A new US study demonstrates the effectiveness of genicular artery embolization (GAE) in treating osteoarthritis knee pain. The minimally invasive procedure blocks blood flow to certain parts of the knee, providing rapid relief from pain and disability. Results show significant improvement in pain scores, with nearly all patients experi...
A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that the decline in prescriptions of non-opioid analgesics coincided with a marked increase in opioid prescribing. The study suggests that health risks associated with NSAIDs were one factor that led to increased prescribing of opioids.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that low-dose aspirin did not reduce the risk of a fatal heart attack among African Americans, unlike in white populations. The study used data from over 65,000 participants and suggested genetic differences and poor control of other risk factors may contribute to this result.
A new study suggests that taking aspirin daily to prevent a heart attack or stroke may no longer be recommended for adults without a history of these events. The study found that the potential benefits of aspirin are similar to its potential harms for most people, highlighting the need for personalized advice from doctors.
A recent review found that aspirin no longer provides a net benefit for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, despite its long history of reducing heart attack risk. Aspirin use has decreased in recent years due to the emergence of statins and improved cancer screening technology.
A new UCLA-led study suggests chronic opioid treatment may raise the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals who are likely to experience severe emotional stress. Researchers found that mice given morphine before and after a traumatic event showed enhanced fear learning, indicating increased PTSD susceptibility.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have launched a project to develop preclinical drug candidates that selectively block nociceptor activity, offering an alternative to opioid-based medications. The STOP PAIN consortium combines experimental and AI-driven approaches to address the critical public health need for new pain treatments.
Scientists have discovered the binding mechanism of an important pain receptor, which could lead to the development of new active substances. The current study aimed to find alternatives to opioids used today, as they can be addictive and have life-threatening side effects.
West Virginia University researcher Shane Kaski found that combining nalfurafine with morphine reduces pain while minimizing morphine's addictive potential. This could lead to lower doses of morphine and reduced risk of addiction, combating the opioid epidemic.
Researchers found yoga and physical therapy significantly improved sleep quality for 52 weeks after 12-week treatment. Participants with early pain improvements were three times more likely to have better sleep outcomes.
In a randomized clinical trial, adults with moderate to severe migraines took either ubrogepant or a placebo. After two hours, participants reported a significant reduction in pain and associated symptoms. The study provides encouraging results for the treatment of migraine pain.
Researchers at FEFU developed a method to synthesize biologically active derivatives of fascaplysin, a compound found in sea sponges. The new compounds, including 14-bromoreticulatine and 3,10-dibromofascaplysin, show selective effects on cancer cells, particularly Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria and human prostate cancer cells.
Researchers found a 95% increased risk of frailty among those who self-reported regular use of prescription pain and/or sleep medications. Co-use of multiple prescription medications also increased frailty risk, with effects observed for pain-only and sleep-only prescriptions.
Researchers found small, statistically significant benefits on pain and function with opioids, but no impact on quality of life or depression for patients with osteoarthritis. Strong opioids had consistently worse pain relief benefits and a greater risk of adverse events compared to weak opioids.
Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women reported higher pain scores compared to white women during the postpartum period. Despite this, they received fewer opioids and were less likely to receive prescriptions at discharge.
Researchers have discovered a class of analgesics in conotoxin peptides, which are found in the venom of marine cone snails. These peptides show exceptional potency and selectivity for ion channels involved in pain transmission, offering new avenues for pain therapy.
Researchers developed a novel nanoparticle delivery method to treat pain, using a non-opioid drug that previously failed clinical trials. The approach successfully treated pain in mice and rats with improved efficacy and duration of action.
A new study at Kellogg Eye Center finds that reducing opioid pills prescribed after cornea surgery doesn't compromise pain control, with most patients using only four pills. The policy change also leads to more responsible pill disposal practices.
A recent NIH-funded study suggests that exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase the risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The study found that higher levels of acetaminophen exposure were associated with a significantly increased risk of both conditions.
Researchers found an association between aspirin use and decreased intracranial aneurysm growth rate. Growth is crucial as it increases rupture risk. The study suggests that aspirin may exert a protective effect against aneurysm growth and future rupture, but findings are observational and require further interventional studies.
