Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
A randomized phase 3 trial found that duloxetine reduced pain from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy compared to placebo. Patients who received platinums showed greater benefits from duloxetine.
A Yale University study found that hyperoxia can activate stress pathways in developing lungs, leading to conditions like bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Blocking Cox2 with a pain drug reversed BPD in mice, suggesting it as a potential treatment target.
Post-menopausal women who received estrogen-only medication reported significantly lower joint pain frequencies compared to those receiving a placebo. The study found modest but sustained relief from joint pain in these women.
A new study in Canada has found that over 40% of healthy individuals are taking daily aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease, despite recent literature suggesting its limited benefits. The study's authors hope to raise awareness among physicians and patients about the importance of discussing anti-platelet medication use.
The Boston University School of Medicine has launched a safe opioid prescribing education program, funded by the first of its kind $1.8 million grant from manufacturers of extended release/long-acting opioid analgesics. The program is designed to train healthcare providers on how to safely manage patients with chronic pain using opioids.
A University of Michigan Stroke Program study suggests that the combination of blood thinners and tPA treatment for stroke does not increase the risk of brain bleeding. The research, based on data from 830 patients, found no significant difference in brain bleeding rates even among those taking aspirin or clopidogrel.
Researchers found that ranolazine, an anti-anginal drug, significantly reduced weekly episodes of chest pain in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study also showed that the drug had a more pronounced effect on reducing angina frequency in patients with poorer glucose control.
A new study found that women taking aspirin have a reduced risk of developing melanoma, with the longest users showing the lowest risk. Aspirin's anti-inflammatory effects may help protect against this type of skin cancer.
A recent study by the American College of Cardiology found that patients not given aspirin before artery-clearing coronary angioplasty and stenting have a significantly higher in-hospital death rate. The study examined registry data from over 65,000 patients and found that nearly 7% did not receive aspirin as recommended.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have made a groundbreaking discovery linking brain activity to phantom pain in amputees. The study found that arm amputees with stronger phantom limb pain maintained a stronger representation of the missing hand in their brains, which was indistinguishable from those with intact limbs.
Researchers discovered that aspirin triggers the production of resolvins, naturally made by the body from omega-3 fatty acids, which resolve inflammation. Aspirin also modifies an inflammatory enzyme to produce longer acting resolvins with potent anti-inflammatory actions.
Researchers isolated and ablated neurons expressing TRPM8 protein, which senses cold temperatures in the skin. Mice without these neurons couldn't feel cold but still responded to heat and touch, shedding light on pain treatment advancements.
A study reveals racial differences in chronic pain management, with black patients experiencing less frequent pain level documentation and more urine drug tests. This may impact the effectiveness of pain management for black patients who overcome barriers to opioid prescriptions.
A study finds diclofenac is the most commonly used NSAID in 15 countries and is included on essential medicines lists of 74 low- to high-income countries. Despite its cardiovascular risks, researchers call for diclofenac to be removed from national lists and have its global marketing authorisations revoked.
Researchers suggest that a small number of cheap generic drugs can treat most non-communicable diseases (NCDs), improving availability in poorer nations. Better selection and sourcing of generics, as well as increased investment and policies, are key to making life-saving medicines affordable to all.
A recent study found that the prescription opioid overdose rate in NYC increased seven-fold between 1990 and 2006, with fatalities concentrated among white residents. The study suggests a different public health approach is needed for this demographic, as their profile differs from heroin consumers.
A new study from Kaiser Permanente found that men on long-acting opioids are 5 times more likely to have low testosterone levels than those on short-acting opioids. The study compared 81 men with chronic pain and found that long-acting opioids significantly increased the risk of low testosterone.
A new patent issued for an experimental compound RTX, which represents a potential new class of drugs to alleviate intractable pain. The method patent covers intrathecal administration of RTX, promising to improve lives of people with severe pain.
A new study reports that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in children, with younger patients more seriously affected and at higher risk of chronic kidney disease. The study found that 30% of patients experienced mild chronic kidney damage after recovery from AKI.
A new poll from the University of Michigan found that only 35% of parents are very concerned about misuse of narcotic pain medicines by children and teens. Despite rising rates of abuse and overdoses, most parents do not support policies to discourage misuse or return unused medications.
