Articles tagged with Drug Safety
Lecanemab is approved to treat early Alzheimer's disease, but its clinical benefits are modest. The treatment carries serious adverse effects and requires resource-intensive monitoring with MRI scans.
Researchers have found a widely available drug combination to be an effective treatment for patients with systemically active Sjögren's disease. The combination of leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine reduced disease activity while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
Acetaminophen remains the recommended medication for treating pain and fever during pregnancy. Recent studies have investigated its potential association with childhood neurobehavioral issues, but significant limitations were found in their study designs. SMFM recommends acetaminophen as a safe treatment option for pregnant patients wh...
Two projects, BOOST-HP and BIONIC, use machine learning to analyze large datasets of medication exposure and outcomes. The findings highlight the need for more data and cautious design of machine learning models to accurately assess potential links between medications and pregnant women.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology finds ecopipam to be effective in suppressing tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. The medication was well-tolerated and showed no significant adverse effects over a period of up to 24 weeks.
The ASPIRE trial aims to enroll 1,200 participants with advanced prostate cancer and assess the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival and disease progression. Genetic profiling is included to identify patients who benefit most from intensified treatment.
A large South Korean study found no increased risk of psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose mothers used sedative drugs during pregnancy. The study, published by the BMJ Group, tracked nearly 3.8 million children and analyzed data from the National Health Information Database.
A new study by University College London found that gabapentinoids, prescribed for chronic pain, double the risk of hospitalization for drug poisoning when combined with benzodiazepines or opioids. The risk persists even after starting gabapentinoid treatment, suggesting they may not be an effective solution to reduce poisoning risks.
Researchers identified patient-reported symptoms associated with GLP-1s, including menstrual changes, fatigue, and temperature-related complaints, that may not be fully captured in clinical trials or drug labeling. Nearly 4% of Reddit users reported reproductive symptoms, and fatigue was the second most common complaint.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
Researchers have developed a low-cost fake drug detector that uses an infrared sensor to track pill dissolution rates. The device can identify legitimate medications from counterfeit ones with high accuracy, making it a valuable tool in the fight against global health threats.
Researchers evaluated 12 hypnotic medications on sleep architecture and respiratory function in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. The study found that while some medications worsened respiratory outcomes, others showed no significant effects, highlighting the need for individualized treatment.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
The study found that opioids provide only small, time-limited pain relief for certain pain conditions, such as stomach pain and dental surgery. Regular use of opioids comes with a risk of harm, including dependence and overdose.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered a way to reduce the risk of a lethal side effect in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. By targeting CD8 T cell-derived tumor necrosis factor, they found that blocking TNF signaling can prevent inflammatory cycle in the heart.
A study of 23 large-scale randomised studies found that statins do not cause the majority of side effects listed in package leaflets, including cognitive impairment and depression. The research provided reassurance to patients taking statins, highlighting the benefits of these life-saving drugs outweighing the risks.
A new study found that MET signaling plays a critical protective role in acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by reducing liver damage and accelerating regeneration. The findings suggest targeting MET signaling could become a game-changer for treating drug-induced ALF, potentially reducing the need for emergency liver transplants.
A national clinical trial found that oxybutynin significantly reduced hot flash frequency and quality of life for men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer. The study showed substantial improvements in hot flash symptoms, often within the first week of treatment.
The Japanese version of the rPATD questionnaire has been validated to assess attitudes towards medication reductions among older adults and their caregivers in Japan. The tool is reliable, valid, and easily understood, facilitating shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients.
Researchers found viable spores of mycotoxigenic fungi, DNA fragments, and traces of toxins remained after gamma irradiation, highlighting the need for stricter testing and better safeguards in the cannabis industry. This is particularly concerning for immunocompromised individuals who may be at higher risk.
Researchers analyzed medical records of 1,269 elderly patients with advanced cancer to find that over 70% were prescribed potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), which declined closer to death. PIM discontinuation was more common among female patients, those with polypharmacy, and palliative care unit admissions.