The American Dental Association recommends against prescribing antibiotics for healthy adults with toothaches, citing evidence that they do not alleviate symptoms and can cause harm. In cases where dental treatment is delayed or signs of infection are present, antibiotics may be considered, but only in specific scenarios.
Researchers are examining prescription practices before and after the law took effect to understand how it has shaped healthcare providers' prescribing habits. The study will also investigate the impact on patients, including those with chronic pain, and potential unintended consequences of shorter opioid prescriptions.
New research presents alarming findings on ketamine infusion therapy for pain management, revealing that over a third of patients experience hallucinations, visual disturbances, and other adverse effects. The study emphasizes the importance of cautious approach to using ketamine as an opioid alternative.
A large US study found that 1 in 5 patients was prescribed opioids after having a pacemaker or similar device implanted, with 80 percent having never taken opioids before. The study highlights the importance of improving postoperative pain management following cardiac device procedures to reduce opioid prescriptions.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the role of microglia in neuroinflammation, a hallmark of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. Studies show that changes in microglial cells can trigger hyperexcitability in the brain, leading to decreased sociability and motivation.
A study found that nearly one-third of children who had tonsillectomy did not need opioids for pain relief during and after surgery. Researchers used non-opioid pain medications instead, with similar postoperative care time in both groups.
Studies show nearly 90% of women without opioid use in hospital post-cesarean delivery still receive a prescription for opioids upon discharge. Research highlights the need to reduce opioid use after cesarean delivery using alternative pain medications.
A new study published in Science Advances shows that MORE, a mind-body therapy, decreases brain's response to opioid-related cues while increasing its response to natural rewards. Participants reported enhanced joy, less pain, and improved psychological health after treatment.
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that combining mindfulness techniques with methadone therapy reduces opioid cravings and improves pain management. Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that mindfulness-based interventions can increase self-awareness, self-control over cravings, and emotional regulation.
A McMaster University study found that statin drugs cause muscle pain by releasing glutamate, a potent activator of pain receptors. Administering antioxidants like Vitamin E can help reduce glutamate release.
Three peptides from Australian fungus Penicillium exhibit unique amino acid structures, leading to development of bilorphin and bilactorphin as novel analgesics acting on opioid receptors. These findings suggest a new pathway for pain management with reduced adverse effects.
A team of researchers from the University of Sydney has made a breakthrough in the search for an opioid alternative, discovering a fungus that produces tetrapeptides mimicking endomophins. The findings, published in PNAS, suggest a new drug could be developed with fewer side-effects and effective pain relief.
Researchers have identified RGS4 as a multifunctional protein that contributes to the transition from acute and sub-acute pain to pathological pain states. Inhibiting RGS4 action disrupts the maintenance of chronic pain, promoting recovery in preclinical models.
A study by TTUHSC researchers suggests that activating certain brain receptors can reduce pain and anxiety associated with arthritis. The compound LY379268 has been shown to produce pain-relieving effects and relieve anxiety, offering potential as a new pain medication.
A randomized clinical trial found that providing free essential medicines increased adherence to treatment among patients who couldn't afford their medications. The study showed a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure, but not in LDL cholesterol levels or diabetes control.
A new study found that distributing essential medicines at no charge resulted in a 44% increase in adherence to medications. The study also discovered improvements in systolic blood pressure and the likelihood of participants meeting their financial needs.
A study from Nationwide Children's Hospital finds rural areas have a higher rate of reported cases, particularly during school months. Common medications such as OTC analgesics are involved in these incidents, emphasizing the importance of safe storage and supervision.
Researchers at UC Davis developed a breath test that can detect opioid drugs in exhaled breath, providing a non-invasive alternative to blood tests. The test was tested on patients receiving pain medications, showing promise in tracking medication usage and detecting potential overdose risk.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have discovered a specific neuroenzyme responsible for analgesics resistance in chronic pancreatitis. The team found that targeting this enzyme, nNOS, with an existing inhibitor reduces pain perception in animal models, offering new hope for pancreatic patients
New research warns Canadians against taking daily aspirin for primary prevention due to increased risk of major internal bleeding and potential increase in cancer deaths. Experts recommend alternative preventive measures such as smoking cessation, exercise, blood pressure tracking, and considering the Mediterranean diet.
Codeine-related poisoning calls and sales in Australia have significantly decreased since the prescription-only change in February 2018. The study found a 50% reduction in monthly rate of codeine-related poisoning calls and halved codeine sales.
