Articles tagged with Drug Safety
The Swiss Memory Clinics network has released new national guidelines on the use of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies, such as Lecanemab and Donanemab, for treating Alzheimer's disease. The guidelines outline criteria for patient selection, biomarker confirmation, and infrastructure requirements to support safe treatment delivery.
A new study in The Lancet Public Health finds that safer supply programs complement existing treatment options for people struggling with opioid use disorder. Safer supply programs provide pharmaceutical-grade opioids to reduce overdose rates, healthcare utilization, and costs.
Common prescription medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis, potentially causing developmental disorders. The editorial highlights the need for mandatory sterol biosynthesis screening in clinical practice.
A study found that psilocybin use increased nationwide since 2019, particularly among young adults and older adults with conditions like depression and anxiety. The researchers urge better education, tracking, and health system preparedness as poison center calls rise.
A multisource observational study found psilocybin use increased across all age groups, with those having mental or physical comorbidities being the most common users. Psilocybin exposure rates reported to U.S. poison centers increased significantly among adults and children.
A study published by the European Association for the Study of Obesity found that women are significantly more aware of and have a better understanding of obesity drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Understanding tolerable side effects, effectiveness, and ability to maintain weight loss is crucial for people commencing treatment.
A recent study published in Current Neuropharmacology suggests a potential link between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists and depression, particularly in individuals with low dopamine function. The authors urge caution and recommend genetic testing to identify individuals at risk before prescribing these medications.
University of Virginia researcher Natasha D. Sheybani has received a $5.5 million grant to advance her research on focused ultrasound technology for breast cancer immunotherapy. Her work aims to enhance the safety, effectiveness, and precision of immunotherapy drugs.
Novel biomarkers like miRNA-34a link anthracyclines to cardiotoxicity, while stem cell therapy and nanotechnology offer potential for prevention and treatment. Traditional strategies have limitations, but new approaches hold hope for improved patient outcomes.
A Rice University-led team developed an implantable 'cytokine factory' that triggers potent immune responses against hard-to-treat cancers. The IL-12 cytokine factory successfully induces the recruitment of tumor-targeting T cells, eliminating local and distal tumors in preclinical models.
A team of scientists at the University of Florida has developed a new drug compound that selectively targets delta opioid receptors, providing pain relief without the dangerous side effects associated with opioids. The study's findings offer a promising approach to developing safer pain treatments, which could also be applied to treati...
A new analysis suggests that fees for food companies could generate much-needed resources for the FDA to strengthen its oversight of foods and keep unsafe ingredients out of the market. The FDA's current lack of resources hampers its ability to ensure the safety of the country's food supply, with growing concerns about the agency's ina...
The expansion of mifepristone to community pharmacies has increased access to abortion services in Ontario, with the proportion of regions with a pharmacy or procedural provider growing from 20% to 82%. The study found that access to abortion services improved in both urban and rural areas.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that ADHD medications have small but significant effects on blood pressure and heart rate. While there were concerns about the side effects of these medications, the study suggests that their benefits outweigh the risks.
In an open-label study, patients hospitalized for a serious heart attack who received rivaroxaban or warfarin had similar efficacy and safety outcomes. Rivaroxaban showed comparable results in dissolving left ventricular blood clots at three months follow-up.
Researchers have identified six promising biomarkers that can detect drug-induced kidney injury earlier than traditional markers, enabling more timely monitoring during drug development. These biomarkers could lead to the development of safer medications and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers propose GLDH as a more liver-specific biomarker for detecting liver injury, offering greater specificity than current ALT and AST tests. The test performed similarly to ALT for detecting liver injury but was not impacted by associated muscle injury.
A UniSA-led study is trialing medication safety rounds in aged care homes to identify and address potential problems with medication use. The project aims to reduce medication-induced harm and improve residents' health and wellbeing through pharmacist-led safety rounds, adapting an existing palliative care need rounds model.
A study found that genetic variants in three genes (CYP2C19, CYP2D6, SLCO1B1) can lead to adverse reactions in up to 75% of cases. This could allow for personalized prescribing and reduce ADRs by three quarters.
The Ochsner Children's & ISMP Safe Medication Management Fellowship aims to educate pharmacist leaders in the fight against medication errors. Participants will learn from ISMP's experts virtually and support error prevention efforts onsite at Ochsner Children's in New Orleans.