A new study by the University of Texas at Arlington examines how updated CDC guidelines can help nurse practitioners reduce opioid misuse and protect patients. The guidelines emphasize individualized care, clinical judgment, and ongoing reassessment to ensure safe prescribing practices.
Research finds that nearly one in four Medicare beneficiaries with dementia are prescribed potentially harmful medications linked to falls, confusion, and hospitalization. Despite declines in prescribing rates, high levels of inappropriate prescribing persist among older adults with cognitive impairment.
A new study finds that human tyrosinase plays a central role in metabolizing hydroquinone into reactive intermediates causing dermal pigmentation. The research shows that these compounds accumulate differently depending on molecular size and bind to dermal proteins, forming ochronotic pigments.
A new study used deep learning and large-scale computer simulations to identify structural differences in synthetic cannabinoid molecules that cause them to bind to human brain receptors differently from classical cannabinoids. Researchers found that these substances often trigger the beta arrestin pathway, leading to more severe psych...
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a new treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, a deadly form of blood cancer. The FDA-approved medication works by disrupting cellular protein interactions that drive leukemia cell growth and survival, offering patients a potential cure.
A study comparing GLP-1 RAs found that all three drugs are relatively safe options for patients with type 2 diabetes, with minimal differences in kidney and cardiovascular risks. Liraglutide had a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to dulaglutide.
A new AI model uses machine learning to predict drug toxicity in humans by identifying biological differences between cells, mice, and humans. The model improved predictive power over existing state-of-the-art models and demonstrated practicality in predicting market withdrawal due to toxicity.
A new national quality framework has been developed to evaluate medication management and clinical services provided by pharmacists in residential aged care. The PHARMA-Care National Quality Framework promotes a transparent, person-centred approach to medication management, aiming to reduce risks linked to polypharmacy.
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found no association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD. The study offers reassurance for pregnant women, public health agenci...
A large global study of 23,000 people found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used for indigestion and heartburn were associated with poorer overall survival and a higher risk of severe side effects in patients with breast cancer. Statins and metformin showed no significant impact on either survival or adverse events.
West Virginia University researchers are working with local partners to stop drug use in youth before it starts. They will expand an existing pilot project to encompass 140 schools in 36 rural counties, tailored to individual community needs.
A new drug-eluting balloon has been shown to match the outcomes of standard care for in-stent restenosis, offering a safer alternative for patients with multiple stent layers. The study's results suggest that patients with complex or multilayer ISR may benefit from sirolimus-eluting balloons as a viable treatment option.
A study found that first-generation antihistamines may increase delirium risk in older hospital patients. The analysis of 328,140 patients aged 65+ revealed a 41% increased odds of delirium among those prescribed higher amounts of these medications.
Research reveals an increase in emergency calls for pediatric opioid exposure among middle-school aged children, with a national trend of rising calls from 255 in 2019 to 553 in 2023. Teenagers showed a decline after 2022. Demographics varied by age group, with females outnumbering males in the middle school age group.
A new study found that Australian women of reproductive age taking GLP-1 receptor agonists are not using effective contraception, despite known risks during pregnancy. The research revealed a higher risk of pregnancy among younger women with diabetes and those without diabetes in their early thirties.
A new class of targeted therapy showed promise in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in pet cats, with 35% of patients experiencing controlled disease. The drug, which targets the transcription factor STAT3, also raised levels of PD-1, a protein associated with an immune response to cancer.
A new study finds that up to 18% of women are advised to stop breastfeeding due to medication, while chronic illness increases this number to 58%. The research highlights the need for accurate and balanced information about medication safety during breastfeeding.
Researchers validated panels of antibodies targeting clinically relevant nucleic acid modifications to visualize antisense oligonucleotides in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The tools enable detection of modified nucleic acids irrespective of sequence, facilitating multiple clinical and pre-clinical workflows.
Researchers detected traces of nitazene in discarded injecting equipment and syringes in Adelaide, Australia. Nitazenes led to 32 overdose deaths with 84% of patients unaware of the synthetic opioid's presence.
