied it to a common laboratory plant, producing the chemical. The technique could lead to less expensive and more stable sources of drugs.
The National Association of Science Writers announced the winners of its 2015 Science in Society Journalism Awards, recognizing outstanding reporting on science and society. Winners include Judy Foreman for her book A Nation in Pain: Healing Our Biggest Health Problem, and Erik Vance for his article Why Nothing Works.
A new study reveals that patients with lumbar spinal stenosis prefer pain relief to improved mobility, defying medical community assumptions. Researchers surveyed 269 patients and found that 79% chose pain reduction over increased physical function.
The new ESC guidelines offer improved management of pericardial diseases, including acute pericarditis and constrictive pericarditis. The guidelines provide specific diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations, aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with these conditions.
A Boston University School of Medicine program educates clinicians on safe opioid prescribing, resulting in improved knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practice. The program has empowered clinicians to make informed decisions about opioids for chronic pain sufferers.
A new Canadian guideline has been published to help manage pain during vaccination in both children and adults. The guideline includes recommendations for various age groups and settings, such as physician's offices and public health settings.
A study at Mount Sinai Hospital found that antidepressants regulate chronic pain and depression through actions in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain reward center. The research discovered a gene (RGS9) controlling molecular adaptations for recovery from pain and depression.
A population-based case-control study found that long-term, continuous use of low-dose aspirin and nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk. The study also suggests that higher COX-2 selectivity in nonaspirin NSAIDs may offer greater protection.
A regular dose of aspirin reverses the long-term risk of cancer in those who are overweight, according to a study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology. The research found that being overweight more than doubles the risk of bowel cancer in people with Lynch Syndrome.
A new study using bionic liver micro-organs explains the off-target toxicity of acetaminophen, a breakthrough that could transform drug development. The device detected small changes in cellular respiration, revealing a faster and lower-dose mechanism than previously thought.
A recent study analyzed prescription claims data in Florida and Georgia, finding modest decreases in opioid prescribing and use after implementation of the state's pill mill law and prescription monitoring program. The reductions were most pronounced among patients and providers with high levels of opioid use at baseline.
Researchers found that the simultaneous use of heroin and prescription painkillers is increasing dramatically among whites, particularly young white men. Heroin abuse has also expanded to groups not traditionally seen as widespread opiate users, highlighting the need for tailored treatment approaches.
A new study found that 77% of dentists ask patients about illicit drug use and 54% believe screenings should be their responsibility. Dentist attitudes toward substance misuse screening vary by age, gender, and prior training, but more educated and younger dentists are more likely to accept such screenings.
Researchers at Stanford University have genetically engineered yeast to produce hydrocodone and other opioid painkillers, enabling a faster and potentially less expensive way to produce plant-based medicines. The breakthrough could lower costs and increase access to pain medications for 5.5 billion people worldwide.
A comprehensive review of available evidence confirmed that listening to music before, during, and after surgery reduces postoperative pain, anxiety, and the need for painkillers. The study involved nearly 7,000 patients and found music to be effective even when patients were under general anaesthetic.
A comprehensive review of 7000 patients found that listening to music significantly reduces pain medication use and reports more satisfaction after surgery. Patients who selected their own music experienced a slight but non-significant reduction in pain, highlighting the importance of patient choice.
A study at Loyola University Medical Center found that knee replacements can treat degeneration caused by Blount disease, resulting in stable knees and no pain medications. Researchers used a scoring system to evaluate the success of the surgery, with mean scores indicating excellent range of motion and low disability.
A new initiative to add price tags to medicines worth over £20 in England may have unintended consequences, warns an editorial in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB). The move could lead vulnerable patients to worry about being a burden on society, while others may view cheaper drugs as less important. Furthermore, the added cost ...
Researchers will evaluate existing Cathepsin S inhibitor as new potential Chagas disease therapeutic, addressing a neglected tropical disease with no FDA-approved therapies. The grant aims to confirm the antiparasitic activity and test safety and effectiveness in humans.
