Articles tagged with Drug Safety
Researchers developed a cardiac safety index to rank commonly used chemotherapy drugs based on their likelihood of causing lasting heart damage in patients. They found that some drugs known to be particularly dangerous had the lowest safety indices, while better-tolerated ones ranked higher.
Experts recommend that laws legalizing marijuana outline restrictions on age, frequency of use, potency, and advertising to prevent abuse. They also emphasize the need for additional research to guide informed policy decisions.
The University of Liverpool is coordinating a £14m European research project, TransQST, to improve drug safety by leveraging public and private data. The project aims to develop novel computational models to address off-target reactions and minimize harm from adverse drug reactions.
Researchers propose creating a phased regulatory system for autonomous vehicles, mirroring the drug approval process to ensure safety and reliability. This approach would involve pre-clinical trials, in-human studies, and monitored testing before easing restrictions.
A novel sulfur-containing molecule has been identified with potent anticandidal activity, offering a new lead for designing effective drugs against Candida species. This discovery highlights the potential of endophytes as a source of bioactive compounds for developing novel medicines.
Researchers developed a more accurate system for predicting chemical toxicity, increasing accuracy to 85%, which could save millions of dollars and years of development time for new drugs. The system uses statistical analysis and QSAR modeling to assign numerical values to the accuracy of structural alerts.
Research finds generic cancer drugs are generally safe in countries with robust regulatory programs, but safety is uncertain in those with weaker oversight. In the US, economic studies show price savings from generics are limited by high review costs and lack of competition.
A simple instruction sheet significantly increases patient compliance with preoperative medication instructions, reducing errors by 40%. The intervention has been found to improve patient safety and comfort, while also limiting surgical cancellations.
Researchers discovered eight pairs of drugs associated with a higher risk of long QT syndrome, which can cause abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death. The study used big data mining to identify the interactions, and found that ceftriaxone and lansoprazole increased the risk by 1.4 times.
Researchers are working to develop safer drug treatments for newborns through increased clinical trials and improved efficiency. Currently, most medication treatments in newborns are based on adult studies, which can lead to uncertainty about their effectiveness.
A Mayo Clinic study found that NOACs dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban are at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation patients. However, apixaban was associated with lower major bleeding rates, while rivaroxaban had a higher risk of serious bleeding.
Research reveals that 56% of people aged 90 and above with Alzheimer's disease rely on antipsychotics and antidepressants, highlighting the need for regular assessment of drug use in older adults. In contrast, those without Alzheimer's disease used these medications less frequently.
A new study reveals that spontaneous reports of adverse drug reactions in newborns and infants are insufficient, highlighting the need for additional reporting strategies. The UK's Yellow Card Scheme, established over 50 years ago, has improved drug safety but may not be enough to capture all instances of adverse reactions.
The European Medicines Agency's approval process for biosimilars shows variability, but offers insights into implementation. Regulators must balance the need for safety with flexibility to support innovation in new therapies, including personalized treatments and products on the borderline between medicines and other sectors.
A combination of formoterol and budesonide found to be safe and effective in treating moderate to severe asthma, with a lower risk of exacerbations than single-therapy budesonide. The therapy showed no significant increase in serious adverse events, providing reassurance for healthcare providers.
The PRAGUE-18 trial found prasugrel and ticagrelor to be equally safe and effective for treating ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients. The study randomized 1,230 STEMI patients to receive either prasugrel or ticagrelor prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).
A significant number of patients on clopidogrel therapy are also prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) omeprazole or esomeprazole, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Despite regulatory warnings, many physicians have continued to prescribe this combination.
A new study suggests that generic biologic drugs are as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts, offering a cheaper alternative for consumers and the healthcare system. The findings have significant implications for the pharmaceutical market, with wide adoption of biosimilars expected to save billions of dollars.
A Perspective article highlights the importance of including medication purpose on prescriptions to enhance safety, prescribe appropriately, and improve convenience. By recording indications, clinicians can reduce errors, enable patients to better understand their regimens, and identify therapeutic alternatives.
A new study found that deutetrabenazine significantly improved chorea control in adults with Huntington disease. The treatment also showed improvements in impression of change and physical functioning, but not on balance tests.
