Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that long-term use of ibuprofen may lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research found a 35% lower risk among ibuprofen users compared to non-users, with risks decreasing depending on weekly dosage.
Researchers found that pretreating with DHE can prevent migraines from progressing to debilitating sensitization. This breakthrough suggests that more patients can benefit from standard treatment using intravenous DHE.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that Pfizer's Lyrica significantly reduced pain and improved sleep, fatigue, and other symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. The study also showed a clinically meaningful reduction of pain in 48% of patients taking Lyrica compared to 27% on placebo.
Researchers developed patient scenarios to compare costs of three therapies for treating chronic arthritis pain. The study found that combining a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with an acid-reducing drug was less expensive, safer, and more effective than using a Cox-2 inhibitor alone.
A study found that 57% of end-of-life decisions in neonates and infants involve withdrawing or withholding treatment, with lethal doses administered in 9 cases. Doctors support legalizing termination in some cases due to the expected poor quality of life and lack of survival chances.
The American College of Physicians recommends a weight loss approach that includes diet and exercise for everyone, with medication or surgery considered only for those who fail to achieve weight loss goals. However, the guidelines also warn about potential side effects and risks associated with surgical procedures.
A head-to-head study comparing Lidoderm patches and Celebrex found that Lidoderm alleviated knee pain in 54% of patients, while Celebrex showed similar results in 62%. The study's findings are promising for further research into Lidoderm's potential as an osteoarthritis treatment.
A study shows that lidocaine patch 5% and celecoxib achieved significant reductions in pain intensity, with 62% of patients in the celecoxib group experiencing a 30% or greater improvement. The findings offer hope for OA patients seeking alternative pain relief options.
Researchers at Queen's University discovered that a combination of gabapentin and morphine provides better pain relief for patients with diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia, while also minimizing side effects. The study used a clinical trial to compare the treatment to individual medications and a placebo.
A new study found that aspirin is as effective as warfarin in treating blocked brain arteries but has a significantly lower risk of major hemorrhage and death. The study, which involved over 500 patients, suggests that aspirin could be a safer alternative to warfarin for those with intracranial stenosis.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggests that low-dose aspirin therapy may be a viable treatment option for pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. The research team created a mouse model that mimics low-dose aspirin therapy and found no significant complications, paving the way for further treatment options.
Researchers developed a new mouse model that mimics the effects of low-dose aspirin therapy, exploring its impact on blood clotting and reproductive functions. The study suggests that low-dose aspirin treatment may prevent preeclampsia without compromising reproductive function.
A new mouse model mimics the effects of low-dose aspirin therapy, reducing platelet aggregation and inhibiting thrombosis. The study suggests that low-dose aspirin treatment may prevent preeclampsia without compromising reproductive function.
A new study found that racial and ethnic differences in breast cancer rates can be largely explained by the distribution of risk factors, except in African American women. Among those diagnosed with breast cancer, African American women are more likely to have advanced-stage disease, larger tumors, and estrogen receptor-negative disease.
A recent study found that aspirin may help prevent colon polyps in individuals with variant forms of the UGT1A6 enzyme. However, for those without this variant, the benefit was not significant. The researchers suggest that persistent aspirin levels could lead to increased bleeding risks.
A new study found that emergency use of clopidogrel could reduce the risk of death and repeat heart attacks by up to 10%, without increasing serious bleeds. However, early treatment with metoprolol may increase the risk of cardiac shock, and its benefits tend to cancel out those of clopidogrel.
A study published in Michigan Medicine found that women are less likely to receive quality heart attack care compared to men, despite experiencing the same mortality benefits. However, when given a one-on-one session with doctors or nurses and signing a discharge contract, women's survival rates improved significantly.
The Women's Health Study found that low-dose aspirin lowered the incidence of a first major cardiovascular event by 9 percent, with a statistically significant difference in stroke prevention. For women aged 65 and older, the risk was reduced by 26 percent, but the benefits must be weighed against the risk of internal bleeding.
In a randomized clinical trial, researchers found that combining three anti-platelet drugs did not increase the risk of bleeding, and treatment adherence was high. The combination of cilostazol, clopidogrel, and aspirin was tested in patients who had undergone successful angioplasty and stent implantation.
