Articles tagged with Drug Combinations
A new drug combination, nifurtimox-eflornithine therapy (NECT), has shown to be non-inferior to the best current treatment in curing sleeping sickness and is better tolerated, with fewer major adverse events. NECT's safety advantages and ease of administration make it a suitable option for resource-poor settings.
A study found that combining aspirin and dipyridamole significantly reduced blockages and extended the life of hemodialysis artery-vein access grafts. The treatment decreased graft loss by 18% and stenosis development by 28%.
A phase II study found that moxifloxacin, in combination with other drugs, significantly improved sputum culture conversion rates, potentially shortening tuberculosis treatment time. The results demonstrate moxifloxacin's antimycobacterial activity and suggest a new regimen could cure drug-resistant TB strains.
A combination of two antihypertensive drugs lowers the risk of kidney disease in diabetics, even among those with normal blood pressure. The study found a 21% lower rate of kidney disease events in patients receiving the combination therapy.
A survey of 200 community-based schizophrenic patients found that 74.5% were treated with off-label medication, with the most common combination being an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer. The study highlights the limitations of first- and second-generation antipsychotics and the need for improved treatment outcomes.
California officials have identified 18 cases of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) between 1993 and 2006. The state has also seen a rising trend of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) cases, with XDR TB being resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics.
A study examining two medications and two behavioral treatments found that medication adherence is still essential for success in treating alcohol dependence. High medication adherents fared better than low adherents across all treatment combinations.
A recent study found that prenatal drug exposure is associated with greater sleep problems in children. Early sleep problems also predict later sleep problems, and nicotine has a unique effect on sleep patterns.
Researchers have discovered a better method for treating patients with portal hypertension, combining spironolactone and propranolol. The study found that this combination reduces the risk of variceal re-bleeding and is effective in patients who have never bled or have had previous episodes.
A combination of common anti-HIV drugs tenofovir and emtricitabine with nevirapine during labor significantly reduces the risk of HIV-positive pregnant women developing resistance to a class of drugs, potentially improving future treatment options.
A new clinical trial in Uganda has found that a combination of nifurtimox and eflornithine is effective in treating African sleeping sickness without treatment failure or deaths. The novel treatment approach holds promise for stage 2 HAT patients, and further evaluation with larger trials is ongoing.
A new TB drug, SQ109, has been given special status by the US and European regulators for its potential to combat drug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. The orphan designation will accelerate clinical testing of the drug, which may lead to simpler and more effective treatment regimens for the disease.
A new antibiotic combination could dramatically shorten TB treatment time from six months to four months, with a cure rate increasing by 17 percent after two months of therapy. Researchers say the shorter treatment period may also reduce transmission and improve drug compliance.
Researchers have confirmed that tamoxifen prevents breast cancer in high-risk women, while a combination of three HER inhibitors slows down tumor growth. Additionally, chemotherapy with rituximab improves overall survival rates for patients with indolent lymphoma, and new lung cancer risk prediction models offer modest accuracy.
A randomized, multi-center study found that adding inhaled iloprost to bosentan treatment increases exercise capability and reduces clinical deterioration in PAH patients. In some cases, the combination also improves diagnostic functional class by one stage.
A combination therapy of tolterodine ER and tamsulosin resulted in statistically significant treatment benefits for men with overactive bladder and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Eighty percent of patients reported improvement in symptoms, compared to 62% on placebo, highlighting the potential for combination therapy in managing lower u...
Researchers from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that a combination of artemether and lumefantrine was the most cost-effective option, despite being the most expensive in the short term. This approach may delay the emergence of resistance to malaria drugs.
Researchers found that using budesonide-formoterol as a reliever therapy significantly reduced the risk of severe asthma attacks in patients already on a preventive drug combination. This approach may lead to fewer hospitalizations and improved patient outcomes.
University of Iowa experts are warning that a commonly prescribed asthma medication combination can be deadly for certain patients. The long-acting asthma drug salmeterol used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid can worsen asthma symptoms for those who do not need the combination, leading to life-threatening problems.
Majority of healthcare opinion leaders support the Medicare Part D program, but favor changes to reduce complexity and improve coverage for vulnerable populations. Opinion leaders recommend policy changes such as filling the donut hole and eliminating the asset test to benefit low-income beneficiaries.
