Articles tagged with Drug Combinations
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study suggests that frequent dental visits can eliminate gingival overgrowth recurrence in patients taking nifedipine for high blood pressure. This regimen significantly reduces gum swelling and associated health risks.
Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome experience significant improvements in physical condition, symptom reports, and mental state when using non-drug treatments like exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy. Non-drug techniques were found to be superior to medication alone in reducing symptoms and improving daily functioning.
Research finds that revival in AIDS patients brings new uncertainties, affecting feelings of hope and future orientation, social roles and identities, interpersonal relationships, and changes in quality of life.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that relaxation and music can significantly reduce post-operative pain in surgery patients. The study, which tested 500 patients over a 29-month period, showed that these self-care methods reduced pain more than medication alone.
A University of Florida study found that in two-thirds of the 44 children treated, T cell numbers increased to normal levels. Children under 6 showed the most pronounced improvement, with their immune systems recovering dramatically.
A study of over 1,000 older, disabled women reveals that nearly two-thirds report significant pain in multiple areas, yet many use inadequate or ineffective doses of medication. This mismatch suggests a need for better pain management strategies among older adults.
A combination of nefazodone and psychotherapy is more effective than either medication or therapy alone in treating chronic depression, with an 85% response rate. The study also found significant improvement in insomnia and early symptom reduction.
A survey of nearly 1,000 primary care providers found that those with more experience were more likely to recommend evidence-based treatments for HIV. The study suggests that patients with HIV should have access to experienced physicians who can provide high-quality care.
A UPMC study of 124 depressed elderly participants found that a combination of medication and psychotherapy prevented depression recurrence in 80 percent of patients, while medication alone was effective in only 57 percent. The study suggests that continued treatment can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
Researchers found that brief angiostatin exposure is sufficient to enhance the effects of radiation therapy. The combination of angiostatin and radiation resulted in significantly smaller tumors compared to other treatment groups.
Penn physicians developed clinical guidelines for herbal therapies, emphasizing the importance of understanding herbal agents' properties and potential risks. The guidelines caution against using certain herbal products, especially those with toxic effects, and recommend discussing risks and benefits with patients.
The Massachusetts General Hospital is leading a five-year, $20 million research study to improve the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. The study aims to evaluate existing treatment protocols and test new medications for the condition.
Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy face an increased risk of later developing type-2 diabetes. Using the mini-pill, progestin-only birth control pills, may put these women at a higher risk of developing chronic form of the disease, warns USC researchers.
A study by UCSF found that many HIV-positive injection drug users are not receiving protease inhibitors despite their availability, with 21% unaware of their status and only 14% still taking the medication. Common obstacles include homelessness, fear, and lack of access to healthcare services.
Researchers found that non-dermatologists prescribed less-effective yet more costly medications for fungal skin diseases. Dermatologists prescribed single agents with lower failure rates and costs. The study has implications for health maintenance organizations limiting access to specialists.
The updated guidelines advocate for early, potent combination antiretroviral therapies to prevent AIDS in individuals infected with HIV. The new recommendations suggest that simpler drug regimens may offer greater compliance and convenience.
Case reports reveal four patients died or went into shock after switching from mibefradil to other calcium channel blockers, highlighting the dangerous interaction between the two drugs. The risk is attributed to mibefradil's long half-life and its ability to inhibit liver enzymes that metabolize other medications.
A study of 574 Americans and 250 Canadians found that only a small fraction received appropriate depression treatment, with more Canadians receiving mental health services due to comprehensive national coverage. Patient attitudes, such as perception of need for help and fear of cost, also played a significant role in the disparity.
Phase II data reveals amprenavir's potent drug profile, with sustained antiviral effects seen in patients treated with two-drug combinations. The medication is currently being evaluated in pivotal Phase III clinical trials and has an expected US new drug application filing later in 1998.
The new guidelines, JNC VI, recommend stratifying patients into risk groups based on blood pressure stage and presence of risk factors. Lifestyle changes are advised for all patients on drug therapy, regardless of risk group.
A new test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers uses white blood cells to predict which medications are most effective for each patient with kidney disease. The study found a wide range of responses among patients, suggesting that such tests might assist physicians in developing personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers found synergy in two strains of Enterococcus faecalis when combining trovafloxacin and ampicillin/sulbactam, but not in other tested strains. Combination antibiotic treatment remains the only effective means to eliminate vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can significantly lower blood pressure. Among participants with high-normal or stage 1-mild hypertension, the DASH combination diet reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 3.5 m...
A study published in Neurology has identified long-term exposure to copper and manganese as a significant risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease. The study found that occupational exposure to these metals, either alone or in combination with other metals like lead and iron, increased the risk of acquiring the disease.
People with idiopathic anaphylaxis experience unpredictable, life-threatening symptoms without an external cause. Prompt diagnosis and preventive therapy with a combination of prednisone, hydroxyzine, and albuterol are critical to prevent death.
A recent NIH study found that a combination of a protease inhibitor and two nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors can significantly reduce the occurrence of AIDS-defining illnesses or death. The study, ACTG 320, demonstrated improved survival and delayed disease progression in patients receiving triple combination therapy.
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and other low-fat foods significantly lowers blood pressure, according to a multicenter study. The combination diet reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 5.5 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by an average of 3.0 mm Hg within two weeks.
Two NIH-supported studies show that lifestyle modifications, such as a low-fat, high-fiber diet, can substantially reduce blood pressure in adults. The findings also suggest that weight loss and reduced dietary sodium can safely reduce the need for antihypertensive medication in older patients.
A new hormonal drug combination allows post-menopausal women to get the benefits of estrogen without experiencing menses-like bleeding. The therapy significantly increases bone mineral density and improves blood cholesterol levels.
The FDA has approved fexofenadine, a new antihistamine that effectively relieves seasonal allergy symptoms without the risk of fatal heart conditions. Developed by Georgetown pharmacologist Raymond Woosley, fexofenadine was discovered through research on Seldane's cardiac side effects.