Articles tagged with Drug Safety
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.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new guidance on take-home naloxone distribution and use by community overdose responders in Canada. The guidance prioritizes preserving life and mitigating harms, and is the result of a collaborative process involving diverse stakeholders from across the country.
The series emphasizes the importance of anesthesiologists in addressing unmet needs of patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUDs) in the perioperative period. Anesthesiologists are urged to adopt a broader approach to effective disease management, incorporating trauma-informed patient care and increased collaboration with addiction me...
A novel CRISPR-based gene-editing treatment, EBT-001, effectively removes SIV from the genomes of non-human primates without off-target effects. The study's findings support the development of a cure for HIV/AIDS in humans and pave the way for ongoing clinical trials.
Scientists created a unique data process that provides valuable insights into how drugs are processed in the body and their impact on biochemical responses. The approach reveals detailed maps of drug transformation and allows for simultaneous discovery of fate and effects.
A new study by UCLA chemists reveals that many HHC products contain less of the biologically active isomer, which can lead to inconsistent effects. The researchers have developed a method for synthesizing the more active isomer, reducing variability in products.
A new drug treatment, KCL-286, has demonstrated safety and tolerability in a Phase 1 clinical trial, promoting recovery through activating retinoic acid receptor beta (RARb) in the spine. Researchers are now seeking funding for a Phase 2a trial to study its effects in those with spinal cord injuries.
LSU Health researchers found combining an investigational oral drug with standard-of-care medications reverts hormone resistance and increases effectiveness in experimental models of ER+ and TNBC. The study's findings suggest a new approach for treating treatment-resistant breast cancers.
The AAGBI has published new guidance on safe injection practice, highlighting the importance of prefilled and labelled syringes to avoid medication errors. The guidance recommends standardization of fit-for-purpose physical structure and medicine storage, as well as exploring technological solutions to reduce errors.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells produce new white matter, reversing neurological damage. This finding holds promise for developing therapies to treat preterm babies with cerebral palsy.
Research found no association between oxycodone prescriptions and persistent opioid use after delivery, but those who delivered vaginally were at greater risk. Higher dosages and prescription durations also linked to increased risk of persistent opioid use.
A muscle-building supplement called beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been shown to reduce plaques and increase factors for neuronal growth in mice with Alzheimer's-like pathology. The study found that HMB stimulates a nuclear hormone receptor to improve memory and learning in mice with Alzheimer's disease.
Exposure to commonly prescribed antiseizure medications during pregnancy does not negatively impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in young children. The MONEAD study found that lamotrigine and levetiracetam pose low risks for cognitive effects, with some caution needed for high dosages of levetiracetam.
A recent study found that PCSK9 inhibitors may impair lung function in some patients, while statins have a protective effect on the brain, increasing hippocampus volume which may reduce dementia and depression risk. The study used genetic data from 340,000 UK Biobank participants.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends prescribing psychostimulants to help reduce illegal stimulant use. This approach is based on growing evidence from clinical trials in Australia, Europe, and the United States. Implementing this practice can help address the ongoing unregulated drug poisoning crisis in Canada.
Research suggests that consuming THC during pregnancy can alter the placental and fetal epigenome, leading to changes in gene regulation and expression associated with neurobehavioral disorders. The study's findings highlight the need for better understanding of the potential long-term health impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
The eTRANSAFE project has integrated data from over 10,000 pharmacological studies to predict drug safety. The project's machine learning application, Flame, can analyze preclinical and clinical studies to identify potential side effects.
A new drug, mirikizumab, has demonstrated a doubling in remission rates for ulcerative colitis patients, with up to 50% achieving clinical remission. The treatment showed little to no side effects and was found to be safe, offering a promising option for those with moderately severe and severe forms of the disease.
The University of Sydney-led guidelines recommend personalized deprescribing plans and gradual dose reduction to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Clinicians should avoid abruptly stopping opioids without support or pain management plans, especially for patients with severe opioid use disorder.
Researchers aim to identify best practices for increasing viral suppression in low-income populations with HIV. They will examine state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs to understand disparities in care and outcomes.
The article explores how Quris-AI's bio-AI platforms can solve clinical prediction challenges, predicting safe and efficacious drug candidates. Bio-AI advances will cut the time and cost of developing safe drugs, breaking down barriers for personalized medicine and rare disease cures.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is gaining traction, but concerns about patient safety and regulation need to be addressed. Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise in treating conditions like depression and PTSD, but more research is needed on dosages, settings, and guidelines.
A new study analyzing death records data found that men had a 2–3 times greater rate of overdose mortality from opioids and psychostimulants. The researchers noted that biological, behavioral, and social factors likely combined to increase the mortality risk for men.
The FDA has issued a Biomarker Letter of Support for four novel biomarkers identifying drug-induced pancreatic injury. These microRNAs will enhance the detection of acute drug-induced pancreatic injury (DIPI) in phase 1 clinical trials, improving safety and accuracy.
A new study found that police drug seizures are associated with increased fatal overdoses in the surrounding geographic area, suggesting that efforts to disrupt drug markets can have unintended effects. The research highlights the need for comprehensive policing strategies that consider all outcomes, including harm reduction approaches.
A statewide pay-for-performance intervention based on Choosing Wisely reduced rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory tract infections from 43% to 25%. This reduction occurred without measurable harms at safety-net hospitals serving disadvantaged patients.
