Articles tagged with Drug Safety
A new study reveals significant variations in emergency medical service (EMS) performance across urban and rural communities. EMS systems often focus on response times rather than patient-specific clinical care, leading to inconsistent quality of care.
Researchers found that adding blood thinners to clot-busting medications for ischemic strokes did not improve physical function at 90 days post-stroke. The study, MOST, enrolled 514 patients and analyzed the effectiveness of two blood-thinning medications.
Xylazine, a veterinary medication, has been found in the illicit opioid supply, rendering naloxone ineffective in treating overdose cases. Specialized addictions care remains crucial in addressing underlying substance use disorders.
A phase II clinical trial found Muse cell-based product CL2020 to be highly tolerated and improved ALS symptoms, but may not halt disease progression. The treatment's efficacy depends on combining it with other drugs for future treatments.
A study found that tenecteplase is safe and effective for treating ischemic stroke in mobile stroke units, offering a simpler alternative to alteplase. The new medication requires only a single injection, reducing administration time and complications.
A preliminary study found that most stroke survivors can safely take two common types of antidepressants without increasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. However, patients on dual anti-platelet therapy may be at increased risk of bleeding.
Researchers developed a novel deep learning method to study crystal structure and molecular interactions of perchlorate salts. The analysis revealed that the explosives' nature is linked to chemical bonding and intermolecular interactions.
A recent study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between cannabis use and current asthma prevalence among US adolescents and adults. The study analyzed data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, finding that individuals who reported cannabis use in the past ...
A study led by Amsterdam UMC found that a tailored computerised decision support system reduced high-risk drug combinations and improved patient safety. The system only showed alerts for high-risk or needing extra monitoring, resulting in 12% fewer high-risk drug combinations and shorter ICU stays.
A multisite clinical trial will evaluate repurposed FDA-approved drugs as treatment options for patients with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder affecting brain development. The study aims to find new therapies to improve the lives of individuals with Rett syndrome, potentially providing multiple treatment options.
A new study published in Heart Rhythm found that over 10% of patients taking quetiapine or haloperidol developed heart rhythm disorders. The study highlights the need for vigilant monitoring of patients using these medications to minimize the risk of cardiac complications.
Researchers found that small declines in blood lead levels were associated with long-term cardiovascular health improvements, including reductions in systolic blood pressure and markers of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. This study suggests that even small decreases in blood lead levels can have meaningful health outcomes.
A study of nearly 900 patients found that delayed or missed diagnoses contributed to temporary or permanent harm in three-quarters of cases. Improving diagnostic tools and techniques could reduce errors by up to 40%, according to researchers.
A new study found that fentanyl-laced prescription pills are driving a surge in overdose deaths among high school age adolescents in the US. The death rate for this group has increased to 5.2 per 100,000, with Arizona and Colorado experiencing rates double the national average.
Clinicians use specific cues to detect and address drug-drug interactions, which can be addressed by investigating alternative treatments, altering dosage, or stopping a medication. The study provides recommendations for EHR system alert design to improve clinician decision-making and patient safety.
Researchers from Brazil discuss the management of refractory or relapsed classic Hodgkin lymphoma in adults, highlighting novel agents such as brentuximab vedotin and immunotherapy. The Brazilian healthcare system's constraints are also considered when making treatment decisions.
A large randomized study investigated the effect of preoperative, low-dose oral administration of midazolam in older patients on patient satisfaction and safety. No significant difference was found between midazolam and placebo groups regarding patient safety.
A new study found that people with Alzheimer's dementia who were treated with lipid-lowering statins showed slower cognitive decline compared to those not treated. The researchers emphasize caution due to the observational nature of the study and initial concerns about statins' effects on patients with dementia.
A phase-one human clinical trial shows that Omadacycline causes a distinctly different effect on the gut microbiome than Vancomycin, making it a safe drug option for patients at high risk for C diff infection. The antibiotic achieves high concentrations in the gut quickly, reducing the risk of long-term colonization.
A phase II clinical trial found that psilocybin-assisted therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adults with cancer and major depression. Participants who received the therapy experienced a decrease in depression severity scores, with 80% showing sustained responses to treatment.
A new U-M study found that 72% of adults in the US have heard of CBD, while fewer are aware of other hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8-THC and CBG. The products' lack of regulation and inadequate safety testing pose health risks to consumers, especially young people.
