Articles tagged with Drug Safety
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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 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 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 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.
A new class of PCSK9 antibodies has been shown to reduce mortality, lower LDL-cholesterol, and improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with dyslipidemia. The treatment was well-tolerated and proved safe, providing a promising alternative for those who do not respond to statins.
A study of 1,964 patients found extending natalizumab dosing up to 8 weeks is well-tolerated and effective in treating MS disease activity. No cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy were reported in the extended dosing group.
A global pandemic of fake medicines threatens decades of progress in combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Up to 41% of drug samples studied failed to meet quality standards, highlighting the urgent need for improved surveillance and detection methods.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine has reevaluated the safety of droperidol for sedating emergency patients with acute behavioral disturbance. The study found that droperidol is effective and safe when used alone, but combinations with benzodiazepines may increase adverse effects.
A study found that cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of marijuana, significantly reduced seizures in children with severe epilepsy. The drug was shown to decrease seizures by an average of 54 percent and improve convulsive seizure activity. However, side effects were reported in 6% of participants.
A new investigation by The BMJ reveals that NHS doctors could prescribe the affordable and effective sight loss drug Avastin for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. If allowed, this could release £102 million annually to reinvest in other frontline patient services.
The FDA approves new antibiotics with minimal evidence of efficacy against antimicrobial resistance. Despite this, industry and medical societies claim the drugs address the issue, sparking concerns over safety and efficacy standards.
A study published in the Journal of Patient Safety found that redesigned IV medication labels can significantly reduce the risk of medication errors in the operating room. The research used simulated surgical emergency scenarios and showed a higher correct selection rate with redesigned labels compared to standard labels.
A nationwide clinical trial found that Eylea performed better for those with moderate or worse vision loss, while Lucentis and Avastin performed similarly for people with mild DME. The study recruited 660 participants across the US, showing improved visual outcomes for patients treated with Eylea.
A clinical trial examined the safety and effectiveness of lisdexamfetamine in treating moderate to severe binge eating disorder. The study found that higher doses of lisdexamfetamine (50-70mg/day) were effective in decreasing binge-eating days and episodes, with a significant improvement in four-week cessation rates.
A phase 3 trial found zirconium cyclosilicate effectively lowered potassium levels to normal range and maintained them for up to 4 weeks. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed consistent results across patient subgroups, with 84% of patients achieving normal potassium levels within 24 hours.
A new study highlights the difficulty women with epilepsy face when becoming pregnant, as certain medications used to control seizures may be linked to developmental problems in children. The review of 28 studies found that children born to women who took sodium valproate had lower cognitive abilities than those whose mothers did not t...
A modified form of a medication called niclosamide may hold the key to battling type 2 diabetes by reducing liver fat and improving insulin function. The research aims to find a safe and practical way to diminish fat content in the liver, which could safely treat patients of all weights.
A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study found that nearly 2,100 oncology nurses and healthcare personnel do not always follow recommended safe handling practices for antineoplastic drugs. The lack of adherence increases exposure risk to cancer-causing agents, leading to adverse health outcomes.
Researchers developed a new test that determines which drugs are unlikely to work by analyzing their structural similarity to naturally occurring substances. The 'rule of 0.5' shows a strong correlation between marketed drugs and metabolites, indicating that molecules with low similarity are unlikely to succeed.
Researchers have developed a novel drug capsule coated with tiny needles that can deliver drugs directly into the lining of the stomach, bypassing the need for injections. The capsules successfully delivered insulin to pigs, causing a faster and larger reduction in blood glucose levels than traditional injections.
Commentaries in Annals of Internal Medicine argue that Proposition 46's mandatory physician drug testing could deter help-seeking and reporting, potentially harming patients. The authors instead advocate for addressing physician impairment through more nuanced solutions.
A retrospective single-center study found that restarting infliximab therapy after a drug holiday is safe and effective for IBD patients. The average duration of infliximab holiday was 15 months. Patients who were in remission at the time infliximab was discontinued showed a 78 percent response rate at one year.
