Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
According to a study published in Archives of Dermatology, regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is not associated with an increased risk of squamous cell skin cancer. The study found that NSAID users were not at a higher risk for squamous cell carcinoma regardless of duration or dose.
A study published in the journal Thorax found that prenatal acetaminophen exposure is associated with an increased risk of asthma symptoms in children. The relationship was strongest in children with a variant of the glutathione S transferase gene involved in detoxification.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that acetaminophen can prevent oxidative damage and kidney failure after muscle injury in a rat model. The study's findings support further investigation into the drug's effects in patients with severe muscle injuries.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a single low dose infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) significantly reduces pain in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), improving quality of life. The treatment has few adverse effects and can be repeated every four weeks.
Research suggests NSAIDs like ibuprofen may be more effective for relieving period pain compared to paracetamol. The updated review of 73 trials involving 5,156 women found that NSAIDs are very effective for treating period pain, with some evidence suggesting they work better than paracetamol.
Research suggests that low vitamin D levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and may contribute to higher cardiovascular risk among blacks. The study found that accounting for vitamin D levels reduced the race-based risk of cardiovascular mortality by 60 percent.
The International Headache Society has published new research guidelines to stimulate more research into headache treatment and reduce health risks associated with treatment. The guidelines focus on episodic and chronic tension-type headaches, aiming to identify more effective treatments and improve clinical trial safety for patients.
Health consumers must become informed advocates for comprehensive pain treatment as physicians struggle with inadequate training and fear of prescription drug abuse. Long-term solutions require education, responsibility, and collaboration among all parties involved.
A new study at Ben-Gurion University reveals that taking coxib medications like Celebrex with aspirin increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers found that coxibs interfere with aspirin's effectiveness in preventing blood clots, potentially offsetting its protective benefits.
A study found that acetaminophen reduced self-reported social pain and neural responses to social rejection in brain regions associated with physical pain. The findings suggest that acetaminophen may mitigate the distress of social rejection, potentially reducing antisocial behavior.
A new study suggests that combining celebrex with low-dose aspirin may reduce the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing heart attack and stroke. Researchers found that celebrex interferes with aspirin's ability to block blood clots, particularly when taken in low doses.
A study found that 44% of patients believe they are receiving a medication they don't need, and 96% cannot recall at least one prescribed medication. The study highlights the importance of patient knowledge in preventing medication errors.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has issued new guidelines for managing antithrombotic agents during endoscopic procedures. Aspirin and NSAIDs may be continued for all elective procedures, while temporary anticoagulation therapy should be completed before proceeding.
A new study found that opioid-related deaths in Ontario, Canada have doubled since 1991, with a significant increase in oxycodone-related deaths. Most of these additional deaths were accidental, and the study suggests that increased rates of opioid prescriptions are a major factor in these deaths.
A study found no association between antiepileptic drugs and increased suicidal thoughts or actions in individuals with bipolar disorder. In fact, antiepileptic drug treatment may have a protective effect on suicidality, particularly among those not receiving other treatments.
A study led by St. Michael's Hospital found that deaths from opioid use in Ontario doubled between 1991 and 2004, with a five-fold increase in oxycodone-related deaths after OxyContin was introduced in 2000. Most opioid-related fatalities were accidental, and most people who died had visited a doctor recently.
Recent studies on anticoagulants suggest that aspirin and heparin may not be effective in preventing unexplained, recurrent miscarriages. In contrast, a new study shows that dabigatran etexilate is as safe and effective as warfarin for treating venous thromboembolism.
A UCLA study found that nearly 20% of stroke survivors were not taking antithrombotic medications, with non-Hispanic, older, and male patients more likely to be on these medications. The study suggests further research is needed to understand the reasons behind this disparity in medication adherence.
A randomized study found that percutaneous disc decompression provides sustained pain relief up to two years, while conservative therapy only offers short-term benefits. Disc decompression involves deflating the bulging disc and relieving nerve root pressure, allowing for improved mobility and quality of life.
Despite increased availability of prescription antiplatelet medications, the overall use of blood-thinning agents among stroke survivors has plateaued. Aspirin remains the predominant agent used for secondary stroke prevention, with no improvements in antithrombotic agent usage over a 7-year period.