The FDA approves REVLIMID(R) (lenalidomide) for treating patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy. Key findings include a higher risk of hematologic toxicity and thromboembolic events in patients receiving the combination treatment.
Researchers found combining atorvastatin with glatiramer acetate significantly improved treatment outcomes for multiple sclerosis. The study showed a synergistic effect between the two medications, leading to better control of CNS autoimmunity.
A new study found that using a combination of sedative and paralytic drugs improves the success rate of airway intubation by 3.7 times, making it the most effective method for patients in critical condition. The research used data from 49 patients transported by air ambulance over a year.
A new combination treatment for glioblastoma has been found to improve survival rates without negatively affecting patients' quality of life. The study, which involved 573 patients, found no significant differences in six out of seven health-related quality of life measures after three months.
The Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) found that newer antihypertensive drugs, such as amlodipine and perindopril, were more effective than standard diuretic or ß-blocker therapy in reducing blood pressure and preventing major cardiovascular events. The study showed a significant reduction in stroke events and fewer cas...
Takeda has submitted a new drug application for its combination type 2 diabetes medication, ACTOS (pioglitazone HCl) and glimepiride. This treatment aims to help patients manage their blood glucose levels by targeting insulin resistance and increasing insulin production.
A recent study has found that a combination of artemether-lumefantrine to be highly effective in treating malaria in children aged 4-59 months. The treatment showed an impressive success rate of over 96% in a Tanzanian trial, paving the way for its potential use as a substitute for failing therapies in African countries.
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.
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 Ugandan clinical trial has identified the most effective drug combinations for treating malaria in Africa, with amodiaquine+sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine proving to be a highly efficacious and economical option. The findings highlight the need for continued research into artemisinin-combination therapies in African field conditions.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found a significant decrease in liver rejection rates using a monoclonal antibody, basiliximab, in combination with tacrolimus and low-dose steroids. The one-year survival rate improved to 88%, with no complications reported.
A recent study found that combining EGFR inhibitors like Erbitux with Iressa or Tarceva hinders cancer cell growth more effectively than single drug treatments. The tandem application of these drugs amplified control of cancer cell signaling, leading to increased apoptosis and tumor development limitation.
Early administration of reteplase plus abciximab did not reduce infarct size compared to abciximab alone in patients with acute MI referred for PCI. The study also found comparable clinical outcomes between the two treatment groups, but more major bleeding events occurred in the combination therapy group.
Researchers found that a combined drug therapy of finasteride and doxazosin significantly reduced the risk of BPH progression by 66 percent, compared to placebo. The treatment also provided greater symptom relief and improved urinary flow rate. Men at highest risk for BPH progression, such as those with larger prostates or elevated ser...
Researchers found that a combination of ZDV, 3TC, and EFV was the most successful initial treatment regimen, with participants experiencing delayed failure and faster viral load suppression. However, using four drugs in combination did not prove more effective than sequential three-drug regimens, but did delay failure longer.
Scientists identify several novel pairings with significant therapeutic promise, including a combination that kills drug-resistant yeast while harming human cells. The approach uses high-throughput screens to rapidly identify synergistic combinations that produce desired therapeutic effects.
Researchers found that both nortriptyline and bupropion, when combined with counseling, helped smokers attain periods of abstinence but had limited effectiveness in quitting for a year. The study showed that antidepressant therapy and counseling can aid in achieving short-term abstinence for cigarette smokers.
A recent study found a decrease in thymidine analog mutations and an increase in K65R and Y115F mutations associated with HIV treatment failure. The study analyzed data from 1999-2002 and identified trends in antiretroviral therapy usage and mutation incidence.
Duke University Medical Center researchers found that a new drug combination, combining eptifibatide and tenecteplase, speeds up and sustains restored blood flow to the heart. The study showed significant improvements in ECG readings, with patients receiving the combination therapy returning to stable levels within 55 minutes.
A study assessing existing data on HIV/AIDS interventions found that cost-effectiveness varies greatly between interventions. Some interventions, such as selective blood safety measures and targeted condom distribution, can prevent a case of HIV/AIDS for under $11 and gain over $1 in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) per dollar spent
A new treatment combination of amodiaquine and artesunate has shown high cure rates for uncomplicated malaria in children under 11 years old. The study found that the treatment was more effective than amodiaquine alone, with higher cure rates in Gabon compared to Kenya and Senegal.