Researchers found that subjects who knew they were receiving a fake pain treatment still experienced pain relief after multiple sessions. The study suggests that conditioning can create independent placebo effects that require both belief and consistent experiences. This could lead to new treatments for drug addiction or pain management.
Researchers found that US health care providers perceive South Asians as being more reluctant to report pain and seek medications. This is partly due to cultural differences in medical practice in South Asia, where patients are often not asked about their pain and may be given low-dose pain medications after surgeries.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers found that acupuncture blunts activity in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, reducing production of stress hormones. This mechanism is similar to that of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, which exert their therapeutic effects on these same pathways.
A study found that non-chronic opioid users with low prescribed doses are at risk of overdose, contradicting current guidelines. Concurrent sedative use also contributes to overdose risk.
SLU pain researcher Daniela Salvemini has been awarded the NIH's Cutting-Edge Basic Research Award to develop new painkillers that can quell terrible pain while minimizing debilitating side effects. The two-year grant will support her search for innovative ways to mitigate opioid side effects and preserve their pain-relieving ability.
A Tel Aviv University study found that hyperbaric oxygen treatment can drastically reduce or eliminate fibromyalgia symptoms, enabling patients to discontinue pain medication. The research also identified the primary factor causing fibromyalgia: brain mechanism for processing pain disruption.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that taking a combination of antidepressants and common painkillers increases the risk of bleeding. The researchers analyzed data from over four million patients and found a substantially increased bleeding risk with combined use of antidepressants and NSAIDs, especially in men.
A nationwide study found that individuals of any age who used illicit drugs had a higher likelihood of misusing prescription pain relievers. Adults aged 50 and above were more likely to acquire pain relievers through multiple doctors, while younger individuals relied on friends, relatives, or drug dealers.
Researchers have discovered thousands of new peptide toxins in the venom of a single type of Queensland cone snail, opening up promising leads for new pain and cancer treatments. The study's innovative method allows for deeper analysis of venom toxins than ever before.
Scientists at UC Davis have identified endoplasmic reticulum stress as the significant driver of neuropathic pain. The discovery opens new avenues for treating chronic pain from various conditions, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center found that aspirin can inhibit the growth of mesothelioma by blocking HMGB1. This could lead to improved survival rates for patients with this aggressive cancer, which kills around 3,200 people annually.
A pharmacy professor argues that a two-tier system of prescription or non-prescription drugs would be simpler and less confusing for consumers. The current pharmacy medicine category has limited benefits and lacks evidence to support its value.
Researchers identified nicotine use and substance abuse as top risk factors for long-term opioid use. Patients with these histories should proceed with caution when offered opioid prescriptions, says lead author W. Michael Hooten.
Researchers found that afamelanotide significantly improves pain-free sun exposure and quality of life in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria. The treatment reduced the number of phototoxic reactions and improved overall quality of life, offering patients increased daily functionality.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMTh) decreased postpartum low back pain by over 70 percent in women who had given birth at least three months before beginning treatment. Participants reported a significant improvement in quality of life, with a 7...
Researchers found that male and female mice process pain using different cells, with female mice relying on T cells to sound the pain alarm. This discovery has far-reaching implications for developing targeted pain medications and highlights the need for more inclusive preclinical research.
Scientists at the University of York and GlaxoSmithKline Australia have made a groundbreaking genetic discovery in poppies that could lead to more effective painkillers. The discovery of the STORR gene provides new insight into how poppy plants produce morphine, a key step towards developing bespoke poppy varieties.
Primary care physicians incorrectly thought that abuse-deterrent pills were less addictive than standard counterparts, despite evidence showing they are equally addictive. The study highlights the importance of patient and provider education regarding abuse-deterrent products.
Researchers at Duke University developed a mathematical model of acetaminophen metabolism based on lab rat data, finding that glutamine may boost the body's ability to recover from overdose. The study suggests that adding glutamine alongside standard antidote N-acetylcysteine could prevent liver damage.