A recent study found that low-dose aspirin may offer mild protection from AMD, reducing the risk by 18% in women who took the medication. However, statins did not show a significant impact on advanced AMD risk, with patients taking statins actually at a slightly higher risk of developing advanced disease.
University of Missouri researchers found that aspirin and Tylenol block enzymes that inhibit vaccines. This could lead to reduced antibody responses and decreased protection against infections.
A new self-assessment score has been developed to predict diabetes risk, showing promise as a simple and effective tool. Additionally, researchers are considering alternative bacteria, Fusobacterium necrophorum, for sore throat treatment due to its association with a rare but life-threatening complication, Lemierre syndrome. Furthermor...
Researchers at Newcastle University have scientifically proven the pain-relieving properties of Hyptis crenata, a traditional South American herb. The study showed that the herbal tea was as effective as Indometacin in relieving pain, with results comparable to synthetic aspirin-style drugs.
The initiative seeks to improve care for patients with sickle cell disease by establishing medical homes, providing comprehensive education, and encouraging specialization in the field. The project aims to reduce pain crises and hospitalizations through better prevention and treatment strategies.
A study by Stanford researchers identifies a molecular pathway that counters acetaminophen toxicity, which can lead to liver failure. The discovery highlights the potential of S-methylmethionine, a common herbal medicine supplement, in preventing liver damage caused by acetaminophen overdose.
Researchers found that yoga significantly reduced pain intensity and pain medication use in minority populations with chronic low back pain. The study, which included 12 weeks of hatha yoga classes, showed promising results for this often underrepresented population.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that using common pain killers like Advil and Tylenol at the time of flu injection can blunt the vaccine's effect. The study suggests that timing and dosage of pain relievers also play a role in reducing antibody production, which is necessary for immune protection.
A Henry Ford study found that pregabalin effectively reduced abdominal pain and improved sleep in women with adhesions, a common complication after abdominal or pelvic surgery. The study results suggest that pregabalin may be a viable treatment option for this painful condition.
Researchers found that young animals treated with commonly-prescribed mood, pain, and epilepsy drugs developed behavioral abnormalities in adulthood. The study suggests these drugs may predispose to psychiatric disorders later in life.
A Duke University researcher has discovered a receptor that receives messages from astrocytes, which can form excitatory synapses in the brain. The discovery may explain why people develop epilepsy or have neuropathic pain, and could lead to new therapies for these conditions.
Researchers found that aspirin and folic acid do not affect inflammation markers in patients with colorectal adenomas. However, low-dose aspirin was found to stabilize C-reactive protein levels, which may be affected by high folate intake.
The new centre will investigate mechanisms of pain in arthritis, develop new treatments, and target individual patients. Researchers will use a multi-disciplinary approach to gain a better understanding of how people experience pain.
A new study suggests that high aspirin dosing levels during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic may have contributed to increased mortality. Autopsy reports from 1918 support this theory, as they show signs consistent with aspirin toxicity and viral causes of death.
A new study by Queen's University researchers found that taking an anti-seizure drug and an antidepressant together is a more effective treatment for neuropathic pain than taking either individually. Patients experienced less pain and improved sleep when given both drugs, with significant improvements also seen in sleep interference.
A 12,500-person trial will assess daily low-dose aspirin on health in Australian and US seniors. The study aims to inform health guidelines for older adults, considering aspirin's potential benefits and side effects.
A new study published in The Lancet found that combining gabapentin and nortriptyline is more effective than using either drug alone in reducing neuropathic pain. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in pain scores, with patients experiencing relief from their symptoms.
Researchers found that acetaminophen intervention restored Akt activity in aged muscles, improving cell size and reducing death. The study's results suggest the pain reliever may be beneficial for treating age-related muscle dysfunction.
Researchers have developed a new vaginal device that delivers at least 10 times more medication to the uterus than existing oral medications, reducing side effects and potentially alleviating menstrual cramp pain. Phase II clinical trials will assess efficacy of the treatment in reducing pain.
Scientists have created an implantable device that utilizes magnetism to control the release of medication, allowing for precise and repeatable dosing. The device uses nanoparticles that heat up when exposed to a magnetic field, causing the drug to be released into the body.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that people with persistent pain develop functional limitations at an earlier age than those without pain. The study revealed that individuals with pain have higher rates of mobility limitations and are more likely to experience disability.