A new study found that hospitals often administer medications based on practical staff scheduling rather than ideal dosing times. This can lead to undertreatment of pain and other medical conditions. Researchers are working to adjust drug administration protocols to better align with patients' needs.
The NIH HEAL Initiative awards $945 million for grants and contracts across 41 states to improve treatments for chronic pain and curb opioid use disorder. The initiative aims to develop non-addictive medications and models of care to balance patient safety with effective pain management.
Researchers found that 2.5% of women and 12.1% of men without established CVD could derive net benefit from aspirin treatment for 5 years. The study used data from a well-characterized web-based decision support program in New Zealand, identifying persons likely to benefit from aspirin treatment based on personalized benefit-harm analy...
Researchers developed a method to categorize drugs based on cellular responses, predicting potential clinical effects and reducing side effects. The approach was validated using opioid analgesics, with potential applications in safer opioids and cannabis product testing.
Researchers at UCalgary and Stanford University have discovered a long-range circuit in the brain that carries pain signals and is altered during chronic pain states. This understanding may lead to new drug therapies and targeted brain stimulation treatments to address chronic nerve pain.
A recent study found that approximately 400 caregivers reported pain medication use by children after common surgeries such as hernia or appendectomy. Most patients received acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief, with only 22% prescribed opioids at hospital discharge.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients in the US and Canada receive opioids at a rate seven times higher than those in Sweden. Nearly half of US patients received high-dose opioid prescriptions within 30 days of discharge, while 25% of Canadian patients did so.
The THEMIS trial found that ticagrelor, when added to aspirin, reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke by 10% in patients with stable coronary artery disease and diabetes. However, patients taking dual antiplatelet therapy also experienced a greater risk of major bleeding.
A sub-group analysis from the ASPREE trial found that daily low-dose aspirin did not prolong disability-free survival in healthy people over 70, even in those at high cardiovascular disease risk. The study suggests that improved risk prediction methods are needed to identify those who could benefit from aspirin therapy.
Researchers found strong evidence that cannabis alleviates pain, with users experiencing a significant drop in pain suffering after consumption. The study highlights the potential of cannabis as a safe and effective alternative to opioids for treating chronic pain.
SLU researchers will investigate GPR160, a small molecule that could turn off pain without side effects or addiction. The discovery of new leads for non-addictive pain medications has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for chronic pain patients in the US.
The study analyzed combined patient-level data from two randomized clinical trials to examine the effectiveness of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients who experienced a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack. The results indicate that treatment with clopidogrel and aspirin can improve outcomes for these patients.
A team of researchers at Scripps Research Institute has discovered an anti-opioid pathway that counteracts the effects of opioids on neuronal firing. The discovery could lead to the development of new pain medications with less potential for abuse and overdose.
A new study suggests that aspirin use can have varying effects on breast cancer patients depending on their DNA methylation profiles. Patients with methylated tumor promoters had a higher mortality risk, while those with unmethylated promoters saw a decrease in breast cancer-specific mortality.
Researchers found that DNA methylation patterns can affect the impact of aspirin on mortality in women with breast cancer. Women with certain DNA characteristics who take aspirin before a breast cancer diagnosis may live longer, according to the study published in Cancer journal.
A Brazilian health care system analysis found that women have a 90% increased risk for prescription of pill combinations known to produce reactions requiring medical attention. The study also revealed that one in four older adults over age 55 received drugs with an interaction, reaching one in three for ages 70-79.
Researchers at Kaiser Permanente discovered that allowing women to eat and move sooner after surgery improves recovery, reduces opioid exposure, and enhances breastfeeding experiences. The study's Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program led to a significant decrease in opioid use without increased pain or hospital stay.
A team of experts from Indiana University and the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have received a $1.6 million grant to investigate the impact of opioid pain medications prescribed during pregnancy on children's health outcomes. The study aims to identify causal connections between maternal opioid use and adverse childhood outcomes.
A new study found that NSAIDs contribute to cardiovascular side effects in individuals with osteoarthritis, increasing the risk of heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and stroke by 42%, 17%, and 14% respectively. The study suggests that patients with OA should discuss the risks and benefits of NSAID use with their care providers.