A study of over 2,300 participants found that regular aspirin use was associated with a higher risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Aspirin use increased the risk by 1.9% at 15 years compared to non-users.
Researchers found that post-operative intravenous paracetamol reduced cumulative morphine dose by 66% compared to continuous morphine infusion in infants undergoing major surgery. The study suggests that intravenous paracetamol may be an interesting alternative as primary analgesic in neonates and infants.
A study found that taking a triple combination of blood pressure drugs and common painkillers increases the risk of serious kidney problems, especially at the start of treatment. Patients taking this combination are 31% more likely to develop kidney injury.
A research team from Université Laval has discovered a molecular pathway by which morphine can increase pain, leading to potential new strategies to improve treatment of post-operative and chronic pain. The researchers identified specialized cells called microglia as the culprit behind morphine-induced pain hypersensitivity.
Researchers found a specific type of sensory nerve cell that responds to itch-inducing stimuli but not pain, suggesting a possible solution for chronic itch. This discovery may help develop treatments for life-saving medications and improve our understanding of the relationship between pain and itch.
Researchers used electric stimulation to release an opiate-like substance that reduces pain in the brain. The study found a significant improvement in patients' threshold for cold pain, but not their clinical pain levels. Repeated sessions are required for lasting effects.
A brain imaging study found that THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, reduces the emotional reaction to pain but does not reduce the intensity of pain. The study suggests that individual responses to cannabis-based pain relief may vary greatly.
Patients who quit smoking and took aspirin and statin before undergoing treatment for blocked leg arteries were less likely to suffer complications six months later. The study found that more than half of patients studied failed to receive minimal medical therapy, despite doctors' efforts.
A recent study found that true aspirin resistance is extremely rare, with no cases identified. However, coated aspirin may lead to a false diagnosis due to delayed absorption and coating effects.
The overprescription of opioids is contributing to increased fatal drug overdoses and diversion to the illegal market. Researchers recommend a shift towards alternative pain management approaches.
Researchers found a significant association between NSAID use and reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death from chronic liver disease. Aspirin use was found to have the strongest protective effect, with participants experiencing a 41% reduced risk of HCC and 45% reduced risk of CLD mortality.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a potential new treatment to prevent strokes in high-risk patients. Using ultrasound scanning, they found that tirofiban, an anti-platelet drug, can suppress microemboli in patients who have developed clots despite previous treatment with aspirin.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool are leading a £1.5 million project to trial `immunoglobulin' in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The study aims to explore the potential benefits of this new treatment approach for people with severe chronic pain.
A GW researcher has received a grant to study the effectiveness of Tamsulosin as an alternative treatment for kidney stones, with the goal of reducing complications and speeding up stone passage. The four-year study will enroll patients in three Emergency Departments and randomize them to receive either Tamsulosin or a placebo.
Researchers discovered a specific mutation in the sodium channel Nav1.7 that predicts which chronic pain patients will respond to carbamazepine treatment. The study offers hope for more systematic and effective treatment of chronic pain, potentially benefiting millions of Americans suffering from the condition.
A 12-week clinical study found that nabilone significantly reduces pain and improves sleep in patients with diabetic neuropathy, with few side effects. The medication, a synthetic cannabinoid, has been used to treat nausea in chemotherapy patients and is now being considered for treating neuropathy pain in diabetics.
A study found that aspirin use significantly improves survival rates for patients with a specific gene mutation, but has limited impact on those without. The study suggests a new genetic marker to predict therapy effectiveness.
A new dissolvable oral strip has been developed to immediately relieve pain from burns caused by hot foods and liquids. The strip, containing benzocaine and a therapeutic polymer, is applied directly to the burned area and quickly dissolves for instant pain relief and promotes healing.
A new study by University of Colorado Denver reveals that today's adolescents are abusing prescription pain medications at a rate 40 percent higher than previous generations. The prevalence of prescription pain medication abuse among the current generation of youth is higher than any generation ever measured, driven by factors such as ...
Women who regularly use aspirin have a decreased risk of serous ovarian cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. However, the benefit must be balanced against potential adverse effects of pain medication use.
