Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
A study found that intranasal application of hormone oxytocin enhanced placebo analgesia response. The researchers observed greater pain reduction on the placebo site after applying oxytocin compared to saline.
Research found analgesic overdose deaths concentrated in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods with high divorce rates and single-parent homes. However, these deaths occurred less often in higher-income neighborhoods than heroin overdose deaths.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that chronic itching incorporates more neurons than normal itch signals and co-opts pain neurons to intensify the sensation. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments targeting activity in both pain and itch neurons.
Researchers at CNIO discovered that Fra-1 protein protects the liver from drug-induced damage and neutralizes toxins. This new regulatory mechanism could lead to future studies on new drugs for diseases related to toxic compound accumulation.
Researchers have found that applying ice packs after major abdominal operations reduces postoperative pain and opioid use, with patients experiencing 50% less pain on the first and third days. An experimental prolonged drug delivery system using lidocaine also showed superior results in animal studies.
A study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine finds that doctors abuse prescription drugs primarily for 'self-medication' to manage physical or emotional pain, stress, and psychiatric symptoms. The study highlights the importance of addressing self-medication as a key reason for prescription drug abuse among physicians.
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that 77% of obese patients who used opioids before bariatric surgery continued to use them chronically after surgery. Chronic opioid use increased by 13% in the first year after surgery.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that over-the-counter ibuprofen is just as effective as prescription pain medications in reducing post-operative pain after a tonsillectomy. The study, which enrolled 91 patients aged 3-38, showed no significant difference in pain control between the three groups.
Researchers discovered that aspirin improves survival in patients with colon cancer whose tumour cells express Human Leukocyte Antigen class I (HLA class I), a cell-surface protein involved in the immune system. The study found that HLA class I could be used to predict which patients benefit from aspirin therapy.
Benzathine penicillin G's supply is intermittent in many countries due to quality control issues and low administration rates. Novel delivery devices are proposed to improve accessibility to this life-changing intervention.
A recent Rhode Island Hospital study found that improving law enforcement's role in responding to overdose emergencies could significantly impact the number of overdose deaths. The study revealed that officers are often frustrated by limitations to their medical role and lack clarity on what they can do at the scene.
Researchers isolated and identified a naturally occurring analgesic compound from the root bark of Nauclea latifolia, identical to commercially available Tramadol. The discovery confirms high concentrations of Tramadol in the plant, providing new prospects for local populations and validating traditional medicine.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology shows that abiraterone acetate significantly delays pain progression and quality of life deterioration when taken with prednisone. Patients experienced a more than eight-month delay in pain progression and a four-month delay in quality of life decline.
A study of over 2,200 children's hospital visits reveals racial and ethnic disparities in pain management and length of stay for abdominal pain. Black and Hispanic children were less likely to receive analgesics, while black patients had shorter hospital stays compared to white children.
A study published in Medical Care reports a sharp increase in opioid prescribing for non-cancer pain, while safer alternatives like ibuprofen and acetaminophen have either stayed flat or declined. The study highlights the need for re-evaluation of pain treatment approaches that prioritize non-opioid and non-pharmacologic treatments.
A new study finds no improvement in pain treatment with rising opioid prescriptions, despite efforts to increase awareness and alternative treatments. Non-opioid analgesics have plateaued or declined in many cases.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide found that codeine provides less pain relief than morphine but increases sensitivity to pain equally. This could be a problem for individuals with chronic pain who need ongoing medication, highlighting the need for further research and potential alternatives.
Scientists have developed a new form of aspirin that could extend its benefits to people who don't respond to the drug, addressing 'aspirin resistance'. The new aspirin form is linked to a carrier protein that delivers aspirin directly to damaged blood vessels, releasing it and stopping clot-formation.
The PRAGUE 14 trial found no correlation between pre-surgical interruption of antithrombotic therapy and perioperative cardiovascular or bleeding complications. Instead, factors like high platelet count, prosthetic valve presence, age, and acute surgery were identified as independent risk factors.
Aromatherapy has been shown to be a promising, non-invasive treatment for postoperative nausea, with patients receiving essential oil blends experiencing lower nausea scores. Additionally, intravenous administration of a five percent solution of dextrose may reduce the need for antiemetic medications and shorten recovery time.
