Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
In a large head-to-head study, warfarin and aspirin showed similar efficacy in reducing mortality and stroke risk in patients with heart failure and normal heart rhythms. Warfarin was found to be more effective in preventing strokes after four years of treatment.
The Gerontological Society of America has launched new resources to improve pain management services for older adults. The resources aim to provide information on how advances in pain prevention, treatment, and management can improve quality of life. GSA's publications address shortfalls in assessment and treatment for older adults wit...
BWH researchers created a new method for controlled drug release utilizing air as a removable barrier. The rate of drug release correlates with the removal of the air pocket, enabling extended periods of controlled delivery.
Researchers found that a daily dose of skimmed milk enriched with glycomacropeptide and G600 milk fat extract can significantly reduce gout flare-ups. This is matched by improved pain levels, reduced uric acid in urine, and fewer tender joints.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study analyzing electronic medical records found that women report more intense pain than men across virtually every disease category. The researchers identified significant differences in pain intensity for conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraine, acute sinusitis, and cervical spine disorders.
Researchers developed contact lenses that release anesthetics over time to ease pain after PRK surgery. The vitamin E-loaded lenses extended the release of three commonly used anesthetics from under two hours to up to a few days.
A large Scandinavian study confirms that combined oral contraceptive pills reduce dysmenorrhoea, with women experiencing less pain and improved daily activities. The study also highlights the independent effects of increasing age and childbirth on symptom severity.
The authors propose transferring the public health responsibility for controlled medicines from the International Narcotic Control Board to the World Health Organization, citing restrictive drug laws as a major barrier to access. This shift would aim to create better legal frameworks that extricate pain treatment from drug prohibition.
The international treaty system has been criticized for its lack of flexibility and failure to address the root causes of drug misuse. Despite eight countries' efforts to introduce supervised injecting centres, UNODC and other agencies continue to argue that these measures contravene existing treaties.
The American College of Physicians has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, addressing new topics such as health catastrophes and social media professionalism. Researchers also found that spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and home exercise are more effective than medication for relieving neck pain. In contrast, in-hospital ...
A researcher is conducting a study to determine if variations in genes that play a role in metabolizing opioids can help manage sickle cell pain. The goal is to identify patients who are most likely to experience severe pain and target them for aggressive personalized care.
A study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and UC Davis Medical Center found that preoperative aspirin therapy significantly decreases the risk of major postoperative complications in cardiac surgery patients. The therapy is associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality, major adverse cardiocerebral events, postoperative ...
A small pilot study suggests that acupuncture can improve nerve signaling and alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients. The treatment showed positive effects on nerve conduction studies and patient-reported improvements, sparking hope for further investigation into its potential benefits.
A study found that 18% of methadone maintenance therapy patients also received prescriptions for more than a week's supply of other opioids. This combination can lead to fatal consequences. The researchers recommend short-acting opioids for short periods and real-time prescription monitoring.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered how paracetamol works by identifying the protein TRPA1 as a key molecule needed for its analgesic effect. This breakthrough could lead to the development of less toxic and effective pain relief medications.
A UCI-led team has identified a new means of enhancing anandamide's effects, which could lead to the development of safe painkillers. Blocking FLAT protein increases anandamide's potency and may offer a promising alternative to existing pain medications.
Researchers are discovering promising treatments for pain, including mirror box therapy and a new opioid-like drug that relieves acute pain without euphoric effects. The studies also identify the neurobiological source of common morphine side effects.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center will study different approaches to improve pain clinical trial design, including patient features, study planning, and site characteristics. The goal is to boost development of new, effective treatments for chronic and acute pain.
Fibromyalgia patients who exercised after a medication holiday showed decreased brain activity in areas responsible for pain control and cognitive performance. This decrease suggests the brain is working more efficiently, with less energy devoted to processing bothersome fibromyalgia perceptions.
A new study by the University of North Carolina Health Care found that elderly patients are less likely to receive pain medication in hospital emergency departments compared to middle-aged patients. The study suggests that physicians may be cautious about potential side effects in older adults, leading to a significant gap in pain mana...