A study of over 2,500 adults aged 50-80 found that nearly 1 in 6 take aspirin for cardiovascular protection without a history of heart disease. Despite revised guidelines reducing aspirin use for primary prevention after age 70, many patients are unaware of the increased risk of bleeding.
A new study from the University of Bath found that inappropriate polypharmacy is a major driver of emergency hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and over. The researchers developed a digital tool to proactively identify older adults at risk of medication-related harm, which could reduce preventable emergency hospitalisations.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found serious quality defects in a significant number of cancer medications from sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers evaluated 251 samples and discovered that one in six medications contained the incorrect quantity of active pharmaceutical ingredient, posing patient safety risks.
Microscopic colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by watery diarrhea and distinctive histologic features. The two primary subtypes are collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, with collagenous colitis showing a stronger female predominance.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine aim to reduce falls and adverse drug events among older adults by using personalized approach tailored to individual genetic profiles.
The UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital is the first in Texas to approve use of suzetrigine, a new non-opioid medication for post-surgical pain. This medication targets the peripheral nervous system, avoiding opioid-related side effects.
A new book by Professor Aldrin Gomes details the benefits and risks of ibuprofen, including its interaction with over 400 prescription drugs and impact on cardiovascular health. The comprehensive guide aims to educate readers about responsible painkiller use and natural alternatives.
Researchers developed a technique to separate and quantify ions, nanoparticles, and aggregates in nanomedicines, improving quality control for advanced pharmaceutical products. This method ensures the safe use of metal-based nanomedicines by distinguishing between their different forms.
Research reveals individuals taking oral steroids for over 3 months are 6 times more likely to be diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency than those treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Long-term users of inhaled steroids also face increased risk without hospitalisations.
Research suggests that antibiotics taken during infancy, especially in the first three months, may lead to earlier onset of puberty in girls. The study, which analyzed data on over 322,000 children in South Korea, found a significant association between early antibiotic exposure and increased risk of central precocious puberty.
The Swiss Memory Clinics network has released new national guidelines on the use of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies, such as Lecanemab and Donanemab, for treating Alzheimer's disease. The guidelines outline criteria for patient selection, biomarker confirmation, and infrastructure requirements to support safe treatment delivery.
A new study in The Lancet Public Health finds that safer supply programs complement existing treatment options for people struggling with opioid use disorder. Safer supply programs provide pharmaceutical-grade opioids to reduce overdose rates, healthcare utilization, and costs.
Common prescription medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis, potentially causing developmental disorders. The editorial highlights the need for mandatory sterol biosynthesis screening in clinical practice.
A multisource observational study found psilocybin use increased across all age groups, with those having mental or physical comorbidities being the most common users. Psilocybin exposure rates reported to U.S. poison centers increased significantly among adults and children.
A study found that psilocybin use increased nationwide since 2019, particularly among young adults and older adults with conditions like depression and anxiety. The researchers urge better education, tracking, and health system preparedness as poison center calls rise.
A recent study published in Current Neuropharmacology suggests a potential link between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists and depression, particularly in individuals with low dopamine function. The authors urge caution and recommend genetic testing to identify individuals at risk before prescribing these medications.
A study published by the European Association for the Study of Obesity found that women are significantly more aware of and have a better understanding of obesity drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Understanding tolerable side effects, effectiveness, and ability to maintain weight loss is crucial for people commencing treatment.
University of Virginia researcher Natasha D. Sheybani has received a $5.5 million grant to advance her research on focused ultrasound technology for breast cancer immunotherapy. Her work aims to enhance the safety, effectiveness, and precision of immunotherapy drugs.
Novel biomarkers like miRNA-34a link anthracyclines to cardiotoxicity, while stem cell therapy and nanotechnology offer potential for prevention and treatment. Traditional strategies have limitations, but new approaches hold hope for improved patient outcomes.
A team of scientists at the University of Florida has developed a new drug compound that selectively targets delta opioid receptors, providing pain relief without the dangerous side effects associated with opioids. The study's findings offer a promising approach to developing safer pain treatments, which could also be applied to treati...