A virtual reality game has been found to significantly reduce pain responses in children with severe burns, with all but one child showing a decrease of at least 2 points on the Faces Scale. The game was more effective than analgesics alone in reducing pain and anxiety.
Women with acute coronary syndrome are being prescribed aspirin, beta-blockers, and statins as frequently as men, according to a recent study. However, significant disparities remain in the use of lipid-lowering medications, with women living significantly longer after their hospitalization.
A new study confirms that patients who stop taking aspirin after a stroke are at increased risk of another ischemic stroke. Researchers found that 77% of strokes related to aspirin discontinuation occurred within the first eight days of stopping the medication.
A study by McGill University researchers found that COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx increase the risk of heart attack by 24% in users who have not previously suffered a heart attack. Aspirin use can help mitigate this risk, but only in those taking low doses of Vioxx.
A survey found that nearly half of US adults aged 40 and over who are at increased risk of heart disease do not take aspirin to reduce their risk. The study suggests a need for improved communication between doctors and patients about the importance of aspirin therapy.
A study by researchers at Michigan Medicine and the University of South Florida found a significant generation gap in chronic pain coping among black and white adults. Older adults generally scored higher on pain intensity and disability measurements, but younger adults experienced more depression symptoms and sleep disturbances.
Recent studies on COX-2 inhibitors have found that celecoxib may not increase blood pressure, while rofecoxib does, and that these drugs are safe for patients with type 2 diabetes. However, patients taking warfarin with COX-2 inhibitors or NSAIDs have an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Center for Health Statistics to show that COX-2 inhibitors were frequently prescribed to patients at low risk of gastrointestinal side effects. The study found a rapid nationwide shift away from older, inexpensive drugs with better established safety and efficacy.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that 63% of growth in COX-2 use came from patients with low risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Heavy marketing and the tendency to equate 'newer' with 'better' medicines contributed to the overuse of these drugs.
Current cardiology guidelines suggest clopidogrel as an alternative to low-dose aspirin, but recent research indicates it may impair ulcer healing and increase bleeding rates. Patients at high-risk for gastrointestinal complications should consider a combination of aspirin and stomach ulcer medications.
A recent study found that most physicians prescribed potentially inappropriate medications for elderly patients, but adding awareness and education led to changes in prescribing practices. The researchers suggest using tools like the Beers criteria to identify these medications and plan interventions to improve elderly care.
Researchers have developed a new treatment that significantly reduces morphine use after hysterectomies, leading to improved lung function and more consistent pain relief. The treatment combines two non-opioid drugs, gabapentin and rofecoxib, which work together to alleviate movement-related pain and promote better breathing.
A study of 43 patients found that 71% who used NSAIDs for over 90 days had visible injury to their small intestine, ranging from small erosions to severe ulcers. The study highlights the potential risks of long-term NSAID use and calls for further research on the clinical significance of these findings.
A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that aspirin use is underutilized among diabetic women and young adults. The researchers discovered a significant disparity in aspirin use between men and women with diabetes, with only 34% of women using aspirin regularly compared to 42% of men.
Price promotions benefit consumers overall, but not manufacturers or retailers in the long run. Introducing store brands is beneficial to premium brand manufacturers and offers increased profit margins for retailers.
Researchers at Brown Medical School and Quality Partners tested a rapid-cycle quality improvement model to address persistent pain in nursing home residents. The study showed a significant reduction in pain, with 44% of homes using appropriate pain assessments and 82% using non-drug pain treatments.
A study found that virtual colonoscopy can detect significant polyps as accurately as conventional colonoscopy, reducing the need for invasive procedures. The research suggests reserving conventional colonoscopy for patients with a higher likelihood of harboring significant polyps.
A study found that Concord grape juice increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and decreased inflammatory markers, including soluble CD40 ligand, in patients with coronary artery disease. The positive effects were attributed to the polyphenolic compounds in the grape juice.
A subanalysis of a broader study found that patient-controlled, transdermal pain management system IONSYS TM provided similar pain relief to IV PCA morphine after gynecologic surgery. The study showed no significant differences in overall pain control, supplemental medication use, or adverse events between the two groups.
A new study published in Gastroenterology found that generic anti-inflammatory drug etodolac reduces rates of gastrointestinal complication by more than 60% compared to naproxen, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and cost savings. This significant finding has led the Pharmacy Benefits Management Strategic Healthcare Group for the Vet...