A long-term study of VIVITROL, a medication for opioid dependence, found sustained efficacy over 18 months in patients who received the treatment in combination with psychosocial support. The study showed improvements in opioid-free urine screens and reductions in opioid craving.
Researchers at Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal (IRCM) have discovered therapeutic peptides affecting mitochondria. These compounds target cell mitochondria to treat various acute and chronic diseases, including ischemia reperfusion injury and neurodegenerative conditions.
A pilot study found Angiomax to significantly reduce major bleeding events in patients with severe aortic stenosis, compared to heparin treatment. The anticoagulant showed a 60% reduction in major bleeding events.
A large-scale study found that sustained buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) treatment reduced prescription painkiller abuse by 49% in patients with addiction. However, once the medication was discontinued, relapse rates were high, highlighting the need for sustained recovery strategies.
A large-scale study has shown that Suboxone is the most effective treatment for prescription opioid addiction, with 49% of participants benefiting from the medication. Despite this finding, relapse rates were high once the medication was discontinued, highlighting the need for continued research on long-term use.
A study published in the journal Pain found that opioid-dependent patients treated with escitalopram experienced significant reductions in pain severity and interference. The findings suggest that antidepressants may be an effective alternative to non-opioid pharmacologic therapies for managing chronic pain in this population.
A decade-long study found that regular aspirin intake halves the risk of developing hereditary cancers, including bowel and womb cancers. The study involved nearly 1,000 patients and found a 50% reduction in incidences of hereditary cancer among those taking aspirin.
A randomized controlled trial has shown that long-term use of aspirin can reduce colorectal cancer incidence by over 60% in patients at genetically increased risk. The study involved nearly 1,000 patients with Lynch Syndrome and found a significant reduction in cancer incidence after five years of aspirin treatment.
The NIH study found that etanercept reduces symptom frequency and severity in TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) patients. However, long-term treatment effects on preventing amyloidosis are uncertain.
A meta-analysis of 18 studies found that acetaminophen use was associated with a 33% increased risk for renal cell carcinoma, while nonaspirin NSAIDs were linked with a 26% increased risk. Aspirin use showed no significant association.
Scripps Research scientists identify a new metabolic pathway for controlling brain inflammation, suggesting anti-inflammatory drugs with tissue-specific effects. Blocking enzyme MAGL reduces brain inflammation in mice, providing protection against conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a specific variant of the opioid receptor that mediates itch and found a way to block it without interfering with pain relief. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for treating opioid-induced itching in cancer, surgery, and chronic pain patients.
Researchers at Temple University found that cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound in marijuana, can prevent the onset of neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy drugs. The study's lead author notes that cannabidiol may be an effective therapeutic for breast cancer patients experiencing debilitating pain.
Researchers discovered that ibuprofen and other NSAIDs selectively block endocannabinoid metabolism, potentially leading to new analgesic medications with fewer side effects. This finding raises the possibility of targeting inflammation and pain without the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks associated with traditional NSAIDs.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that administering methylphenidate, a commonly used stimulant drug, can significantly speed up recovery from general anesthesia in rats. This breakthrough could potentially reduce post-anesthesia complications and improve patient outcomes.
A UBC journalism project documents severely constrained access to morphine globally, revealing bureaucratic hurdles and the impact of the war on drugs. The Pain Project showcases stories of patients struggling with pain and caregivers who have fought against intractable systems.
The Gerontological Society of America is releasing two new publications to improve pain relief and medication for seniors. These resources address shortfalls in pain assessment and treatment, as well as labeling changes for acetaminophen, to provide better care and quality of life for older adults.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that low-dose aspirin increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly when combined with other medications. However, proton pump inhibitor use can reduce this risk.
A study found that long-term use of nonaspirin anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with an increased risk of renal cell cancer. The study analyzed data from two large prospective cohort studies and found a 51% increase in the relative risk of RCC among those who regularly used nonaspirin NSAIDs for more than four years.
Scientists at University of Cambridge identify gene HCN2 as key regulator of chronic pain. The discovery opens up possibility of developing new, targeted pain medications.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine identified a protein called Sab that protects the liver from acetaminophen toxicity in mice. Silencing this protein also prevents liver injury caused by apoptosis and other stressors, offering a potential new target for preventing drug-induced liver disease.