A U of M-led study introduces an innovative genetic engineering method that avoids cost and safety concerns associated with viral vectors. The method combines CRISPR-Cas9 precision genome editing and a novel DNA integration mechanism, integrating large DNA sequences into human T-cells with high efficiency.
A new study found no increased risk of major congenital malformations in infants exposed to second-line non-insulin antidiabetic medications during pregnancy compared to those treated with insulin. The study examined over 3.5 million pregnancies and provided reassurance on the safety of these medications for fetuses.
Researchers developed a modular flow platform to safely execute SuFEx click chemistry, generating toxic sulfuryl fluoride in a controlled manner. The system facilitates rapid functionalization of small molecules, peptides, and proteins.
A study of over 50 babies with HIV found that starting antiretroviral therapy within hours of birth can safely suppress HIV in the blood to undetectable levels. The treatment regimen was shown to halt the formation of hard-to-treat viral reservoirs, potentially leading to ART-free remission.
Two large studies found that people with ADHD who take medication for a long time and in higher doses are at a higher risk of developing some cardiovascular diseases. The highest rate of discontinuation occurred among 18 to 19-year-olds, highlighting the need for better transition to adult psychiatry services.
A novel contamination-detection method enables faster and safer T-cell therapy production, reducing the risk for patients and speeding up treatment. The method uses cutting-edge technology to identify harmful microorganisms within 24 hours.
A phase 2 trial found that durvalumab is safe and may benefit overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients with borderline performance status. The study also showed stable quality of life and a lower incidence of severe treatment-related adverse events compared to platinum doublet chemotherapy.
A new pill-sized device has been developed to monitor vital signs like breathing and heart rate from inside humans. The device, known as the VM Pill, was tested in a clinical trial and showed accurate results in detecting breathing stops and monitoring respiration rates with high accuracy.
Researchers have developed a handheld device called MicroNIR that can accurately identify and quantify suspected drug specimens. The device has been shown to be highly accurate, correctly predicting the identity of suspected drugs over 95% of the time.
A new study reveals that melatonin use is increasing among US children and adolescents, with nearly 1 in 5 school-aged children taking the hormone for sleep. The study found that parents are giving melatonin to preschoolers without proper regulation, raising concerns about safety and efficacy.
A three-year intensive treatment strategy to lower systolic blood pressure below 120mmHg significantly reduced cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death, compared to standard treatment. The study found that participants in the intensive group experienced fewer major vascular events and deaths over a two-year period.
A new therapeutic, lepodisiran, has shown promising results in reducing lipoprotein(a) levels to undetectable levels for nearly one year. The study found that the medication is safe and effective in lowering Lp(a) levels by more than 94%.
A single dose of zilebesiran safely and effectively lowered systolic blood pressure in people with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure for up to six months. The study found significant reductions in daytime and nighttime systolic blood pressure, as well as low rates of adverse events.
A single infusion of CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels in people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that increases heart attack risk. The treatment has shown potential as a long-term or permanent option for high LDL-C control.
A new study suggests that a PCSK9 inhibitor given every 1-3 months may effectively lower bad cholesterol levels in people with non-genetic hypercholesterolemia. The medication, recaticimab, showed similar effectiveness and safety as other PCSK9 inhibitors when administered less frequently.
A new anti-clotting medication, abelacimab, has significantly reduced bleeding among people with atrial fibrillation who are at risk of stroke. The AZALEA-TIMI 71 trial found that abelacimab substantially reduced bleeding compared to the current standard of care use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants.
Bio-TCV, a typhoid conjugate vaccine developed by IVI and Bio Farma, has been licensed in Indonesia following marketing approval from BPOM. The vaccine is expected to provide protection against typhoid fever as early as 9 months of age.
Researchers developed injectable nanoparticles that release naloxone when triggered by blue light, potentially preventing opioid overdose deaths. The system showed effectiveness up to a month after injection and could be incorporated into a wearable device.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new antifungal molecule that targets fungal cells without harming human kidney cells or other tissues. The molecule, dubbed AM-2-19, has shown significant efficacy against various fungal infections in vitro and in vivo studies.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a correlation between flavonoid compounds and reduced endometriosis symptoms. Flavonoids like Quercetin and Kaempferol show promise in easing inflammation, with studies suggesting they may help suppress the symptoms of inflammatory diseases like endometriosis.