The Dexcom G7 CGM device demonstrated an accuracy of 8.0% in a study involving 130 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, setting a new standard for continuous glucose monitoring devices.
More than 20 leading organizations and providers urge the FDA to take action following the recent resolution of GLP-1 medicine shortages. Signatories include the Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention, Association of Black Cardiologists, and National Hispanic Medical Association.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of xylazine in Tijuana's illicit drug supply, posing severe health risks due to sedation, withdrawal syndromes, skin infections, and wounds. The study highlights the need for public health intervention and expanded surveillance to mitigate the spread of xylazine in the region.
A study from Aarhus University found a possible link between JAK inhibitor medication and unexpected blood clots. The researchers identified a potential mechanism behind the side effect, which could lead to the development of safer medications.
The UMass Amherst nurse-engineer team, led by Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation, has developed an innovative IV pole designed to enhance patient safety and reduce errors. The award-winning design features a smart pump that can detect potential problems and alert medical staff, improving overall care.
The Study of Tecovirimat for Mpox (STOMP) trial found that tecovirimat did not reduce the time to clinical resolution of clade II mpox lesions or improve pain control. The antiviral drug was shown to be safe but ineffective in treating clade II mpox.
Fentanyl poisoning among US children has surged by 924% and 1,506% for teens aged 13-19 over the past eight years. Parents are advised to be vigilant about hidden fentanyl risks and know the signs of overdose symptoms to save their children.
Eradivir's EV25 is a small molecule immunotherapy biotech company developing treatments for influenza. The Phase 2 challenge study will gather safety and efficacy data from healthy participants infected with influenza.
A new study from Texas A&M University's Mosbacher Institute found that reducing violent crime in El Salvador significantly decreased Central American emigration to the US. Homicide rates dropped by 87% after President Nayib Bukele implemented a crackdown, resulting in a 45-67% reduction in border apprehensions.
A new stem cell transplant treatment has shown promising results in clearing clinical safety hurdles for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. The treatment involves removing abnormal blood vessels and transplanting stem cell-derived retinal cells to replace damaged or lost retinal cells.
The FDA has resolved Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic shortages, ensuring access to critical medications for obesity and diabetes treatment. The Obesity Society urges the FDA to enforce regulations against unauthorized GLP-1 compounders, highlighting concerns over safety and efficacy.
Researchers have discovered that commonly prescribed medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis in developing brains, potentially affecting neural development and function. The study highlights the need for reevaluating medication safety during pregnancy and early childhood.
A new study found that nearly 20% of cancer patients in middle-stage drug trials receive treatment that later gets FDA approval. This has important implications for drug development and clinical trial recruitment.
Professor Collen Masimirembwa receives Precision Medicine World Conference Pioneer Award for his groundbreaking work in pharmacogenomics, advancing personalised medicine and tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles. His research has improved patient outcomes and saved lives by uncovering critical issues with HIV medications.
A global study by Amsterdam UMC found that new medication direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are equally safe and effective as vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for treating sinus thrombosis. Regular monitoring is no longer necessary, making it more user-friendly.
A University of Cincinnati researcher has been awarded a $2.1 million grant to investigate postoperative pain at the molecular and cellular levels. The goal is to develop new, safer non-addictive treatments for chronic pain conditions, including lower back pain and pain associated with diabetes or chemotherapy treatments.
A study by University of Bath researchers found that stopping anticoagulants for patients aged 75 and over does not significantly affect the risk of major bleeding, but increases the risk of serious events like stroke and death. This highlights the need for clinicians to carefully consider the risks of stopping anticoagulation therapy ...
A new clinical trial will evaluate whether adding ketamine to standard treatment can improve outcomes for patients suffering from status epilepticus. The trial, called KESETT, hopes to determine whether ketamine can terminate the seizures in more patients than current treatments.
New cyanine-carborane salts show promise in eradicating metastatic breast cancer tumors with minimal side effects. The therapy targets specific proteins in cancer cells, allowing for precise killing of diseased cells while sparing healthy tissue.
A new study suggests that delivering tenecteplase directly into a large brain artery after removing a blood clot can improve stroke survivors' function 90 days later. The treatment, which was tested in 127 patients, showed promising results compared to standard medical care.
