Articles tagged with Drug Safety
A study found that war veterans with insomnia preferred a combination of relaxation therapy, stimulus control instructions, and sleep education. The veterans also favored electronic approaches such as MP3 files and the Internet to deliver non-pharmacological treatment.
A new technology developed by University of Leeds engineers can monitor crystals as they form in drug manufacture, providing a method to ensure production of desired drug compounds. This can lead to huge delays and costly challenges for drug companies, but the technology has enormous commercial potential.
A new treatment using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has dramatically decreased death and disability in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a condition where blood clots inside the brain. The treatment, which clears trapped blood from the brain, showed an 80% survival rate for patients.
A new calcineurin inhibitor ISA247 has been shown to be safe and effective in treating moderate to severe psoriasis. The study found a strong correlation between drug dose and response, allowing for more accurate dosing to minimize side effects.
A recent study found that new anti-TNFα drugs are better than standard treatments for RA, with patients experiencing improved response when combined with methotrexate therapy. However, these drugs also have a higher frequency of adverse side effects, particularly at high doses.
Researchers explore a new approach to treating epilepsy by using the diabetes drug metformine, which targets metabolic pathways similar to a ketogenic diet. The study's findings suggest that metformine may suppress over-active nerve cells by removing excess energy production.
The FDA's proposed guidelines would reduce oversight of off-label drug use, allowing companies to market more drugs for unapproved uses. Stanford researcher Randall Stafford criticizes this move, arguing that physician judgment is critical and that evidence-based practice should be prioritized.
Research at Harvard University found that drugs approved on tight FDA deadlines are more likely to face later regulatory action for safety concerns. The study suggests that a more flexible approval protocol could improve drug safety and reduce rushed approvals.
Researchers have identified promising new drug targets for Huntington's disease, which can stimulate autophagy and alleviate the toxicity of malformed proteins. Candidate drugs include verapamil and clonidine, which have been shown to be safe and effective in cell-based models.
A review of over 700 pediatric drug trials found that only 13 studies had independent safety monitoring committees. The trials reported various adverse events and reactions, highlighting the need for greater safety measures and awareness in clinical trials involving children.
A major review found that only two per cent of paediatric drug trials had independent safety monitoring committees to detect adverse drug reactions. Clinical drug trials in children are essential for developing medicines and treatments, but greater safety measures and awareness are needed.
A survey of 3,639 college students found that those who used prescription medications without a prescription were more likely to screen positive for drug abuse than those who used them for medical reasons. The study highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of college students taking frequently abused medications.
The MIT-developed thin-film coating can deliver precise, remote-controlled doses of drugs to specific targets in the body. The film is made from alternating layers of materials and can be activated by applying a small electric field.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center tested the novel drug KAI-9803 in a clinical trial, finding promising signs of beneficial activity. Early data suggest that KAI-9803 may limit damage caused by reperfusion injury following PCI.
A new study in Zanzibar has shown the safety of delivering three antiparasitic drugs simultaneously to tackle three diseases. The co-administration of ivermectin, albendazole, and praziquantel was found to be safe and effective in reducing distribution costs and increasing community participation.
A device designed to eliminate mixing errors in children's medications was tested at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and found to be 100% accurate. The technology uses enhanced photoemission spectroscopy to verify the formulations of intravenous drugs, reducing potential medication errors.
A new study by Cambridge University found that doctors treating life-threatening emergencies like allergy attacks often give the wrong dosage of adrenaline because of confusing labelling. The researchers discovered that this can lead to dosing errors and delays in administering the drug.
A physician-scientist is urging improved drug regulation to ensure the cardiovascular safety of non-heart drugs. This includes earlier testing and continued evaluation of drug effects post-approval.
Two clinical trials demonstrated that Perforomist Inhalation Solution is a safe and effective treatment for moderate-to-severe COPD. The studies found no significant increases in cardiovascular events or adverse effects, making it a welcome addition to the physician's arsenal.
The University of Illinois Chicago has established a new center to study how consumers and clinicians make critical treatment decisions about therapeutic products. The center will design and test systems to optimize drug choice, monitoring, and safety, with the goal of improving healthcare outcomes.