Chronic pain affects an estimated 100 million US residents, costing $635 billion annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity. To address this issue, physicians must consider the psychological, social, and cultural contexts of their patients, as well as medication risks and benefits.
A Duke University study found that a compound called neuroprotectin D1 can relieve neuropathic pain caused by nerve injuries. The derivative of DHA, a main ingredient of fish oil supplements, inhibits the production of cytokines and chemokines, protecting nerve cells from further damage.
Long-term aspirin use has been linked to reduced colorectal cancer risk, but alternate-day dosing shows increased gastrointestinal bleeding. Electronic health records adoption led to ambulatory cost savings of 3% per member per month and reductions in radiology costs in experimental pilot communities.
Researchers have identified a new chemical compound, CYM51010, that targets the opioid receptor complex and shows promise as an alternative to morphine. The compound is potent and less likely to result in tolerance and negative side effects.
Researchers have developed two compounds that show promise as safer alternatives to acetaminophen, reducing the risk of liver damage. The new substances have a similar architecture to acetaminophen but are non-toxic to liver cells grown in the laboratory.
Patients who survived acetaminophen overdose have significantly lower overall health, reporting more days of impaired mental and physical health, pain, anxiety, and depression. The study also found that these patients had higher rates of substance abuse and psychiatric disease compared to non-overdose survivors and transplant recipients.
Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor significantly improves patient outcomes after coronary stenting. The therapy is associated with reduced risk of in-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis, as well as major adverse cardiac events.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a blood-based test that accurately identifies who will respond to aspirin therapy and predicts patients at risk for heart attacks. The test, known as the 'aspirin response signature,' measures gene activity patterns in the blood.
A weekly yoga class provided similar lower back pain relief as twice weekly classes in a study of predominantly low-income adults. The results suggest that attending a medically appropriate weekly yoga class could benefit patients interested in trying yoga for lower back pain.
A Loyola University Medical Center study found that statin-intolerant patients who received specialized lipid clinic care had significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels. In contrast, those not referred to a lipid clinic showed minimal improvement in their cholesterol levels.
A Phase III clinical trial showed that a simple drug regimen of clopidogrel and aspirin lowered the risk of stroke by almost one-third compared to aspirin alone. The three-month period following stroke is critical for medical intervention, and the combination was found to be more effective in preventing subsequent strokes.
A study found that patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to receive opioid pain medications, regardless of racial or ethnic background. The results highlight the need for increased awareness and consistent treatment practices to address these disparities.
A large study found that regular aspirin use is associated with a lower risk of BRAF-wild-type colorectal cancer, but not BRAF-mutated cancer. The researchers also observed a significant risk reduction for BRAF-wild-type cancer with increasing aspirin tablets per week and longer duration of use.
A new study suggests that aspirin slows the accumulation of DNA mutations in abnormal cells in Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition. This finding implies that aspirin may exert cancer-preventing effects by lowering mutation rates.
A new study suggests that testosterone therapy can reduce pain perception and tolerance in men with low testosterone levels caused by opioid pain relievers. The study found significant improvements in pain sensitivity during laboratory pain testing after testosterone administration compared to placebo.
Researchers have identified a novel approach to moderate and severe pain therapy that could lead to lower dosage painkillers. The compounds bind to a separate site on the opioid receptor, potentially working with the body's own natural painkillers to manage pain.
Recent data suggest that aspirin reduces heart attacks, but also increases risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and stroke. The study found that including a cancer mortality benefit influences aspirin prescribing thresholds, making middle-aged men eligible for prevention.
A retrospective study found that higher numbers of lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESI) were associated with increased risk of bone fragility and vertebral fractures. Patients at high risk for fractures include older women, those who have had an earlier fracture, smokers, and underweight individuals.
Researchers found that daily sunscreen use significantly slows skin aging, with a 24% decrease in photoaging compared to discretionary application. In contrast, a survey of 1,820 physicians revealed that only about 43% had basic electronic health record systems and 10% met meaningful use criteria, highlighting challenges in EHR adoptio...
A meta-analysis of 639 trials shows that higher-dose NSAIDs like diclofenac and ibuprofen are associated with increased risks of heart disease and fatal heart attacks. The study suggests that the size of these risks can be predicted, helping physicians choose safer NSAID regimens for patients.
