Articles tagged with Drug Safety
A new report finds that the drug meloxicam is safe for vultures and effective in treating livestock, providing a potential solution to combat diclofenac's devastating effects on vulture populations. The three endangered species of Asian vultures are critically close to extinction due to diclofenac use.
Despite extensive research and calls for reform, US hospitals' patient safety systems have made only modest progress. The study found that while some areas, like surgery, have implemented effective safety measures, others, such as medication management, have seen improvements but are already at high baseline levels.
The Institute for OneWorld Health has received a multimillion-dollar grant from the Gates Foundation to combat VL, a fatal disease transmitted by sand flies. The grant will support a long-term control program, including Phase 4 demonstration studies and clinical trials in children.
A study found that doctors frequently prescribe high-risk drugs despite warning labels, with noncompliance rates ranging from 12.8% to 49.6%. The authors recommend improving warning clarity, patient education, and system support to enhance adherence to recommended practices.
The available evidence on Herceptin for early breast cancer is insufficient to make reliable judgments, states The Lancet. Drug regulatory agencies must consider the totality of available evidence and be free from external influences.
Researchers found that statin drugs can reverse learning deficits in mice with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition affecting five percent of the world population. The treatment enables normal brain cell communication, creating physical changes in the brain and improving memory.
Experts from Group Health Research Institute outline five principles for making informed decisions on drug coverage, prioritizing true experiments, real health outcomes, and full ranges of alternatives. These evidence-based guidelines aim to protect patients and promote cost-effectiveness.
Five high-profile medical whistleblowers share their accounts of practices in medicine and research that risk public health and safety. They reveal the 'pharma-FDA complex' may compromise drug development, prescribing, and safety monitoring, leading to potential disasters like Vioxx.
The report has had a positive impact on improving patient safety by changing healthcare views, enlisting support from stakeholders, and altering practices. Clinical effectiveness of safe practices implemented in hospitals show promising results, including reduced medical errors, adverse drug events, and cardiac arrests.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal reports that prescription drug costs have surpassed $18 billion. This significant increase underscores the importance of disseminating unbiased information to ensure patient safety and healthcare sustainability.
A study examining nearly 100,000 patients found that nearly half did not receive recommended laboratory tests to monitor potential drug side effects. The researchers conclude that lapses in drug safety monitoring are common and further research is needed to determine the extent of its impact on actual medical problems.
Researchers have confirmed that methotrexate and leflunomide are safe and effective treatments for children with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The study found a higher response rate in children compared to adults, providing new hope for families affected by this chronic disease.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that drug eluting stents are just as effective and safe for women as they are for men. However, female patients experience higher re-intervention rates due to smaller vessels and perceived narrower narrowing.
A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that medication errors are a significant issue in hospitalized patients. The study examined 151 patients who took at least four prescription medicines at home and had unplanned hospital admissions, revealing that 53.6% had at least one unintended medication discrepancy.
A study of 294 injection drug users found that those who had injected for over two years were two and a half times more likely to access syringes from safe sources. Safe injection and disposal practices were not associated with HIV, hepatitis C, or syringe sharing.
Researchers examine the 75-year history of hormone therapy, including the Women's Health Initiative study that found increased risks of breast cancer, dementia, and heart attacks in women taking combination hormone therapy. The authors argue that conflicting interests between women, physicians, and drug companies have contributed to th...
A cardiologist will testify at an FDA hearing on the implications of animal tests in approving COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx. The report reveals that these drugs had a heart-protective effect in mice and other animals, contrary to their human performance.
A recent study found that Vioxx increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 34%, with a higher risk associated with standard and high doses. The study estimated that 88,000-140,000 excess cases of serious coronary heart disease occurred in the US due to Vioxx use.
The author highlights the need for more trials to assess cardiovascular risks of COX-2 inhibitors in clinical settings. The FDA's authority is crucial in ensuring the safety profile of prescription medicines and restoring public trust.
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 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 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 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.