Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
The study highlights large gaps in the evidence base for treating chronic non-cancer pain, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach that considers physical and emotional functioning. Researchers urge further investigation into combination treatments to identify effective therapies for specific patient characteristics.
Despite new guidelines and educational efforts, up to 75% of surgical patients in the USA still fail to receive adequate post-op pain relief. New pain medications and techniques under development could help improve symptom relief for patients.
Opioid-related deaths are primarily caused by prescription drug harm in Utah, with methadone being responsible for one-third of deaths. Prescribing patterns and individual-level risk factors contribute to these deaths, emphasizing the need for structured care to minimize risks associated with opioid therapy.
A review article suggests a shift towards more conservative medication-prescribing practices, considering alternative interventions and weighing risks against benefits. The authors outline seven principles for conservative prescribing, including strategic decision-making and patient-centered care.
A BUSM study reveals gabapentin may cause anorgasmia in older men, a previously underreported side effect. The medication, commonly used for neuropathic pain and seizures, appears to be dose-dependent, with orgasm returning once dosage is reduced or stopped.
A gene discovery for migraine may lead to the development of a preventive pill that blocks the brain's pain channel. The discovery is significant as it opens understanding of the pain pathways that trigger migraine pain, sparking excitement among researchers and the pharmaceutical industry.
A new drug, terutroban, was found not to prevent second strokes or TIAs as effectively as aspirin in the PERFORM study. Aspirin's efficacy and cost-effectiveness make it the gold standard for secondary stroke prevention worldwide. The trial stopped early due to lack of evidence for terutroban's benefits.
A new study by American Cancer Society researchers found that long-term regular acetaminophen use was associated with a 38% lower risk of prostate cancer. The study suggests that acetaminophen may provide biological clues about prostate cancer development, warranting further research.
A Johns Hopkins study found that CT angiography in low-risk patients without symptoms leads to more aggressive care, including more drugs and tests, but no difference in heart attack or cardiac death rates. The test's benefits are unclear, and guidelines suggest it should not be used for screening in low-risk patients.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute successfully synthesized a rare natural product, conolidine, which shows potent analgesic properties comparable to morphine. The compound has remarkably few side effects, but its mechanism of action remains unknown.
A new NIH-funded randomized clinical trial has found that aspirin and simvastatin do not provide benefits to patients with pulmonary artery hypertension. The study, which was conducted at four U.S. medical centers, enrolled 65 patients and showed no significant difference in six-minute walk distance between the treatment groups.
The BABY HUG trial shows that hydroxycarbamide safely prevents early organ damage and reduces common complications of sickle cell disease in very young children. The study's findings suggest that hydroxycarbamide therapy should be considered for all young children with the disease, regardless of symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Granada have identified specific trigger points in the head that contribute to migraine frequency and severity. Injecting botulinum toxin (botox) into these points reduces migraine crises by 50% or more in 18% of patients, with mild side effects.
A meta-analysis of proton pump inhibitor use found a 29% increase in fracture risk, particularly hip and vertebral fractures. Clinicians should carefully consider PPI prescription, especially for patients with elevated fracture risk.
A Northwestern University study found that many people are unaware of the active ingredients in over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. The researchers suggest developing a universal icon for acetaminophen to raise awareness and prevent misuse.
Researchers have found that itch receptors work through pain receptors on sensory neurons, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for intractable itch, particularly in chronic diseases such as kidney and liver failure, diabetes, and cancer.
A recent study published at the American Radium Society Annual Meeting found that aspirin use lowers the risk of cancer recurrence in prostate cancer patients who have received radiotherapy. After 10 years, men taking aspirin had a 31% lower rate of biochemical failure compared to non-aspirin users.
A recent study by Children's National Hospital has discovered that resiniferatoxin, a promising drug for acute chronic pain, may decrease the body's ability to fight off bacterial infections like sepsis. The research highlights the importance of monitoring potential side effects of this medication.
A phase 3 clinical study found that VIVITROL, a once-monthly opioid-blocking medication, significantly increased opioid-free weeks among patients with opioid dependence. The treatment was well-tolerated, with only mild adverse events reported. The results suggest that VIVITROL is an important new option for treating opioid dependence.