Researchers from Rutgers University found that acetaminophen significantly reduced infarct size in treated dogs, with reductions of up to 63% compared to untreated control groups. The study also suggested anti-arrhythmic action of acetaminophen, with treated hearts appearing more stable electrically during ischemia and reperfusion.
Chronic daily headache (CDH) affects a significant percentage of the population, with substantial disability and quality-of-life impact. Physicians and patients need to be educated on medication-overuse headaches, which can be prevented by carefully examining medical history.
DepoDur offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional epidural analgesia, providing up to 48 hours of effective pain control without the need for continuous infusion. This single-shot epidural formulation has been shown to improve treatment of postoperative pain following major surgery.
Researchers discover marijuana-like compounds can slow disease progression in ALS patients and protect brain cells from Parkinson's damage. THC and cannabidiol treatments delay disease progression by seven days and extend survival by six days in mouse models.
Researchers found that systematic relaxation significantly reduced post-operative pain and increased patients' sense of control, leading to fewer requests for pain medication. The study used a random sample of 102 adults who underwent various abdominal surgeries.
Researchers found complete pain relief in 76% of patients treated with low-dose ketamine infusions, with some experiencing relief lasting over three years. The study's findings suggest a novel approach to treating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Researchers at NIST studied four pharmaceuticals and their reactions with chlorine, finding multiple products some of which are highly toxic. The resulting compounds were more hydrophobic than the original drugs, raising concerns about potential environmental and health impacts.
The new guideline suggests tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, lidocaine skin patch, and opioids as effective in reducing pain from postherpetic neuralgia. However, the long-term effects of these treatments are not yet supported by sufficient data.
A study found that imagery reduced children's post-operative pain and anxiety after elective tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. The 'To Tame the Hurting Thing' intervention, which included deep breathing and relaxation techniques, was effective in reducing pain levels.
A retrospective study found that low-dose ketamine infusions provided complete relief from CRPS pain for 76% of patients, with 54% remaining pain-free for three months or more. The therapy's effectiveness was linked to its ability to block NMDA-receptor complexes involved in pain processing.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that acupuncture is more effective than medication in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as decreasing pain levels. The study, which used electro-acupuncture, showed significant improvements in patient satisfaction and comfort after major breast surgery.
A recent study found that IV access does not provide a significant advantage for healthy children undergoing minor ear surgery. Children without IV access experienced reduced pain requirements and shorter hospital stays. Meanwhile, parents whose children did not receive IV access reported higher satisfaction rates with the procedure.
The ACTION study found that adding nifedipine to existing treatments for stable angina reduces the need for hospital interventions by 13% and prevents heart attacks and strokes. Nifedipine also reduces hospitalizations for heart failure in patients with stable angina.
The TARGET study found that COX2 inhibitor lumiracoxib significantly reduces ulcer complications in osteoarthritis patients, but no significant difference was seen in cardiovascular events. Lumiracoxib showed a three to four-fold reduction in ulcer complications compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
A new study led by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that imagining a favorite place reduced pain in children after surgery. The study used audio tapes and video tapes to help children manage their anxiety and pain, suggesting a potential multi-faceted approach to pain management.
A study found that adding aspirin to clopidogrel therapy increased the risk of intracranial and gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a history of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Despite this, combination therapy did not significantly reduce the primary outcome measure at 18 months.
Experts disagree on acetaminophen's safety; William M. Lee advocates for stricter regulation to reduce overdoses, while Barry H. Rumack suggests therapeutic doses are safe and most cases may be intentional overdose attempts.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that chronic high-dose consumption of Vioxx raises blood pressure and increases the risk of serious heart problems. A substantial number of patients continue to receive high doses of the drug, despite evidence suggesting its potential harm.
A new study found that pain medications NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors can slow healing after shoulder surgery. The research used laboratory rats to test the effects of these medications on tendon-bone healing.
Researchers discover COX-2 enzymes can produce DNA-damaging genotoxins, increasing cancer risk. Vitamin C may also contribute to DNA damage under certain conditions.
Researchers found that over half of COX-2 patients take aspirin, leading to a loss of GI protective effects and increased risk of bleeding. Patients should consider alternative NSAIDs or proton pump inhibitors for added protection.