A new study found that community pharmacy staff deviate from standard procedures to provide tailored patient care, citing high workload and conflicting pressures. The research highlights the tension between standardizing practice and delivering effective patient care.
A recent survey by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that more than half of patients prescribed opioids have leftover pills, with many saving them for future use. The study also revealed that nearly half of respondents received no information on safe storage and disposal of their medications.
A new drug called ixekizumab has shown significant promise in treating moderate to severe psoriasis, with 80 percent of patients experiencing complete or near-complete clearance of their symptoms. The long-term efficacy and safety of the treatment will be monitored closely.
Research reveals pregnant women often avoid medication due to perceived risks, with UTIs being a significant concern. Women's fears and beliefs about medication use during pregnancy highlight the need for better information and training for pharmacists.
A new investigational drug propiverine hydrochloride has shown promising results in treating overactive bladder, demonstrating better efficacy than an existing medication in reducing voiding frequency and incontinence episodes. Patients reported significant improvement in symptoms after treatment, with response rates increasing over time.
A review of nine observational studies found antipsychotic drug users nearly twice as likely to experience a heart attack as non-users. Patients with schizophrenia and those taking the drugs for less than 30 days had even higher risks.
Despite federal legislation, Yale researchers found that shortages for acute-care drugs used to treat critically ill patients have increased since the passage of FDASIA. The median duration of these shortages was approximately eight months, posing risks of medical error and reduced effectiveness.
A large trial of over 8000 participants found no significant increase in neuropsychiatric side effects with varenicline or bupropion. Varenicline was shown to be more effective in helping people stop smoking than other treatments, with similar efficacy across smokers with and without psychiatric disorders.
Research finds that proton pump inhibitors, widely used for heartburn and ulcers, can lead to kidney function decline, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure. Long-term use of these medications significantly increases the risk of developing kidney problems.
Researchers at University of Queensland have developed a new plant-derived drug, T20K, that can block the progression of multiple sclerosis. The treatment, extracted from the Oldenlandia affinis plant, has shown success in an animal model and may offer a new quality of life for people with the debilitating disease.
A significant association has been found between HLA-B*59:01 and Clozapine-induced agranulocytosis and granulocytopenia, suggesting the allele may serve as a marker for prioritizing patients at low risk of developing these severe side effects. Further analysis is needed to clarify the mechanism behind this association.
A new drug, Arimoclomol, has shown promise against muscle wasting disease inclusion body myositis (IBM) by reversing key symptoms in mice and improving muscle strength. A patient safety trial also found the drug to be safe and well-tolerated.
A study found that white patients and those with lower incomes were slower to discontinue diabetes medication rosiglitazone after a FDA safety alert. Patients living in higher- versus lowest-socioeconomic status communities discontinued the drug significantly earlier.
A new article explores the effect of frailty on diabetes in older people, suggesting a regressive course with increased risk of hypoglycemia. The review highlights the importance of regular medication reviews and gradual reduction or withdrawal of hypoglycemic medications.
Researchers have identified an effective and safe treatment for Huntington's disease, using IONIS-HTTRx to inhibit huntingtin protein production. The drug has shown promising results in mice and monkeys, with motor skill improvements and reduced cortical huntingtin levels.
Researchers found liraglutide, a promising diabetes drug, can lead to pancreatic beta cell burnout in mice after six months of high-dose treatment. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the potential risks of this medication.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that the antimalarial drug Artesunate can reduce organ failure following injury in rats. The study's findings suggest that Artesunate could be a highly effective option for treating major trauma patients, particularly those experiencing hemorrhagic shock.
Researchers created a nanoparticle formulation of a targeted cancer drug that selectively targets tumors while sparing healthy tissue. The nanoparticle-encapsulated version showed improved efficacy and reduced side effects in rodent trials.
A portable method to detect tainted medicines and supplements has been developed by a CWRU researcher, potentially improving public health globally. The device uses Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance spectroscopy to authenticate good medicines and supplements, while also addressing the issue of counterfeit products.
Cystic fibrosis drug ivacaftor has been shown to improve disease markers and pancreatic function in young children with a specific mutation. The study's findings suggest a potential window of opportunity for early intervention and mitigation of organ damage.
Researchers and experts advocate for increased access to drug safety and effectiveness data from Health Canada to facilitate independent scrutiny of pharmaceuticals. This push aims to motivate institutional change and improve the overall quality of regulatory decisions.
A new antiplatelet drug called PZ-128 has shown safe and fast effects in preventing blood clots, with reversal of its effects possible within 24 hours. The study found that the more PZ-128 was administered, the better it blocked platelet aggregation, with up to 100% effectiveness.
Researchers found that RNs are more likely than LPNs to detect medication order discrepancies involving high-risk medications, suggesting RNs are better equipped for comprehensive assessment and resident safety. This finding highlights the need to distinguish differences in responsibilities between RNs and LPNs in nursing homes.
Once-weekly GLP-1RAs lack clear-cut benefits and harms, making it challenging to choose the most suitable medication. The medications share similar outcomes for blood pressure and lipids but have differences in terms of HbA1c reduction and body weight, as well as risk of nausea and heart rate increase.
Researchers have successfully mapped the 3D structure of cubosomes, a biological 'capsule' that delivers molecules with high efficiency. The breakthrough can help promote the use of cubosomes in medicine and food science.
Research suggests that prescription medication can impair drivers' abilities, with Benzodiazepines increasing the risk of crashes. The symposium aims to address the issue through increased awareness and testing procedures.
A recent UK study found that around 1 in 100 patients are at risk of receiving an inappropriate prescription, highlighting the need for regular drug reviews. The study also emphasizes the importance of considering the risks of prescribing multiple drugs, particularly for older patients and those with multiple conditions.
A study of Canadian patients found that off-label prescription drug use was associated with a higher incidence of adverse drug events (ADEs), particularly when the use lacked strong scientific evidence. The study also found that patients using multiple medications had a significantly increased risk for ADEs.
A former FDA principal deputy commissioner proposes a solution to the dietary supplement regulation gridlock by focusing on improving safety rather than efficacy. The proposed framework includes pre-market registration, clearer disclaimers, and better standards for identifying substances to protect consumers from unsafe products.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found medication errors and adverse drug events occurred in almost 1 out of every 2 surgical operations, with a third resulting in harm to patients. The study analyzed over 275 operations and identified common causes of errors, including labeling mistakes and incorrect dosages.
A recent study by researchers found that FDA's 'breakthrough' designation significantly increases the percentage of people who rate a drug as effective and believe in its strong evidence. The study suggests that neutral terms with clear explanations may help consumers make more accurate judgments about these drugs.
Researchers use liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry screening to detect sibutramine and sildenafil in supplements. They tested over 100 products, including syrups and capsules sold in China and online.
A study found that tailored mobile health technologies can help patients with chronic kidney disease take their medications appropriately, with a 5% error rate. The technologies were designed to provide safe and easy-to-use medication guidance for patients.
A new anti-basigin drug has cured mice of established malaria infection with minimal side effects, offering hope for treating the deadly disease. The drug's development path may be less complex than traditional clinical trials, as it builds on existing knowledge of the protein's role in cancer and graft-versus-host disease.
Peter Fisher argues that homeopathy is misunderstood and that some reviews have omitted key evidence, while Edzard Ernst claims that most independent systematic reviews have failed to show homeopathy's effectiveness due to methodological flaws.
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy have discovered a link between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and drug metabolism. NASH, an increasingly common but often undiagnosed liver disease, can cause toxic levels of certain medications to be retained in the body.
Use of bisphosphonates declined by 50% from 2008 to 2012 following media reports on rare fractures. The study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research reveals a dramatic drop in osteoporosis medication use.
The FDA has published a paper highlighting its scientific approaches and regulatory processes for approving promising hepatitis C drugs. The agency emphasizes flexibility in considering innovative trial designs without compromising efficacy standards.
A recent study has found that women using newer types of combined oral contraceptives containing drospirenone, desogestrel, gestodene, and cyproterone have a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to those using older progestogens like levonorgestrel and norethisterone.
The Hastings Center Report delves into the impact of patient-satisfaction surveys on healthcare quality, arguing they may compromise care and raise costs. The issue also examines the role of courage in healthcare, highlighting its limitations in certain contexts.