University of Minnesota researchers identified genes producing THC, a psychoactive substance in marijuana, to create a drug-free Cannabis plant for hemp fiber and oil. The study also aims to develop new pain and nausea treatments.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that 29% of chronic angina patients experience angina chest pain at least once a week. Despite treatment options, many patients report limited enjoyment of life due to the symptom.
Researchers have discovered that applying capsaicin to specific skin locations can trigger signals in the nervous system, activating cellular pathways that protect the heart. This technique has shown promise in reducing cardiac cell death by up to 85%.
A head-to-head study confirms Instanyl's superiority over oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) in managing breakthrough cancer pain. Instanyl demonstrated significant pain relief at all time points, with patients preferring its ease of administration and faster onset of action.
The first results of the European survey show that breakthrough cancer pain episodes are frequent, short-lived, and intensely painful, with 96% described as moderate to severe. The study suggests that fast-acting pain relief routes like intranasal opioids could be more effective for BTCP, improving patient compliance.
Researchers found that the endothelin receptor plays a role in vaso-occlusive pain in sickle cell disease, with males more sensitized to pain. Females have more of the ETB receptor, which may explain better pain control and reduced sensitivity.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found a significant increase in deaths from unintentional injuries, particularly among middle-aged white women and men. The death rate from falls increased by 38% for white men and 48% for white women 65 and older.
A surgically implanted capsule-sized pump has been developed to provide continuous pain relief for big cats, reducing the need for daily injections. The pump was successfully used on two leopards at a Tennessee sanctuary, demonstrating its effectiveness in delivering pain medication quickly and efficiently.
Recent studies suggest that aspirin may not provide significant benefits for primary prevention in all diabetics. However, the European Society of Cardiology recommends its use for individuals with a high cardiovascular risk profile. Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of myocardial infarctions and strokes in this population, par...
The Aspirin for Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis study found no statistically significant difference in primary endpoint events between those subjects allocated to aspirin or placebo. Vascular events and all-cause mortality were similar in both groups, but major bleeding occurred more frequently in the aspirin group.
A landmark international study found that high doses of clopidogrel significantly reduce stent thrombosis and heart attacks in patients undergoing angioplasty. The study showed a 30% reduction in stent thrombosis risk and a 22% lower risk of heart attack with the higher dose regimen.
The PLATO study demonstrated that ticagrelor reduced cardiovascular events by 16% compared to clopidogrel, with no increase in major bleeding. The efficacy of ticagrelor was observed across all major acute coronary syndromes patient types, with a consistent benefit seen in secondary endpoints.
A recent study by the Medical College of Wisconsin found that ibuprofen is as effective as acetaminophen with codeine in treating pain in children with arm fractures. The study showed that children treated with ibuprofen reported better functional outcomes and higher satisfaction rates than those receiving acetaminophen with codeine.
Regular aspirin use after diagnosis was associated with reduced risks of colorectal cancer-specific death and overall mortality. Participants who regularly used aspirin had a 29% lower risk of colorectal-specific mortality compared to nonusers.
Regular postdiagnosis aspirin use may reduce the risk of dying from colorectal cancer, with a nearly 30% lower risk seen in patients taking aspirin at least twice a week. The benefit is strongest among patients with COX-2-positive tumors.
A new computer system has been successfully tested at Heidelberg University Hospital to improve pain therapy for cancer patients. The system, AiDPainCare, was found to have little variance from international guidelines and reduced patient pain.
Researchers at the University of Michigan used brain imaging to study the effects of acupuncture on chronic pain. They found that traditional Chinese acupuncture increases binding availability of mu-opoid receptors in regions processing and dampening pain signals, leading to reduced pain levels.
A newly discovered compound from a soft coral may hold the key to developing effective treatments for neuropathic pain. The research suggests that inflammation in the nervous system is a major factor in this condition, and the compound has been shown to reduce pain-related activities in isolated microglia and experimental rats.
A study of heart disease patients reveals those with prior atherosclerosis are more likely to die in the hospital and receive less recommended therapy. Researchers found these patients were also more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and earlier stroke and heart failure incidence.