The guideline advises that taking aspirin or warfarin before dental procedures, cataract surgery, and dermatologic procedures is likely safe. However, patients undergoing procedures like retinal surgery or orthopaedic hip procedures may experience increased bleeding risk.
The new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology helps people with stroke and atrial fibrillation decide whether to take blood thinners during surgery. For minor procedures, the risk of bleeding is small, but for certain hip and colon procedures, it's higher.
A study published in Gaceta Sanitaria found that women are more likely to be prescribed analgesics due to socioeconomic inequality. The researchers used the Gender-related Development Index to analyze prescription patterns in areas with higher and lower gender development indices.
A study found that patients with COPD experience chronic pain comparable to those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, with higher use of opioids. The researchers also noted a significant impact on quality of life and healthcare costs.
A study suggests that early childhood respiratory infections, rather than analgesic use, may be driving the link between asthma and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Researchers found a higher exposure to acetaminophen both prenatally and during infancy compared to ibuprofen.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that long-term use of prescription painkillers is associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Men taking high-dose opioids for at least four months were 50% more likely to receive ED prescriptions than those who did not take opioids.
Researchers have found that combining a new-generation mechanical heart valve with low-dose anticoagulation therapy significantly lowers the risk of bleeding events while maintaining stroke and neurological event rates. This study uses a new bileaflet design, and its findings may lead to reduced anticoagulation therapy for patients
A national study found that one in four teens has misused or abused a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime, with stimulants contributing to the sustained Rx epidemic. The Partnership at Drugfree.org reports that nearly a quarter of teens mistakenly believe that misusing prescription drugs is safer than using street drugs.
A study found that low-dose aspirin slowed the growth of two breast cancer lines in lab tests and reduced tumor growth in mice. The compound also inhibited tumor cells from spreading and enhanced the effect of tamoxifen, a common drug therapy for hormone-receptor positive breast cancer.
Taking painkillers before marathons increases the risk of gastrointestinal problems by 13%. The rate of symptoms rises with increasing dose. Runners who took painkillers were five times as likely to experience symptoms as those who didn't, according to a recent study.
Scientists need to find better ways to prevent sickling in red blood cells, which impairs oxygen delivery and damages blood vessel walls and organs. Anti-sickling therapies are crucial to reducing damage and improving patient outcomes.
A new study published in Critical Care finds that reducing movement in ICUs can decrease severe pain and serious adverse events, while increasing analgesic use. The training program implemented by the University of Montpellier Saint Eloi Hospital increased staff awareness and reduced side effects.
Researchers found Tylenol reduces psychological effects of fear and anxiety, suggesting the drug inhibits distress signals to the brain. The study built on previous research that acetaminophen can reduce social pain, advancing understanding of how the human brain processes different types of pain.
New research suggests that Tylenol can alleviate existential pain and anxiety by inhibiting brain signals associated with distress. The study found that participants who took Tylenol were less harsh in setting bail after writing about their own death, compared to those who took a sugar pill.
FitzGerald shared the prize with Carlo Patrono for developing low-dose aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease. The breakthrough work assessed prostaglandins' role in blood clotting and saved millions of lives worldwide.
Cryoneurolysis, a new interventional radiology treatment, safely short circuits chronic pain caused by nerve damage. After treatment, patients experienced significant lasting pain relief and were able to reduce or eliminate pain medication use.
A new study suggests that bone-marrow grafts may be effective in treating low-back pain, with patients experiencing significant improvements in pain relief and activity tolerance. The procedure involves injecting a concentrated form of bone-marrow cellular aspirate into affected discs.
Researchers found that dexmedetomidine alleviated symptoms of opioid-induced hyperalgesia in patients receiving high doses of remifentanil. Patients treated with dexmedetomidine reported less pain and used less morphine compared to those receiving placebo.
Researchers investigated the use of bone-marrow grafts to treat low-back pain. The study found that some patients experienced complete pain relief after treatment, while others showed no improvement.
A UNC School of Medicine study found that cold perception is enhanced when nerve circuitry for heat is inactivated, impacting how people with chronic pain experience temperature sensations. The research also has implications for why some patients taking pain relief drugs shiver before hyperthermia sets in.