In 2007, US unintentional drug poisoning deaths reached epidemic proportions, with prescription opioid overdoses driving the crisis. Opioid pain medications are involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined, according to a CDC report.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline on the most effective treatments for diabetic nerve pain. Pregabalin was found to be an effective treatment in improving quality of life, while several other treatments including gabapentin, valproate, antidepressants and opioids should also be considered.
Improved pain management can significantly reduce disability in older adults, associated with increased sleep difficulty and numerous problems. Strategies include physical activity, pain protocol interventions, and medication use to optimize patient well-being.
A brain imaging study found that meditation significantly reduced pain ratings and activity in the primary somatosensory cortex, an area crucial for creating the feeling of pain. Meditation also increased activity in areas including the anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula, and orbito-frontal cortex.
A drastic shift in prescribing patterns has led to a fivefold increase in opioid addiction admissions, with prescriptions for hydrocodone and oxycodone accounting for 84.9% of opioid scripts. Experts recommend comprehensive training and public education to protect vulnerable populations.
A recent NIH analysis found that over half of patients receiving opioid prescriptions in 2009 had filled another opioid prescription within the previous 30 days. The study also identified potential opportunities for intervention to reduce prescription opioid abuse, particularly among younger patients.
A large case-control study found that taking aspirin at least once a month can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 26% compared to non-users. The effect was also seen in those taking low-dose aspirin for heart disease prevention, with a 35% lower risk.
A new scientific review of natural aphrodisiacs found that panax ginseng, saffron, and yohimbine improved human sexual function. The study also found that muira puama, maca root, and chocolate report increased sexual desire in people. However, their effects on sexual arousal and satisfaction are not supported.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered an orphan drug that short-circuits the process resulting in increased sensitivity and pain from opioid use. This finding may make morphine a safer and more effective drug for chronic pain control.
Ivory wave has emerged as a new legal high, replacing banned substance mephedrone, with reports of hospital admissions and deaths in various parts of England. The drug's effects include euphoria, paranoia, and cardiovascular problems, leading to violent behavior and organ damage.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a link between two major biological pathways involved in pain, which may pave the way for new treatments. The study found that inhibitors of the enzyme sEH can alleviate debilitating pain by targeting the messenger cAMP.
Research suggests ibuprofen may protect against Parkinson's disease by targeting a specific receptor in the brain. Taking ibuprofen regularly reduced the risk of developing the disease by 38%, according to the study published in Neurology.
A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that adults who regularly take ibuprofen have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 99,000 women and 37,000 men, finding that ibuprofen use was associated with a 38% reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.
A new long-acting local anesthetic, neosaxitoxin, has been shown to significantly reduce postoperative pain and speed up recovery in surgical patients. The compound, derived from algae, provides local anesthesia for more than 24 hours, potentially eliminating the need for opioid analgesics.
A new balloon kyphoplasty procedure provides rapid pain relief, increased mobility, and reduced need for painkillers compared to standard non-surgical care. Cancer patients with spinal fractures experience improved spinal function, quality of life, and pain during the study period.
A study compared balanced propofol sedation with conventional sedation for therapeutic GI endoscopic procedures, finding higher health care provider satisfaction and better patient cooperation in the BPS group. The results show that BPS provided similar adverse event profiles to conventional sedation.
A recent McMaster University-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that apixaban significantly reduces stroke or embolism risk in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, preventing one stroke for every 20 patients treated. The drug also reduces major bleeding risk compared to aspirin.
The AVERROES trial found apixaban to be superior to aspirin in reducing stroke risk by 61.4% in patients with atrial fibrillation and high stroke risk. Apixaban was also shown to be safe with a lower rate of major bleeding incidents compared to aspirin.
Researchers found that women administering their own patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) used 30% less analgesia than those with continuous epidural infusion (CEI), while reporting similar levels of satisfaction. The study also showed a trend toward reduction in instrumented vaginal deliveries.
Research found that folic acid lowers homocysteine in the blood, which should reduce heart attack risk. However, clinical trials showed no extra benefit due to high aspirin use by participants. The study suggests folic acid may still be beneficial for those not taking aspirin.
A new study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that retired NFL players misuse painkillers at a higher rate than the general population, with 7% currently using opioid drugs. The study also found that players who experienced undiagnosed concussions were more likely to misused opioids.