Dr. Duane Grandgenett receives nearly a million dollars in grants to study ways of inhibiting HIV replication in humans. He aims to develop an HIV inhibitor targeting the integrase protein, which plays a crucial role in the virus's survival.
Researchers found that obese women who used weight loss medication MERIDIA in combination with a comprehensive lifestyle modification program lost an average of 24.4 pounds, compared to 8.4 pounds for those treated by medication alone. Lifestyle modification included diet and exercise, as well as weekly group sessions to plan meals and...
A large-scale study has found lamotrigine to be safe and effective in preventing episodes of mood swings in patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. The study, published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, showed that 41% of patients who received lamotrigine remained stable without relapse for six months, compared to 26% on placebo.
A study published in the Lancet found that a catheter laser procedure combined with medication is more effective than medication alone in treating severe chest pain. The procedure, known as PTMR, stimulates new blood vessel growth and increases circulation to relieve angina symptoms.
Thalidomide demonstrates potential activity in multiple myeloma, primary amyloidosis, metastatic colorectal cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia, with notable improvements in patient survival rates and side effects observed.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a new combination therapy of irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin that nearly doubled the tumor response rate and improved overall survival for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The study showed significant benefits with no increased incidence of serious side...
A new study found that an oral-solution form of Risperdal is just as effective as intramuscular injections in reducing symptoms of psychotic agitation. The oral solution may be a more acceptable alternative for both caregivers and patients, promoting patient choice and compliance.
A Phase II trial found a 40% response rate with low-dose anti-VEGF combination therapy, compared to 24% for high-dose and 17% for chemotherapy alone. Median survival increased by 2 months with the low-dose treatment.
A new study documents the increase in Ritalin-type stimulant drugs and Prozac-type antidepressants prescribed to children, raising concerns about diagnosis and treatment. Thirty percent of children on SSRIs also took stimulants, highlighting the need for further research on safety and effectiveness.
Researchers found four distinct groups with varying adherence rates, medication use, and lifestyle habits. Group A and B members have better health outcomes due to effective medication and lifestyle regimens.
A new treatment combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin has shown encouraging results in a clinical trial, achieving a 62% response rate and a projected 72% one-year survival rate. The treatment, which is compatible with prior anthracycline therapy, offers additional benefits for women with metastatic breast cancer.
Research finds that combining AIDS drugs with cesarean delivery can reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to babies. The study, conducted in North Carolina from 1998 to 1999, showed a significant decrease in HIV transmission rates after these interventions were implemented.
A new study finds that carefully monitored medication treatment alone can be as effective as combination therapy in reducing ADHD symptoms. The research recommends a personalized approach, combining optimal medication doses with monthly office visits and teacher input to maximize treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed over 3,000 patients in triple-drug combination trials and found that those taking fewer pills had better treatment outcomes. Patients on simpler regimens with as few as four pills per day had significantly higher success rates compared to those on complex regimens.
A clinical study found that adefovir reduced viral load by an average of 60% in patients, but also caused kidney problems in about 60% of those taking the drug beyond 24 weeks. The drug is useful as an additional medication for building effective treatment combinations, but should be used with close monitoring.
A novel combination of efavirenz and nelfinavir demonstrates strong, sustained results in controlling HIV infection in children. The treatment achieves undetectable virus levels in more than half of the children studied, with fewer side effects and a simplified daily regimen.
A new University at Buffalo study shows that a single dose of Adderall can effectively manage children's behavior and performance throughout an entire school day. The results suggest that 14 out of 16 kids who responded to medication could get by on once-a-day doses of Adderall, skipping the mid-day dose.
A new study published in Neurology found that lamotrigine significantly reduces partial seizures and secondary generalized seizures in children. The medication has been proven safe and effective, allowing children to participate in daily activities without drowsiness.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that a brisk walk or jog three times a week may be just as effective in relieving symptoms of major depression as standard anti-depressant medications. The study showed significant improvements in all three groups, with exercise and medication showing similar results.