A Cochrane Review analyzed 35 Cochrane Reviews of randomized trials to evaluate the effectiveness of 46 different drug/dose combinations against acute pain. The review found that no single drug provides high levels of pain relief for all patients, but some options have a solid evidence base
A global study reveals that cheap, preventive medicines are underused to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The study found that women take these medicines less frequently than men, and low-income countries have the lowest usage rates. Generic preparations with expired patents should be prescribed more widely to patients at risk.
Researchers discovered dendritic cells play a protective role in the liver against acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure. High levels of dendritic cells are associated with protection, while low levels exacerbate liver damage and death.
A French registry study found that antianginal medications had no significant association with improved or worsened long-term survival in patients who suffered a heart attack. Molsidomine was associated with an increased risk of death, while nitrates showed a trend towards increased mortality.
A new study shows that patients with coronary artery disease are more likely to experience thrombotic and bleeding complications after orthopedic surgery. The study found that increasing age, kidney disease, and female sex were strong predictors of these events.
A new study found that a nasal spray containing capsaicin from chili peppers reduces symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. The study showed participants experienced faster relief after using the spray, on average within one minute.
SUNY Downstate researchers found that female animals had higher levels of a specific opioid receptor complex that could explain why certain opioids are more effective in women than men. This discovery suggests new molecular targets for pain management in women, taking into account the stage of their menstrual cycle.
Researchers report significant and sustained clinical improvements in 42% of patients with chronic gout resistant to conventional therapies. Pegloticase lowers uric acid levels and resolves painful swollen joint nodules, improving physical function and quality of life.
A systematic review found that taking aspirin during IVF did not increase a woman's chances of becoming pregnant. There is limited evidence on the potential benefits and risks of aspirin use in IVF, with some studies suggesting improved blood flow to the womb and ovaries.
Group Health developed care plans for nearly 6,000 patients receiving long-term opioid therapy, standardizing use of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. The initiative aimed to enhance prescribing safety and improve care for patients with chronic pain.
Geneticists at the University of Montreal have discovered a key gene involved in pain perception, which could lead to new pain relief drugs. The study identified a genetic mutation that causes hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type II, a severe disorder characterized by degeneration of sensory neurons.
Scientists have developed a battery-powered skin patch that can deliver medication for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and healing stubborn skin ulcers and burns. The patch uses transdermal iontophoresis to deliver fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), larger proteins that were previously ineffective when given by mouth or injected, result...
A systematic review of 32 trials involving 3128 patients found that cocaine-free topical anaesthetics substantially reduce pain without triggering serious side effects. These agents offer an attractive alternative to injecting pain killers into damaged tissue, making them easier and less painful for patients.
A Tel Aviv University researcher says current testing for pharmaceutical waste isn't going far enough, as drugs can break down into different forms and still be present in the environment. The researcher has identified nine degradation products of a common antibiotic, including two potentially toxic compounds.
Scientists have determined the atomic architecture of a sodium channel, which generates electrical signals in excitable cells. This achievement opens new possibilities for designing drugs for pain, epilepsy, and heart rhythm disturbances, with potential breakthroughs in treatments for neurological disorders.
Researchers extracted the plant's physiologically active components and found that 200 and 400 mg/kg doses produced analgesia comparable to aspirin. The extract may be acting through both peripheral and central pain mechanisms.
A new study found that patients with diabetes who took higher doses of Aspirin (up to 325mg/day) had a 23% lower risk of death from heart attack. Pharmacists can play a significant role in administering this treatment, working proactively with physicians and patients.
Researchers found that women with recurrent miscarriage have a cumulative incidence of natural conception of 56% after six months, 74% after 12 months, and 86% after 24 months. The median time to a subsequent pregnancy was 21 weeks, regardless of outcome.
A recent study reveals that dentists play a significant role in opioid drug abuse, with many not aware of the risks or proper prescribing guidelines. The research calls for dentists to take steps to reduce leftover painkillers, discuss medication use with patients, and utilize prescription monitoring programs to prevent misuse.