Researchers identify TRPA1 receptor as the culprit behind olive oil's unique sensory irritation and cough sensation. The receptor is also activated by ibuprofen, an over-the-counter NSAID, revealing a potential mechanism for the anti-inflammatory compound's action.
A team of K-State researchers is working to reduce the percentage of cattle affected by bovine lameness, a common health issue in US feedlot and stocker calves. They are developing models to assess lameness and identify risk factors for prevention, as well as analyzing indicators of pain to determine effective treatment options.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified a new aspirin-derived molecule that reduces levels of pro-inflammatory molecules and cells in mice. This finding suggests that the molecule could contribute to the beneficial effects of aspirin.
A new experimental drug, morphine-6-0-sulfate, has been found to be more potent and longer-lasting than standard morphine, with less likelihood of causing constipation. The study, led by Dr. Joseph Holtman Jr., tested the drug on rats and demonstrated its potential clinical advantages compared to morphine.
University at Buffalo researchers discover that removing a class of potassium channels from nociceptors during inflammation reduces hyperalgesia, providing a potential therapeutic target for pain relief. This breakthrough could lead to the development of non-addictive, less-toxic painkillers.
Primary care providers experience stress and guilt when managing chronic pain, often feeling ineffective and frustrated. Strategies to ease these frustrations are crucial for improving pain management from both patient and provider perspectives.
Researchers found that opioid users experienced higher rates of serious adverse events, such as fractures and cardiac risks, compared to those taking coxibs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The study suggests that opioids may be associated with greater cardiovascular risk than other analgesics.
Researchers found that a depression drug, duloxetine, reduced joint and muscle pain in women taking aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment by at least 30%. The study suggests that duloxetine may be an effective treatment option for this type of pain, with only mild additional side effects.
A study found that low-dose aspirin use is associated with improved sensitivity and specificity of fecal occult blood tests in detecting advanced colorectal tumors. The findings suggest that temporary use of low-dose aspirin may enhance test performance, but further research is needed to confirm the results.
A study published in The Lancet found that low-dose aspirin reduces mortality from various cancers, including oesophagus, lung, stomach, pancreas, and possibly brain cancer, by 20-30% regardless of dose or smoking status. Benefit is seen with increasing age and may require at least five years of use for significant impact.
A study published in The Lancet found that daily low-dose aspirin reduced death rates from a range of common cancers by 21% during trials. Long-term follow-up showed that the risk of cancer death remained 20-60% lower in groups who had previously been allocated aspirin.
Researchers found that 25% of top-selling pediatric oral liquid medications lack dosing devices, while 99% have directions on labels and device markings that don't match. The study recommends standardizing abbreviations and ensuring matching instructions and devices to reduce parent confusion and ensure safe medication use.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that emergency department doctors are less likely to prescribe pain medication to patients with a history of crime, drug abuse, or poor health status. The researchers surveyed 398 physicians and analyzed the data to identify social biases in prescription practices.
A study of 200 top-selling children's liquid medications found high variability in labeling and measuring devices, with nearly all products containing at least one inconsistency. The researchers highlight three critical areas for improvement: standardized measuring devices, consistent dosing directions, and standardized measurement units.
Research suggests that ziconotide may worsen mental health conditions, particularly in vulnerable patients. Two new cases highlight the need for careful analysis of psychic disorders before treatment and close monitoring of patients treated with ziconotide.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that dual antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of bleeding, particularly nosebleeds or minor hemorrhages. The study compared emergency department visits for hemorrhage-related adverse events among patients taking dual antiplatelet therapy versus those taking warfarin.
Researchers found that injecting a platelet inhibitor directly into the heart through a coronary artery may restore blood flow more effectively than conventional administration after a severe heart attack. In contrast, erythropoietin did not reduce heart damage but may increase it in patients over 70 years old. Additionally, measuring ...
Studies show that prenatal drug exposure, maternal smoking, and early-life infections can alter brain development, increasing the risk of learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and mental disorders. The research highlights the importance of educating mothers on avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy.
Researchers identified a common pain gene across species, including humans, which is linked to synesthesia and acts primarily in the brain, not peripheral nerves. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding pain and developing more effective treatments.
Research found a seven-fold increased risk of undescended testicles in sons born to women taking multiple painkillers during pregnancy. The study suggests that exposure to certain chemicals, including mild analgesics, can disrupt testosterone production and lead to poor semen quality and testicular cancer.