Researchers have developed a color-changing material that can detect when medications get too warm, with tunable melting points to track temperatures from -94 to +99 degrees Fahrenheit. This innovative system has the potential to reduce electronic waste and improve medical cold supply chains.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found an association between evaporated alcohol from incubator disinfectants and alcohol absorption in premature infants. They introduced a new practice to reduce alcohol exposure, which was associated with decreased alcohol levels in infants' blood and air.
Researchers have developed a pharmacological treatment that improves cardiac function in patients with stiff-heart syndrome, a condition caused by amyloid protein deposition. The new drug reduces amyloid protein deposits and shows promise in reversing established disease symptoms.
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that valbenazine significantly reduces chorea symptoms in patients with Huntington’s disease. The Phase III trial showed improvement as early as the second week of treatment, with consistently greater benefits compared to a placebo.
A nationwide analysis of prisoner healthcare incidents in England reveals medication-related harm as a major issue, with staff mistakes being the most common cause. The researchers recommend prioritizing timely access to healthcare services, improving processes to mitigate medication-related harm and increasing remote appointments.
A Cochrane review found that most antidepressants used to manage chronic pain lack sufficient evidence of their effectiveness, with only duloxetine showing reliable pain relief. The review also revealed that harms from many commonly recommended drugs have not been well studied, posing a global public health concern.
A study analyzing 34,000 people found that lowering sclerostin levels may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that strategies to minimize potential impact on heart attack risk are needed.
A multicentre registry study found that medicinal cannabis can safely relieve cancer pain while reducing the total number of medications and opioids taken. Products with an equal balance of THC and CBD were particularly effective in reducing pain intensity and symptoms.
A new study found that older drivers who use substances are up to four times more likely to be at fault in a car crash. The research team suggests implementing risk awareness campaigns tailored for older adults and other measures such as improved road visibility, automatic safety features and licensing requirements.
Research finds diclofenac's high variability in metabolism due to UGT2B17, a little-studied enzyme. The study suggests genetic testing and dose adjustments for specific populations can help minimize side effects.
A majority of people over 50 are open to stopping one or more prescription medicines, but many don't discuss it with their health provider first. The poll shows that comprehensive medication reviews and cost considerations play a crucial role in deprescribing conversations.
Experts recommend managing SARS-CoV-2 like other endemic respiratory viruses using Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. They also suggest reconsidering pandemic-era strategies such as asymptomatic testing and contact tracing in the endemic era.
Enoblituzumab, a monoclonal antibody, is safe in men with aggressive prostate cancer and may induce clinical activity against cancer throughout the body. The drug targets B7-H3 protein overexpressed on prostate cancer cells, blocking immune system inhibition and triggering tumor cell destruction by activating immune cells.
WVU engineers developed a new electrode cuff called MouseFlex to test electric current treatments, overcoming previous challenges with stability and durability. The device can withstand high electrical stimulation and may benefit patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and drug-resistant epilepsy.
A statewide effort in Michigan resulted in a 56% reduction in opioid prescriptions after six common operations and a 26% drop in persistent opioid use. The achievement surpassed national trends, driven by voluntary prescribing guidelines and surgical team involvement.
A new study found that taking a comprehensive medication history before hospital admission and upon discharge significantly reduces medication discrepancies. The study suggests that hospitals can improve medication safety by focusing on these two key efforts.
Researchers from Kessler Foundation found that transcutaneous spinal stimulation does not interfere with implanted intrathecal baclofen pump delivery systems. However, communication between the pump and its interrogator may be briefly affected due to electromagnetic interference.
Researchers have discovered a novel medication that effectively treats a rare hereditary muscle disease causing complete immobility and death. The treatment has also shown promise in treating severe statin-associated myopathy, with improved symptoms in patients awaiting treatment.
Three real-world studies published in the Journal of Hepatology and JHEP Reports demonstrate that bulevirtide is well-tolerated and safe for treating chronic hepatitis delta. Long-term suppressive therapy with BLV monotherapy has the potential to reduce viral replication and improve liver function in difficult-to-treat patients.
Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lebrikizumab was effective in treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, improving skin clarity and reducing itching. The study involved two phase 3 trials with over 700 participants and showed promising results for the treatment.
A multicenter study found that patients with cystic fibrosis can safely take a dual combination of CF modulator drugs for four years while maintaining previously achieved clinical improvement. This breakthrough therapy has improved the quality and length of patients' lives, with some even seeing a 15% increase in lung function.
Recent review article discusses clinical development in long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) therapy, which mimics natural GH release patterns. LAGH therapies reduce daily injection burden, improving patient compliance and treatment outcomes.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that the FDA's mandate to limit opioid-acetaminophen combinations resulted in significant reductions in liver injuries. The mandate, implemented in 2014, limited the dosage of acetaminophen in these drugs, leading to a decline in hospitalizations and acute liver failure cases.
The March issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services focus on major depression treatment advances and suicide risk screening for Indigenous populations. Journalists can access the publications by emailing press@psych.org.
Wilate prophylaxis showed an 84% reduction in bleeding episodes and improved quality of life in children and adults with all types of VWD. The treatment reduced the frequency of bleeding episodes by lowering the mean total annualized bleeding rate compared to on-demand treatment.
A fast-dissolving insert containing TAF and EVG was found safe and effective in preventing HIV transmission through anal sex. The study delivered high levels of the drugs to rectal tissue and fluid, with potential protection for up to three days after use.