Researchers developed a one-page medication handout that quantifies a drug's risk and benefits, improving patient understanding and decision-making. The study compared this handout with the FDA's version and found it to be more effective in conveying complex information.
A new study adds weight to the safety and effectiveness of a gene therapy for hypophosphatasia, a rare inherited disorder that causes abnormal bone development. The treatment, AAV8-TNAP-D10, has shown promising results in mice models, with female mice achieving improvements in bone and teeth at lower doses.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that Swedish pharmacy personnel report a deteriorating patient safety climate. Pharmacists gave lower ratings for teamwork, job satisfaction, and management, with only 37% having a positive outlook on working conditions. The study suggests that changes in the work environment, including inc...
A new trial will test whether taking HMB can improve patients' physical function and quality of life. The BOOST study aims to recruit 124 patients with cirrhosis and measure its effects on liver disease, mental wellbeing, and physical function over 24 weeks.
The team's novel technique enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes, and modifications, reducing associated screening costs. The research demonstrates the distinct preferences of tumour cells for certain nanoparticle configurations, enabling personalized cancer treatments that are safer and more effective.
A new study reveals that opioid smokers die at two-thirds the rate of injectors, likely due to reduced transmission of HIV and hepatitis C. However, smoking opioids carries a substantial overdose risk and should not be misconstrued as safe.
A study by Brown University researchers found that only 0.8% of clinical drug trials involving women aged 18-45 included pregnant participants, while 75% excluded them. This gap in research leaves critical questions about medication safety and efficacy unanswered for maternal and child health.
Researchers found that short-course antibiotics can be as effective as traditional longer treatments in preventing death and recurrence of pneumonia. This approach offers significant value for healthcare systems by reducing hospital expenditure while maintaining excellent patient outcomes.
A cross-sectional study found that websites selling compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists often misinformed potential consumers about the medications' safety, efficacy, and FDA approval status. The study highlights the need for increased transparency and regulation in the online advertising of these medications.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a non-toxic bacterial therapy, BacID, to deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors. The therapy uses genetically engineered strains of Salmonella that can target tumors and control the release of cancer-fighting drugs inside cancer cells.
Researchers created new proteins using AI that bind to and neutralize deadly snake toxins, providing a safer alternative to traditional antivenoms. The study's results show an 80-100% survival rate in mice, offering potential benefits for people in developing countries.
A multidisciplinary team led by the Wyss Institute aims to create novel anesthesia-inducing drugs that can safely induce an anesthesia-like state without compromising vital functions. The project leverages expertise from Harvard's MCB, MIT, and Tufts University to develop safe battlefield-ready anesthetics.
A report by the Consortium for Children's Environmental Health calls for new laws to test chemicals for safety and toxicity before they enter markets. The authors propose a more precautionary approach to prioritize health protection over unconstrained production of synthetic chemicals and plastics.
A large international study of GLP1-RA users and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) found no evidence that GLP1-RA use is associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. The study, published in the Thyroid journal, analyzed data from 92,497 GLP1-RA users and 2,484,408 DPP-4i users.
A new analysis reveals critical gaps in the UK's self-regulated system for disclosing payments from drug companies to healthcare professionals and organisations. The study finds billions of pounds in untraceable research payments and non-research payments lack clarity, with significant breaches by major companies. Researchers are calli...
A new study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews suggests that varenicline, a prescription medication, and text message-based interventions can help people quit vaping. The findings are particularly promising for young people aged 13 to 24, who showed significant success with text message-based programs.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found GLP-1 RAs and co-agonists to be effective for weight loss in adults with obesity, including promising options not yet FDA-approved. The study also showed similar safety profiles across agents, with mild gastrointestinal side effects being the most common.
The January issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry explores the use of psychedelic medications in psychiatry, addressing basic pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and public health considerations. The series of articles aims to provide sufficient evidence for therapeutic strategies utilizing psychedelic drugs.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that digital healthcare consultations are not reliable enough to assess tonsillitis due to limitations in criteria such as tonsil inspection and lymph node examination. Physical examinations remain crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers aim to make school inhaler programs sustainable and scalable to improve student health and safety, with a focus on rural areas where challenges exist. The study seeks evidence-based recommendations to inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators on how to implement effective asthma management strategies.