A new communication tool, VMS, improves the effectiveness of medication instructions and reduces complications among patients taking warfarin. The study found that VMS worked especially well among Spanish-speaking patients, correcting misunderstandings within 28 days.
A meta-analysis of pioglitazone treatment found a significant reduction in heart attack, stroke, and death rates among type 2 diabetes patients, with no significant increase in cardiovascular death. However, the treatment also increased the risk for serious heart failure.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found a significant increase in adverse drug events reported to the FDA between 1998 and 2005. The number of serious adverse drug events nearly tripled, while adverse drug-related deaths increased 2.7-fold during this period.
Between 1998 and 2005, serious adverse drug events doubled, resulting in a significant increase in deaths associated with adverse drug events. The study found that pain medications and immune-modifying drugs contributed disproportionately to fatal events.
A study is underway to determine best practices for reducing non-intercepted medication errors, which result in over 7,000 inpatient deaths per year. The study aims to identify factors that contribute to the failure of nurses' efforts to intercept medication errors.
A report by the March of Dimes Foundation reveals that 122 pregnancies were exposed to Accutane despite a mandatory risk management program. The program, known as iPledge, aims to prevent pregnant women from being exposed to isotretinoin, a known teratogen.
A study of nearly 8,000 children found a significant rise in the prescribing of newer antiepileptic drugs, with concerns over their long-term safety. The research highlights the need for greater investment in paediatric drug development and testing.
A new study by Northwestern University's Charles Bennett found that RADAR identified serious drug reactions six years earlier than the FDA and drug companies. The team's proactive safety efforts provided doctors with important medical insights and guidance for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
In Italy, general practitioners receive frequent visits from drug sales reps, who provide information that doctors often consider reliable. A national continuing medical education program aims to disseminate independent, unbiased evidence through Clinical Evidence, a compendium of the best available research on treating common conditions.
The FDA has added 'black box' warnings to all prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers, despite evidence showing naproxen is safe. This decision ignores the risk differences between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with Voltaren carrying the highest risk of heart attack.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that detailed visits by drug representatives can lead to increased prescribing of gabapentin for non-approved uses. Doctors reported a substantial proportion of visits contained messages on non-approved uses, with many stating an intention to increase their use of the drug.
A new asthma inhaler propellant is safe and effective, but its higher cost will significantly impact consumers and healthcare systems. The switch from chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) to hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant may lead to increased costs for patients with prescription benefit plans, as well as co-pays.
The study found that the novel PPAR-alpha agonist LY518674 decreased triglycerides and increased HDL-C levels, but also raised safety concerns such as increased serum creatinine levels and cardiovascular toxicity. The results were generally similar to those of existing drugs like fenofibrate.
A new analysis suggests that allowing greater access to safety data would enable researchers to independently evaluate risks, resulting in more timely risk detection. The review recommends changes to the FDA's policy, including a heavier burden of proof and comprehensive public disclosure.
Recent IOM recommendations lack evidence to support claims of a drug safety crisis. A new editorial questions the science behind these reforms, citing a study on the benefits of reduced approval times over safety concerns.
A new study found that patients who received aprotinin during coronary artery bypass graft surgery had a higher risk of death over five years compared to those who did not receive the drug. The study, published in JAMA, also found that safer alternatives like aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid were available.
A new study published in The Annals of Pharmacotherapy found that phenylephrine may not be as effective as previously thought, with some studies showing no significant benefit. The study's findings suggest that higher doses of the drug could increase the risk of adverse effects, and the FDA is urged to require additional research.
Limited trials on obesity drugs have failed to show major reductions in related morbidity and mortality. The authors call for longer trial durations to ensure the development of safe and effective treatments.
Dextromethorphan abuse among California teens increased tenfold between 1999 and 2004, with 74.5% of cases involving youth aged 9-17. The trend was attributed to easy access and perceived safety of the medication.
The study found a potential increased risk of cardiovascular events among elderly individuals taking naproxen, while celecoxib showed no significant risk. The results contribute to the larger body of evidence on the safety of these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
A review of Clostridium sordellii infections suggests that the connection between mifepristone and misoprostol in medically induced abortions is unclear. Despite four reported deaths, nearly 2 million European women have used mifepristone without C. sordellii infections. Further research is needed to identify factors that predispose to...