The American Gastroenterological Association suggests a balanced approach when treating patients on GLP-1 RAs undergoing endoscopic procedures. AGA recommends proceeding with the procedure as planned for patients who followed standard pre-procedure fasting instructions and do not have symptoms suggesting retained gastric contents.
A recent study in JAMA Cardiology analyzed data from 15,000 patients and found that enteric coating on aspirin does not change its effectiveness or safety for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The study suggests that patients can choose the aspirin formulation that suits them best.
A multicenter, retrospective study of Japanese patients treated with JAK inhibitors found impressive remission rates and low disease activity. The study's results contradict previous concerns about the effectiveness of these drugs, suggesting they may be a viable option for patients with other health problems.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found 10 predictors of opioid overdose after prescription for chronic pain, including high-dose opioids, fentanyl prescription, and history of overdose. The risk of fatal and nonfatal overdose increased two- to six-fold with these factors.
A new cancer immunotherapy that targets two immune-evading tumor tactics has shown promising results in an early clinical trial. The drug, tebotelimab, blocks both PD-1 and LAG-3 proteins, leading to a double-digit response rate in patients with advanced solid tumors or blood cancers.
A clinical trial led by Western Sydney University's NICM Health Research Institute has revealed that Sailuotong, a novel herbal extract, shows promise as a potential treatment for mild cognitive impairment. The study found improvements in memory and executive function in participants taking SLT compared to those on a placebo.
A major study has found that taking benzodiazepines like Valium and Ativan intermittently instead of continuously can lead to significant reductions in side effects such as falls, hip fractures, hospitalizations, and even death. The research showed a 20% decrease in hip fractures, 33% fewer men's falls requiring hospitalization, and a ...
A new study shows that XEN1101 can reduce seizure frequency by more than 50% in some patients and sometimes eliminate seizures altogether. The medication, a potassium-channel opener, boosts the flow of potassium out of nerves to stop them from firing.
A new study from the University of Delaware uses machine learning and social media reviews to show environmental injustices in urban green spaces. The research found that neighborhoods with predominantly white, college-educated residents have a disproportionate access to higher quality parks.
A study has identified genetic markers that can predict whether rheumatoid arthritis will improve or worsen during pregnancy. These markers were found in white blood cells and genes related to B cells, and may help women plan their treatment and avoid unnecessary medication exposure.
A new study has detected high levels of bacterial resistance to antibiotics in two Australian aged care facilities, highlighting a concerning trend in the sector. The study used wastewater-based surveillance to detect antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and found above-average levels of gentamicin resistance in one facility.
Researchers at UVA Health System have developed a powerful new tool to understand how medications affect men and women differently. The model has provided unprecedented insights into biological processes in the liver, helping ensure that new medications will not cause harmful side effects.
Researchers found that etripamil nasal spray restored normal heart rhythms within 30 minutes in 54% of patients, making it a potential new option for self-treating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The study showed the medication to be safe and well-tolerated.
A majority of pharmacists in Sweden experienced increased workloads and a deteriorating work environment due to customer conflicts and new tasks. Despite this, many reported no impact on patient safety, highlighting the need for further research.
New research from Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction found that municipalities offering wide-ranging social services to overdose survivors saw a 21% decrease in fatal overdoses. The study suggests connections to housing, food, employment, and transportation may be key to successful post-overdose outreach programs.
Researchers found that EHR systems rated as being difficult to operate did not perform well in safety tests. When clinicians experienced difficulties with EHRs, those systems were less likely to flag medication errors.
Research finds antipsychotics used inappropriately among home-bound patients with Alzheimer's disease, leading to poorer patient outcomes. Commonly used antipsychotic quetiapine is often prescribed based on behavioral symptoms and limited daily activities.
A new opinion piece highlights the safety gap in clinical trials and drug labeling for people with obesity, arguing that correct dosing instructions should be included on labels. The authors recommend a three-pronged approach to address this gap, including conducting studies in people with obesity before market approval.
Scientists at UCSF have developed an artificial kidney that can mimic key functions of a real kidney. The bioreactor keeps kidney cells alive for up to seven days and has shown promising results in animal trials. If successful, the device could improve treatment for kidney disease, making it more effective, tolerable, and comfortable.