Articles tagged with Drug Safety
A new UCLA study has found that metformin is safe for use in treating patients with both diabetes and advanced heart failure, suggesting improved survival rates. The study involved 401 patients who were followed for 14 years and showed a lower risk of death among those taking metformin.
A new ALS drug, talampanel, has shown some ability to slow the loss of major daily life activities such as speaking, walking and dressing. The study found that talampanel slowed progression of ALS by 30 percent, according to the ALS Functional Rating Scale.
A study found that 44% of patients believe they are receiving a medication they don't need, and 96% cannot recall at least one prescribed medication. The study highlights the importance of patient knowledge in preventing medication errors.
A new study by McMaster researcher Sam Schulman found that an oral drug called dabigatran etexilate is as safe and effective as warfarin for treating venous thromboembolism (VTE), a common clotting disorder affecting millions annually. The drug does not require frequent monitoring or dose adjustments, making it a convenient alternative.
A statistical analysis found that FDA review intervals for new drugs remained unchanged from 1997 to 2006, despite increased investment in information technology. The study analyzed data on three main categories of new drugs and found no statistically significant reduction in review times.
The University of Rochester Medical Center has launched a new center to improve cardiac safety and understand cardiac arrhythmias. The center will utilize a vast database of ECG data to develop novel methods and technologies to predict cardiac arrhythmias.
A CDC investigation found that contaminated pre-filled heparin and saline syringes from a single company led to 162 S. marcescens bloodstream infections in nine states. The company failed to comply with FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices, leading to the voluntary recall of affected syringes.
A large cohort study found no significant risks of major congenital malformations associated with H2 blocker exposure during pregnancy. The study involved 1,148 infants exposed to H2 blockers and 84,823 unexposed infants, showing no increased risk of perinatal mortality or birth complications.
Abatacept, a new biologic drug, is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis by blocking immune cell actions, reducing pain and swelling. The review of seven trials found significant improvements in patients' symptoms and joint health, with no progression of joint damage at 12-month follow-up
Scientists have developed micrometer-sized capsules that can safely deliver drugs inside living cells. These 'micro shuttles' can be loaded with specific doses and released by biological triggers or light activation, offering a promising solution for managing chronic conditions.
The increasing use of smart drugs to boost academic performance may necessitate routine doping tests for exam students, suggests Vince Cakic. Despite the illegitimacy of chemically enhanced academic success, nootropics are near impossible to ban due to their ready availability for therapeutic use.
The USP's Annual Scientific Meeting highlighted efforts to combat counterfeit and adulterated food and drugs, with a focus on measurement science and international cooperation. Experts discussed sophisticated quality measurement techniques and technologies, as well as the need for consumer education and vigilance.
A new once-daily medication has shown to be as effective as multiple dosings for treating the most common mouth infection in HIV/AIDS patients. The treatment, a small tablet applied daily, provides relief from oral candidiasis (OC) with few or no side effects.
Recent observational studies show no overall safety issue with drug eluting stents compared to bare metal stents, with lower risks of death or myocardial infarction. However, late stent thrombosis remains higher and uniquely associated with drug eluting stents, necessitating improved patient selection and treatment strategies.
A recent national survey found that physicians inaccurately believed in the FDA approval status of 22 drug-indication pairs, including lorazepam for chronic anxiety and quetiapine for dementia with agitation. The study highlights the need for better methods to inform physicians about the level of evidence supporting off-label drug use.
Researchers link high blood pressure to multiple sclerosis and suggest a safe, inexpensive drug lisinopril could be an effective treatment option. The study found that lisinopril controls blood pressure by blocking an enzyme that converts angiotensin's precursor into the active hormone.
A new study reveals that 95% of older drivers (ages 55+) have medical conditions and take medications, yet only 28% are aware of the potential impact on their driving ability. The researchers emphasize the need for increased education and awareness among health professionals and patients to address this critical issue.
A study found that clozapine, restricted due to safety concerns, is associated with lower mortality compared to other antipsychotics. Long-term use of any antipsychotic reduces mortality by around 20%, indicating restrictions may have caused thousands of extra deaths worldwide.
Researchers have discovered that two commercially available drugs used for Parkinson's treatment, entacapone and tolcapone, have potential to treat multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. The study, published in PLOS Computational Biology, uses a novel computational strategy and experimental validation to support this repositioning.
A new study in CMAJ reports that oseltamivir and zanamivir are relatively safe for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women during the H1N1 pandemic. Pregnant women, especially those in the third trimester, are at high risk of serious complications from the flu virus.
A large cohort study found that metoclopramide poses no significant risks for fetal development when used to relieve morning sickness nausea, supporting its safe use during pregnancy. The study analyzed data from over 80,000 infants born to mothers who received the medication during the first trimester.
Researchers have found that humans are likely exposed to a daily dose of bisphenol A (BPA) that far exceeds the current estimated safe daily intake dose. The study, which involved five female adult monkeys, suggests that BPA exposure comes from multiple unknown sources beyond food and beverage containers.
A legal loophole in Canada's advertising regulations has exposed Canadians to more than $90 million worth of drug ads, including those for life-threatening medications. The study found that four out of eight heavily advertised drugs had black box warnings and five had been subject to Health Canada safety advisories.
A pooled analysis of two studies found significant improvements in pulmonary function, dyspnea, and rescue medication use when Perforomist Inhalation Solution was added to maintenance tiotropium. Patient satisfaction also increased with twice-daily Perforomist Inhalation Solution compared to ipratropium/albuterol metered-dose inhaler.
The SCAAR registry study analyzed 47,967 patients who received drug eluting stents (DES) between 2003 and 2006. The results found no significant difference in late mortality between DES and bare metal stent (BMS) groups.
A University of Rochester Medical Center survey found teens lack knowledge about over-the-counter pain medications, with only 35% correctly identifying acetaminophen and Tylenol. Chronic misuse can lead to liver damage and accidental overdose
A new method for testing drugs predicts toxicity in some people, with genetic variations being key factor. The approach has potential to improve the development process and reduce costs.
Medication errors in the ICU account for 78% of serious medical errors. Implementing strategies such as computerizing orders, reconciling medications, and maintaining detailed medication lists can help prevent errors and improve patient safety.
A steroid nasal wash containing budesonide appears to reduce symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis in patients. The medication is found to be safe and effective for short-term use, with minimal risk of systemic adverse effects.
A recent study found that Phase I drug trials are underreported, with only 17% published in scientific journals. The lack of transparency can compromise the safety and efficacy of new drugs, highlighting the need for increased mechanisms to ensure complete availability of trial results.
A new study found that clinicians override over 90% of drug interaction and allergy alerts, highlighting the need for improved decision support systems to enhance patient safety. The researchers recommend reclassifying alert severity, providing an option to suppress alerts, and customizing them for a clinician's specialty.
A new study by Queen's University Belfast emphasizes the importance of licensed medicines for children, with 86% of respondents unaware of unlicensed medicine use. The study calls for more clinical trials to ensure safe and effective treatment, highlighting a need to bridge the gap between adult and child medicine.
A vascular drug has improved spatial learning and working memory in middle-aged rats, suggesting potential benefits for cognitive function in humans. The findings support the use of the drug as a cognitive enhancer for age- or neurodegenerative-related memory dysfunction.
A survey of healthcare professionals revealed overwhelmingly negative opinions on proposals to switch trimethoprim and tamsulosin to over-the-counter availability. Concerns about antibiotic resistance, misdiagnosis, and potential misuse led to strong opposition.
Several herbal remedies commonly used for menopausal symptoms, such as black cohosh and red clover, lack strong evidence supporting their effectiveness. The study highlights the need for better-designed trials to assess the safety and efficacy of these herbal products.
Phylonix Pharmaceuticals has been awarded a Phase II SBIR grant from the NIH to develop high-throughput in vivo zebrafish assays for assessing Cytochrome P450 drug metabolism and safety. The assay will accelerate drug metabolism and safety profiling, reducing costly late-stage development failures.
A study found that 2.2 million older US adults take multiple medications, with half involving nonprescription medications, increasing the risk of harmful drug-drug interactions. The most common interaction was bleeding problems, often caused by combining prescription and over-the-counter medications.
A new study published in CMAJ found that patients receiving drug eluting stents had better outcomes, including lower mortality rates, compared to those with bare metal stents. However, the study also noted an increased risk of repeat revascularization procedures or death after three years.
Lack of data on statin safety and efficacy in children and youth raises concerns about potential risks. Experts recommend caution and alternative management tools, citing the need for further research.
The UAB Center will examine the risks and benefits of eight biologics used for autoimmune disorders, including women, children, minorities, and the disabled. The study aims to boost understanding of these drugs and guide medical professionals, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies.
A novel topical treatment for cold sores has demonstrated equivalent efficacy to oral systemic drugs without safety or toxicity concerns. The treatment, NB-001, speeds up healing of lesions by 1.3 days and is well-tolerated with no adverse events.
A meta-analysis of 40 clinical trials found that metformin hydrochloride was associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to other oral diabetes agents or placebo. However, the study did not find significant associations between other diabetes medications and beneficial or harmful cardiovascular effects.
Rutgers University has received a $2.3 million federal grant to lead a national study on the use, safety, and effectiveness of antipsychotic medications. The study will focus on subpopulations such as the elderly and youth, where evidence is incomplete on medication outcomes.
According to a study published in JAMA, approximately one in four approved biological medicinal products had at least one safety-related regulatory action issued 10 years after their approval. The average time to a safety-related regulatory action was 3.7 years, with 70.7% of actions occurring within five years after approval.
A safety and efficacy study found tribendimidine to be effective against hookworm, large roundworm, whipworm, threadworm, and tapeworm infections. The new drug cured up to 92% of soil-transmitted helminth infections in a highly endemic setting in China.
A new drug class, ranolazine, has been approved for the treatment of chronic stable angina, providing a safe and effective alternative to existing treatments. Ranolazine has been shown to reduce anginal episodes by one attack per week and extend exercise time before an angina attack develops, with benefits seen in men more than women.
A study by Lifespan and Hasbro Children's Hospital found that nearly one in 10 American children received free drug samples in 2004. The top four most frequently distributed medications have significant new safety concerns, including schedule II controlled substances that carry high potential for abuse.
Research from the University of Missouri has shown a significant relationship between BPA exposure and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver enzyme abnormalities. The FDA is urged to take action to reduce human and environmental exposures to BPA due to its adverse health effects.
A new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that ipratropium increases the risk of heart attack or arrhythmia by 34% compared to albuterol or no treatment. The study suggests that the medication may have a systemic cardiovascular effect, increasing mortality risk in COPD patients.
The SITS-ISTR study found that alteplase was safe and effective when given 3-4.5 hours after stroke onset, similar to the traditional 3-hour treatment window. Outcome measures were comparable in both groups, with similar mortality rates, brain haemorrhage risk, and independence at 3 months.
A new study highlights the need to develop systems to assess antimalarial drug safety in early pregnancy, as artemisinins have been shown to be toxic to embryos in animal models. An international antimalarial pregnancy exposure registry is proposed to enable targeted pharmacovigilance and timely assessment of risk-benefit profiles.
Researchers analyzed 67 pediatric drugs, finding nearly 1 in 5 required label changes due to life-threatening adverse events. The study highlights the importance of post-marketing surveillance for pediatric safety.
A study found that one-fifth of Ayurvedic medicines purchased online exceed acceptable standards for lead, mercury, and arsenic. Rasa shastra medicines were more likely to contain detectable metals, posing a risk to users.
A study analyzing prescription data found that anti-psychotic drug use increased by 20% among elderly patients with dementia after safety warnings were issued. The warnings, issued between 2002 and 2007, aimed to reduce the risk of stroke or death associated with these drugs.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases reveals that adverse reactions to antibiotics cause an estimated 142,000 emergency department visits per year in the United States. The majority of these reactions are allergic, with over 80% being related to penicillins and other antibiotics.
A study found that rituximab significantly reduces kidney injury in patients with membranous nephropathy, reversing functional and biological abnormalities. The treatment achieved complete remission in 10 patients, including significant healing of kidney damage.
Scientists at NIST have developed a technique to accurately measure the formation of protein clumps in biologic drugs, addressing a major concern for quality control and safety. The new method uses electrospray differential mobility analysis (ES-DMA) to quickly resolve particle sizes differing by as little as 0.2 nanometers.
Researchers analyzed medication orders that were withdrawn within 45 minutes and found a 66% rate of errors. The study suggests a systematic method for identifying prescribing errors, which can be used to screen for errors and as a teaching tool.
Researchers at UNC have identified specific prescription drugs that increase the risk of falls for patients aged 65 and older who take four or more medications. These medications, including antidepressants and painkillers, work to depress the central nervous system, making patients less alert and slower to react.
A long-term safety study on Lialda found that the medication is generally well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild or moderate in intensity. The study also showed that a majority of patients remained in remission for 12 months.