A federal law aimed at reducing the use of 'club drugs' has failed, and instead put users at greater risk due to reduced access to safety measures like medical help and free water. The RAVE Act, enacted in 2003, targeted club owners but hindered their ability to provide necessary services.
The 340B program is facing critical issues such as eligibility definition, compliance, and transparency. RAND researchers estimate that the program accounts for $6 billion in outpatient drug spending and provides savings of $1.6 billion for eligible safety net providers.
A recent study found that 32% of newer drugs received a black box warning or were withdrawn for safety reasons, compared to 21.2% of older drugs. The study suggests that the FDA's expedited approval process may have led to the release of unsafe drugs.
The mHealth app industry has tremendous potential to broaden access to medical treatment and control costs, but lacks sufficient regulation by the FDA. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine notes that only about 100 out of 100,000 apps have been cleared by the FDA, while opponents see this as a deterrent to innovation.
A new investigation by The BMJ raises concerns about the top-selling blood-thinning drug dabigatran, citing withheld company information and potential flaws in regulatory decisions. Key findings suggest that monitoring blood levels could reduce major bleeding risks by up to 30-40%.
Research into bedaquiline, a new drug for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), should proceed cautiously in people with drug-sensitive tuberculosis. The drug has shown promising activity against MDR-TB but also presents safety concerns, including increased risk of liver and cardiac toxicity.
Researchers found that only five trials were focused specifically on drug safety, and 14 drugs were approved without condition-specific trials or trials in children. The study calls for increased regulatory emphasis on long-term safety and efficacy, particularly for chronic use medications.
The study's findings highlight the importance of API hydration in determining physical properties, such as stability and solubility. The research provides valuable insights into the mechanistic relationships between dehydration stages and lattice structure changes.
A CDC report documents outbreaks of infections caused by health care providers stealing or tampering with patients' medications. Over 100 infections and nearly 30,000 patients have been potentially exposed to bloodborne or bacterial pathogens over the past decade.
The FDA has approved medications that raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, despite inadequate safety data. The agency is urged to establish guidelines and require pharmaceutical companies to provide cardiovascular safety data on these medications.
A phase I study found that alisertib inhibited aurora A kinase, a target for aggressive lymphoma treatment, in about one-third of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The oral drug showed manageable side effects, paving the way for advanced trials.
The study demonstrates BioMAP Systems' effectiveness in identifying potential toxicities and off-target effects of drugs and chemicals. The approach can reproducibly pinpoint cellular mechanisms and biomarker endpoints underlying specific adverse reactions in humans.
At least 1 in 20 adult outpatients is misdiagnosed every year, affecting 12 million people nationwide. Half of these errors could be potentially harmful, according to research published in BMJ Quality & Safety.
A new study from the University of Vermont aims to provide timely access to effective treatment for Vermont's waited-listed opioid-dependent individuals. The treatment 'package' involves five key components, including buprenorphine maintenance therapy and innovative technology for safe medication administration.
A four-year study of over 3,000 opinions on Spanish web pages found that communication strategies aimed at creating risk perceptions about generic drugs may influence their low usage. Generic drugs have the same composition, quality, and safety as brand-name counterparts, yet their market share in Spain is lower than in Europe.
A team led by Robert Linhardt and Jian Liu created a synthetic form of low-molecular-weight heparin, which can be reversed in cases of overdose and is safer for patients with poor kidney function. The new drug is also cost-effective and has improved properties compared to the animal-derived alternative.
Two approved weight-loss drugs have been linked to serious harms, including memory and depression problems, and cardiovascular risks. Researchers question the FDA's decision to approve these medications without more definitive evidence.
The FDA has approved a new multiple sclerosis treatment regimen developed at Wayne State University, which involves injecting Copaxone at a higher dose but fewer times per week. The study demonstrated that this dosing regimen is effective and safe, with reduced relapse rates and improved tolerability.
The Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science at the University of Liverpool has received £3m in new funding to continue reducing the impact of adverse reactions to medicinal drugs. Adverse drug reactions result in significant healthcare costs and pose a major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry.