Articles tagged with Drug Safety
A study of 401 US pharmacists found that they are concerned about the safety and quality of imported prescription medications. Pharmacists generally favored regulatory actions to decrease counterfeiting and believed that US pharmacy oversight could mitigate safety risks if importation is allowed.
A study examined the association between cerivastatin sodium and rhabdomyolysis to illustrate the US postmarketing safety-surveillance system's limitations. The authors suggest an outside group should review label changes, new studies, or suspension of sales to balance patient and industry interests.
The US postmarketing surveillance system requires major restructuring to effectively monitor drug safety. An independent agency would oversee the process, ensuring complete independence from pharmaceutical industry influence.
Researchers found that current use of all acid-suppressive drugs was associated with a 27% increase in the risk of pneumonia, particularly among those using proton pump inhibitors or H2-receptor antagonist drugs. The study highlights the need for rational prescribing practices to minimize potential complications.
The article discusses the importance of rigorous data collection and review in drug development, citing the Vioxx case as a prime example. Pharmaceutical companies must also learn from their mistakes, and regulatory agencies must reassess safety and efficacy thresholds to prevent patient harm.
A new study highlights the long-term efficacy and safety of the angina drug nifedipine GITS, showing it can be used safely for the treatment of patients with coronary disease. The trial found similar mortality rates among those receiving the medication and a placebo, but lower incidence of heart failure and coronary interventions.
A review found no reliable scientific evidence supports the use of C. aurantium for weight loss, and high doses may not be safe. The herb interacts with drugs in a manner similar to grapefruit juice, increasing blood levels and potential side effects.
A Northwestern Memorial Hospital study demonstrates that medication reconciliation reduces patient harm and is cost-effective. Pharmacists play a critical role in reconciling medication discrepancies, which can occur during patient transfers or discharge.
Studies suggest that over-the-counter 'Plan B' emergency contraception may lead to increased risk-taking behaviors and reduced comprehensive healthcare access for US women. The drug has an 11-25% failure rate, resulting in additional pregnancies and abortions.
Rosuvastatin, marketed as Crestor, has been linked to a higher incidence of rhabdomyolysis and renal insufficiency compared to other statins. The drug's manufacturer, AstraZeneca, is estimated to be seeking $20 billion in annual sales, making it morally unjustifiable to keep the drug on the market.
A one-year study involving 539 adolescents aged 12 to 16 found that Xenical significantly reduced fat mass, waist circumference, and BMI compared to lifestyle changes alone. The medication was well-tolerated, with similar adverse events reported as in adults.
The guidelines provide a rigorous analysis of the safety, efficacy, and mode of use of new antiepileptic drugs, offering clinicians evidence-based assessments for treatment decisions. The guidelines address concerns about side effects and liver metabolism, providing guidance on using newer drugs safely and effectively.
The American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society have developed guidelines for treating newly diagnosed and difficult-to-manage epilepsy. The guidelines evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mode of use of eight new anti-epileptic drugs, offering a rigorous analysis that clinicians can use to make treatment decisions.
A study analyzing published and unpublished trials found that most SSRI antidepressants pose a higher risk than benefits in treating childhood depression. The analysis highlights the need for greater access to unpublished data from the pharmaceutical industry to ensure accurate treatment guidelines.
A study by Northwestern Memorial Hospital suggests that CPOE systems with significant clinical decision support and pharmacist involvement can improve medication safety. However, the system's limitations in artificial intelligence mean that human oversight remains crucial to prevent prescribing errors.
SOS Rx aims to produce behavior changes in consumers through education efforts and institutional changes within the health care system through advocacy. The coalition is exploring ways to promote system-wide changes, including a clearinghouse of safe practices and personal medication records.
In the phase III trial, exemestane demonstrated superior efficacy over tamoxifen in patients with hormone-responsive metastatic breast cancer, with a median progression-free survival of 10.9 months compared to 6.7 months for tamoxifen. The study also showed improved response rates and safety profile for exemestane.
The USP MEDMARX report supports JCAHO's National Patient Safety Goals by highlighting the need to prevent patient misidentification, miscommunication, and errors with high-risk medications. The report found that 4.7% of records involved wrong-patient errors, while communication issues were the third leading cause of errors.
A recent study found that a sepsis drug, DAA, can significantly reduce hospital care and mortality rates among older patients. The study, which followed 386 patients over two years, showed that the drug improved survival rates and reduced the need for intensive care.
The use of generic drugs led to a slowdown in prescription drug spending during the first quarter, with a 3.2% reduction in dollar outlay. Physicians responded positively to safety warnings and modified patient therapy as a result, with 38% changing or modifying their treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made a breakthrough in treating children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). A multi-center study found that peginterferon alfa-2a was effective in reducing the virus in 43% of pediatric patients. The new treatment approach offers hope to both affected children and their worried families.
A new antibiotic, fosmidomycin, has been shown to be effective against the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, with rapid parasite elimination and fever reduction. Cure rates after two weeks were 89%, 88%, and 60% for treatment durations of 5, 4, and 3 days, respectively.
The study found that COX-2 inhibitors led to a substantial increase in NSAID prescriptions and expenditures among elderly patients in Ontario. The listing of these medications had an immediate impact, accounting for 48% of prescriptions and 66% of expenditures for NSAIDs.
A randomized trial of simvastatin in 173 children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia found significant reductions in all cholesterol measures. The drug was well-tolerated and did not affect growth or pubertal development, making it a safe option for treating inherited high cholesterol in children.
Researchers at Stanford University Medical Center have confirmed that pill-splitting can be a safe and viable cost-saving strategy for certain medications. By splitting higher-strength pills to achieve desired dosages, patients can reduce medication costs by up to 50%. However, the practice must be implemented with careful controls and...
A study by Georgetown University researchers found that initially recommended drug dosages are often too high, which can lead to unnecessary overdosing. This discrepancy has significant implications for patient safety and healthcare costs. Further research is needed to address the issue of dose-selection in drug development.
A new study found sertraline to be both safe and effective in treating depression among hospitalized heart patients. The trial showed a 23% reduction in life-threatening cardiovascular events, although not statistically significant, indicating potential benefits of sertraline for this population.
A study found that UK family doctors under-report suspected adverse drug reactions, with only 9% of events reported to the CSM. However, serious events were five times more likely to be reported than non-serious ones.
The Suncoast Developmental Center will analyze data on patient falls and medication errors among elderly patients to improve patient safety. Researchers aim to identify checks and balances in the healthcare system to prevent or reduce mistakes.
A meta-analysis of 27 trials involving over 136,000 people found that lowering high blood pressure is the most important effect of all drug treatments, with little difference between various drugs used. The study's results support the importance of detecting and treating raised blood pressure to prevent cardiovascular disease.
The study recommends that physicians specifically ask patients about herbal medication use before surgery, as many patients fail to disclose their use. Herbal medications can affect heart rate, blood clotting, and immune function, making it essential for patients to stop taking them before surgery.
A Yale University study found no correlation between household hazards and elderly falls, contradicting common wisdom. Instead, researchers recommend targeting proven methods like increasing muscle strength, improving gait and balance, and proper medication management.
Defibrillator availability for home use could save thousands of lives, says Dr. Mickey Eisenberg. Despite high costs, he suggests AEDs could become more affordable and accessible with proper labeling and training.
A study of homeless people in Toronto shelters found that 72% had difficulties managing their diabetes due to factors like shelter diet and medication logistics. The authors recommend improving care by establishing secure areas for insulin administration and assessing shelter meals.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) will review testing recommendations for future studies on DNA-based therapies, dietary supplements, and occupational chemicals. The agenda includes discussion of DNA-derived vaccines, gene therapies, and radio frequency radiation emissions from cellular phones.
The Clinical Advantage program aims to reduce the gap between effective treatments and conventional care for heart attack patients. By implementing evidence-based techniques, hospitals hope to improve assessment, management, and discharge planning, resulting in better patient outcomes.