A new study finds methylphenidate, a widely prescribed ADHD drug, to be safe and effective in preschoolers when used at low doses. However, younger children may experience slower growth rates and side effects such as irritability and weight loss.
A study by Saint Louis University researchers found that heart failure drug use plummeted after two negative articles were published in prominent medical journals. The study showed that doctors quickly changed their treatment practices when confronted with potential safety risks, highlighting the significant influence of medical public...
African trial finds amodiaquine a safe and effective treatment for malaria in pregnant women, overcoming resistance to chloroquine and SP. The study suggests amodiaquine alone or in combination with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine as an effective option for malaria treatment until artesunate-based therapy is deemed safe.
Five experts recommend Congressional action to address eight major problems, including inadequate funding and expertise. They propose five key changes to strengthen FDA's ability to assure public safety.
Researchers will analyze FDA database of electrocardiograms to identify early predictors of cardiac risk and develop new biomarkers for drug toxicity. The goal is to improve the safety of new drugs while reducing development costs.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that fewer than half of pediatric exclusivity studies were published in peer-reviewed journals, and the results were less likely to be published if the drug was deemed unsafe or ineffective in children. This lack of transparency can lead to detrimental patient care.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a specific drug, enoxaparin, significantly reduces major bleeding risks during stent and angioplasty procedures. The researchers also showed that patients receiving this drug were more likely to achieve optimal blood thinning levels.
The Mayo Clinic team has developed a consensus statement recommending the use of pamidronate over zoledronic acid for starting therapy, and stopping or reducing bisphosphonates after two years for safe management of multiple myeloma. The guidelines aim to minimize adverse reactions while maintaining effective bone disease prevention.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that galantamine, an Alzheimer's medication, can effectively counteract the toxic effects of nerve agents and certain insecticides. The treatment was shown to protect the brain from organophosphorus compounds, even when administered after exposure.
A University of Georgia study found that three-quarters of people prescribed antidepressant drugs receive the medications for a reason not approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. The researchers called for greater emphasis on evidence-based medicine to ensure greater safety in off-label prescribing.
A recent study found that prescription painkillers, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are involved in more drug overdose deaths than cocaine or heroin in the US. Overdose deaths from these drugs have increased significantly over the past 15 years, with sales of opioid painkillers rising parallel to deaths.
A large-scale study found that two-thirds of patients stopped using Uprima due to ineffectiveness, with 70% of family doctors agreeing. The study analyzed data from 11,185 patients and showed that the most common adverse reactions were headache and nausea.
The number of outpatient health care visits for antipsychotic medications among children and adolescents in the US increased six-fold between 1993 and 2002. Diagnoses included disruptive behavior disorder, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. Further research is needed to confirm safety and efficacy.
A Stanford scientist's study reveals that 21% of prescriptions dispensed in 2001 were for conditions with little or no FDA-approved evidence, and 73% had no scientific backing. This practice, known as off-label prescribing, carries unknown risks and lacks rigorous scrutiny.
The proposed approach would feature conditional approval followed by postmarketing studies required before condition removal. The FDA needs increased ability to regulate drugs after marketing with more resources for postmarketing safety studies.
Authors debate the benefits and harms of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. Some argue it can promote underused, life-saving medications, while others claim it raises patients' expectations, increases the quality of care, but also delivers flawed information that may lead to premature adoption of new drugs.
Several serious adverse effects have been identified from analyzing medical insurance claims data. Researchers will present a case study on bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis using dental claims data for enhanced drug safety surveillance.
The conference focused on idiosyncratic DILI, a rare form of liver damage caused by genetic and non-genetic factors. Researchers aim to develop diagnostic tools to identify patients at risk, with studies examining DNA, lymphocytes, and serum samples from patients who have experienced and recovered from idiosyncratic DILI.
The study found that all 55 percent of plastic surgery patients using herbal supplements took at least two different supplements daily, posing bleeding, respiratory, and immunosuppression risks. Patients should inform doctors about natural supplements to ensure safe discontinuation periods and smooth recoveries.