A new treatment approach uses a non-narcotic inhibitor to reduce excessive BH4 production, leading to pain relief without addiction or tolerance. The research, led by Boston Children's Hospital, shows promise for treating conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis.
A new trial found that hydroxychloroquine does not reduce pain, disability, or joint stiffness in patients with primary hand osteoarthritis. The study suggests that this medication should no longer be prescribed for this condition, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options.
A new evidence-based protocol to treat acute, severe pain in emergency department patients has been shown to be effective and safe. The study found that simply asking patients if they want more pain medication resulted in satisfactory pain control for 99% of participants.
A recent study examining 2,400 post-mortem records from VA hospitals found that nearly half of veterans who died from opioid overdoses were also receiving benzodiazepines. Veterans prescribed higher doses of benzodiazepines with opioids had a greater risk of overdose death than those on lower doses.
Researchers found that naturally fermented milk-based products can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice, offering potential antioxidant and cardioprotective benefits. The study suggests that these compounds could be used as potential ingredients for improving human cardiovascular health.
A lab study found that daily aspirin was effective at blocking breast tumor growth. Aspirin appears to affect cancer stem cells, preventing them from reproducing. Experts recommend consulting a doctor before starting a daily aspirin regimen due to potential risks and side effects.
A new study confirms that 53% of menopausal women use at least one type of CAM for symptom management, raising safety concerns due to lack of medical consultation. Healthcare providers need to be aware of CAM therapies and guide patients to coordinate safe care.
UC Davis researchers identified molecular interactions between capsaicin and the TRPV1 receptor, paving the way for more selective and effective pain relief drugs. The study found that sweet peppers contain a compound called capsiate, which is almost identical to capsaicin but differs at one key interaction site.
American physicians with buprenorphine waivers can increase access to effective medication-assisted treatment for heroin and prescription painkiller addiction. The study found a 74% increase in potential access to treatment from 2002 to 2011, reducing rural disparities.
Researchers discovered that chronic pain causes brain inflammation, altering mood and motivation regions. A new treatment approach may help restore dopamine release and reward-motivated behavior in patients with chronic pain.
A study suggests that consumers often ignore active ingredient labels on OTC medicine boxes, leading to potential overdoses. Participants with medical expertise correctly weighed the risks of combining medications, while those without did not.
A Finnish-Swedish study found that certain psychotropic drugs, including painkillers and benzodiazepines, are associated with an increased risk of committing a homicide. The study analyzed prescription drug use among 959 persons convicted of a homicide between 2003 and 2011.
A study by Dr Erdogan Ozturk and colleagues found that smokers need more anaesthetic and painkillers compared to non-smokers, while passive smokers also require higher doses. The researchers suggest that nicotine may affect anaesthetic metabolism or desensitize pain-sensing nerve cells.
Dr. Min Zhuo's team identified a molecule that can reduce chronic pain-related anxiety by blocking pre-LTP in neurons of the ACC, which mediates anxiety. The study reveals the biological basis for the link between pain and anxiety, with implications for treating both conditions.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a technology to convert adult human blood cells into functional neurons, providing insights into pain perception and potential new treatments. This breakthrough could lead to the development of personalized pain medications that target specific neural pathways.
A new national poll finds that more U.S. adults are concerned about prescription painkiller abuse than heroin, with nearly four in ten knowing someone who has struggled with addiction. The poll also reveals differing views on government action and treatment coverage, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions to address the crisis.
Researchers found no significant differences in co-occurring substance use between medical cannabis patients using prescription pain medication and those who did not. Medical cannabis may be a safer alternative for chronic pain management, but communication between doctor and patient is key.
A large study found that regular aspirin use was associated with a slower progression of percent emphysema on CT scans over 10 years. Even after adjusting for confounding factors, participants who used aspirin regularly had a significantly slower rate of progression compared to those who did not.
A literature review highlights the alarming rise of opioid use in the US, with orthopaedic surgeons as the third highest prescribers. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive risk assessment and patient-physician relationship trust to avoid overprescribing opioids.