The National Patient Safety Foundation announced four grant winners in its 1999 Research Awards, supporting projects aimed at improving patient safety. The grants, totaling up to $100,000, will fund studies on various aspects of patient safety, including cardiac surgery and pediatric sedation.
Researchers at Vion Pharmaceuticals have developed a novel gene-based anti-cancer drug delivery system using Salmonella bacteria. The TAPET technology has shown complete tumor regression in mice and high safety profiles, with potential applications for treating various types of cancer.
The National Patient Safety Foundation has launched an initiative to reduce medication error risk, focusing on redesigning practices for safe medication use. Key findings include the need for broad cooperation across the healthcare system to improve pharmaceutical safety.
A new botulinum toxin type B medication has shown significant improvements in pain, disability, and disease severity in cervical dystonia patients. The treatment's benefits lasted for 12-16 weeks with no serious adverse side effects reported.
The US dietary supplement market is projected to reach $14 billion in 2000, with most supplements being unregulated. Dr. Steven H. Zeisel proposes creating a special 'nutraceuticals' category for regulated supplements that deliver concentrated forms of bioactive agents beyond food levels.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a new approach to bone marrow transplantation that prevents graft-versus-host disease by inactivating antigen-presenting cells. This technique targets T cell stimulation, reducing immune system suppression and potentially improving cancer treatment outcomes.
A human factors approach to interface design significantly reduces errors in patient-controlled analgesia. The redesigned device shows a 55% reduction in errors, an 18% improvement in performance time, and a strong preference among nurses.
The safety of new high blood pressure drugs is being questioned due to insufficient data. Centrally acting antihypertensives have been found to target brainstem receptors that orchestrate blood vessel dilation, but concerns remain over their long-term effectiveness in reducing heart attacks, strokes, and deaths.
A unique gel formulation of diazepam has been found to reduce the severity of acute repetitive seizure episodes in both children and adults. The treatment, administered through a Quick-Dose delivery system, protects patients from seizure recurrence and enables caregivers to administer treatment privately.
Three experts recommend establishing a national office of drug safety to track and reduce prescription drug-related injuries, which could be the fourth-leading cause of death in the US. The proposed office should develop reliable estimates of deaths and serious injuries from prescription drugs.
Researchers at the Brain Attack Team (BAT) are developing Tele-BAT, a system that enables remote evaluation of stroke patients via video, cellular telephone, and computer technology. This allows for faster diagnosis and treatment, as it can provide valuable information to emergency rooms before patients arrive.
A nationwide review of managed-care companies' gatekeeping practices found nearly one-third of patients denied emergency medical care suffered adverse outcomes. The study highlights the need for in-person medical assessments, as telephone gatekeeping failed to reliably distinguish between safe and unsafe cases.
Researchers have found a potential link between calcium channel blockers and brain damage, as well as impaired memory. The study analyzed data from the Cardiovascular Health Study and found that participants taking these medications had more evidence of white matter hyperintensity and lower scores on mental tests.
A meta-analysis of 98 studies found that sustained-release and extended-release formulations of nifedipine are safe when used in combination with diuretics or beta blockers. However, patients taking short-acting nifedipine were more likely to experience adverse side effects.
A University of Pittsburgh study has successfully weaned 41 adults and children off immunosuppressive drugs for extended periods, with 25 patients remaining drug-free after seven years or more. Close surveillance is crucial to manage rejection and prevent graft loss, says Dr. Reyes.
The FDA has approved fexofenadine, a new antihistamine that effectively relieves seasonal allergy symptoms without the risk of fatal heart conditions. Developed by Georgetown pharmacologist Raymond Woosley, fexofenadine was discovered through research on Seldane's cardiac side effects.
Daily performance testing is suitable for immediate determination of relevant psychomotor impairment at the start of work. However, managers must remain aware of test limitations associated with job requirements, such as decision-making skills required for driving a truck safely.