A new study reveals that nonprescription medication abuse is a significant issue, with 48% of cases involving pharmaceutical overdoses. The most common medications involved were sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers, leading to 35 deaths in 2011.
Observational research suggests that daily low-dose aspirin may protect the brain in elderly women at high risk of heart disease and stroke. The study found that women taking aspirin for five years showed less decline in cognitive ability than those not taking the drug.
A study found that mexiletine improved patient-reported stiffness and symptoms of myotonia in patients with nondystrophic myotonias, a rare genetic disorder. The medication was associated with significant improvements in quality of life scales and quantitative measures of myotonia.
Evidence suggests aspirin may lower colorectal cancer risk by 24% and mortality rates by 35%, but concerns remain about side effects. The ESMO Congress debates whether aspirin should be used for chemoprevention of colorectal adenoma/cancer.
A University of Kentucky study investigated the habit-forming properties of tramadol, a popular pain medication. Researchers found that participants rated tramadol highly, suggesting an increased potential for abuse, even at doses above the normal therapeutic range.
A Kansas State University professor's research on post-surgery pain treatment and osteoarthritis therapy in dogs aims to develop better ways to treat humans. The study found that hot and cold packing can be effective in reducing swelling, with a recommended time frame of 10 minutes.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded 16 new centers with integrated oncology and palliative care accreditation. A new study from Italy highlights the underuse of adjuvant analgesics in cancer pain management, emphasizing close patient follow-up.
Researchers at Mount Sinai identified reliable predictors of pain in inpatients, enabling interdisciplinary teams to develop targeted intervention plans. These plans resulted in decreased pain levels and increased patient satisfaction across various departments, with reported pain levels decreasing by 3.6% per quarter.
A new report outlines best practices for US states to improve their effectiveness in curbing prescription drug abuse and overdose deaths. The study found that proactive approaches, such as analyzing data and sharing information with prescribers and law enforcement, can prevent painkiller misuse and reduce fatal overdoses.
A recent study found that frequent use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in women. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggests that these pain-relieving medicines may reduce blood flow to the cochlea or deplete factors that protect it from damage.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has an excellent survival rate for patients with acute liver failure, with a 10-year survival of 73%. Patient age and donor age are significant factors in long-term outcome post-transplant. The study suggests that LDLT is a viable treatment ...
A centralized prescription network, PharmaNet, implemented in British Columbia pharmacies reduced inappropriate prescriptions for opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. The study found a 33-49% reduction in potentially inappropriate prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines in patients on social assistance and seniors.
A multicenter study found that taking aspirin is associated with a lower risk of death from prostate cancer, especially in high-risk disease. The study analyzed data from almost 6,000 men with prostate cancer treated with surgery or radiotherapy, and the results showed a significant reduction in mortality rates and cancer recurrence.
The Aspirin-clopidogrel trial found that the combination did not offer significant benefits for stroke prevention in patients with lacunar strokes. Instead, it increased the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Meanwhile, overall stroke risk has decreased by more than three-fold over the past decade.
The study found that global platelet reactivity is a significant predictor of ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are at high risk. Patients who do not respond to clopidogrel therapy have a higher prevalence of adverse cardiovascular events, including ischemic events and cardiac death.
The WOEST study reveals that omitting aspirin in patients treated with oral anticoagulants and having a coronary stent is safe. Results show less bleeding and lower mortality rates compared to traditional triple therapy. This finding has significant implications for future treatment guidelines.
The RECLOSE 2-ACS study found that approximately 20% of patients had a high platelet reactivity to aspirin and were nonresponders. These patients had a significantly higher prevalence of an ischemic event or cardiac death at the 2 year follow-up.
Researchers found that community-based pharmacists can identify knee osteoarthritis patients and improve their quality of care, pain management, and function. The study suggests a novel approach to preventing and treating knee OA, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed novel compounds targeting the glycine receptor to treat chronic pain without sedative effects. The project aims to create a safe and effective oral tablet, addressing a huge unmet medical need for 20% of adults in Europe and the US.
Scientists have developed a simple, paper-strip test that can identify counterfeit versions of Panadol, one of the most-frequently faked medicines globally. The test, which takes less than 10 minutes, uses colorimetric chemistry on chemically treated paper to detect suspicious ingredients.