Articles tagged with Drug Safety
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A USC study found that notifying clinicians about fatal opioid overdoses through letters from medical examiners reduces opioid prescribing over the next three months. The study shows these notifications have a lasting impact, with a 7% reduction in prescriptions after one year.
The American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates as initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis patients. Long-term use may increase risks, so treatment duration should be limited to 5 years or less.
Research from University of Virginia Health System suggests antidepressants can heighten lifelong brain changes in babies, such as autism, when combined with infection or inflammation during pregnancy. SSRIs interact powerfully with the mother's body, causing harmful changes in the placenta and developing brain.
Research from the University of Ottawa finds that oral contraceptives' effects on brain and mood in women may be linked to age of onset and gut microbiome. The study suggests adolescence as a critical period for understanding OCs' impact, as it influences brain development and hormonal changes.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) new practice guidelines for monitoring and reversing neuromuscular blockade aim to reduce residual paralysis after general anesthesia. This can lead to decreased postoperative complications such as pneumonia, respiratory arrest, and reintubation.
A new hotline has shown promising results in preventing overdoses and saving lives by providing virtual supervision for people using substances alone. The National Overdose Response Service received over 2,100 calls from unique callers, with no reported deaths during a pilot period.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the potential benefits and risks of complementary and alternative therapies for heart failure. The statement advises healthcare professionals to discuss CAM use with patients, monitor medication interactions, and consider pharmacists' consultations.
A self-service vending machine filled with harm reduction supplies such as naloxone helped prevent overdoses and contributed to a decrease in Hamilton County's overdose deaths in 2021. Nearly 900 people used the machine since its installation, with nearly 16% of users reporting they had never used harm reduction services before.
A national US study found a 245% increase in child marijuana abuse and a decline in alcohol abuse over the past 20 years. The study tracked intentional misuse and abuse reported to the National Poison Data System from 2000 to 2020, revealing over 338,000 instances of child abuse or misuse.
A study suggests that abruptly stopping prescribed opioids for chronic pain increases the risk of overdose, particularly among individuals without opioid use disorder. However, tapering opioid therapy is associated with a decreased risk of overdose in those with opioid use disorder who have not received opioid agonist therapy.
A pilot study found that nearly half of patients treated with aflibercept could safely stop eye injections without vision loss, while only 17% of those on bevacizumab were able to do so. The findings suggest that matching patients with the right therapy may reduce the need for lifelong treatment.
Researchers found that buprenorphine use was associated with better outcomes for the baby, including lower risk of preterm birth, small size for gestational age, and low birth weight. The study suggests increasing access to buprenorphine treatment among pregnant individuals with opioid-use disorder.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that pregnant women taking Paxlovid had a reduced risk of severe COVID-19. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, included 47 participants who received Paxlovid therapy and monitored for outcomes and complications.
A survey of primary care physicians revealed that those with beliefs about BZD potential harm were less likely to prescribe it. Clinicians with low concern about continuing BZDs for long-term treatment were more likely to prescribe the medication.
A new study by Rutgers researchers found that young people treated for sleep disorders with benzodiazepines like Xanax may be at a higher risk of overdose. The study examined over 90,000 newly prescribed benzodiazepine patients and found an increased risk of overdose compared to other prescription sleep medications.
A pooled data analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials involving 1040 women found that acupuncture significantly relieved pain during pregnancy, improved physical function, and quality of life. The therapy was also found to be safe, with no observable major side effects for newborns.
The UC San Diego TREDS program aims to educate drivers and pedestrians about road safety with a new self-paced online program targeting underage drivers. The initiative seeks to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, particularly among teens aged 15-20 who are at higher crash rates.
Researchers at MIT have created biomedical devices made from aluminum that can be disintegrated by exposing them to a liquid metal called eutectic gallium-indium. This process could eliminate the need for surgical or endoscopic procedures to remove medical devices, such as staples and stents.
Researchers analyzed 200 overdose events in Rhode Island city, finding police were last to arrive at scene in most incidents. Arrests were extremely rare, with only 1% of cases involving law enforcement presence due to safety concerns.
A new study found that rapid optimization of oral heart failure medications reduced the risk of dying or being readmitted for heart failure within six months after discharge. The STRONG-HF trial enrolled over 1,000 people hospitalized for acute heart failure and showed significant improvement in outcomes with high-intensity care.
A recent study found worsening disparities in cancer drug trial participant diversity from 2000 to 2018, highlighting systemic biases and unequal access to new treatments. The findings underscore the need for increased diversity in phase 1 clinical trials to ensure equitable access to life-saving treatments.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to examine how alcohol use alone or in combination with fentanyl affects HIV medications, including PrEP medication. The study aims to determine metabolite signatures and pharmacological biomarkers of PrEP in HIV-negative populations.
A comparison of two cancer drugs reveals that life cycle management strategy is crucial for a drug's commercial success. The research found that product sales are closely linked to the number of approved indications and inter-organizational alliances.
In the ARROS-1 trial, 48% of patients achieved partial responses to NVL-520, with responses seen across all dose levels and in heavily pre-treated patients. The treatment also showed promise for brain metastases, with three out of three patients experiencing measurable response or no emergence of new metastases.
Researchers have found a drug that targets the key, cancer-causing gene MYC has been able to inhibit its function safely and effectively. Eight out of 12 patients showed stabilisation of disease after treatment with OMO-103, with one patient experiencing a reduction in tumour-derived DNA circulating in the blood stream.
Researchers from the University of Connecticut found that both delta-8 and delta-9 THC produce similar effects in mice, including lethargy and catalepsy. The study suggests that delta-8 THC interacts with the same receptors as delta-9 THC and can lead to desensitization and withdrawal-like symptoms.
A recent study analyzed the records of over 33,000 dementia patients in Wales and found that those closest to their diagnosis were taking an average of three or more medications. This suggests a possible link between polypharmacy and the development of dementia.
A Phase I/II study found tofacitinib effective in improving skin and organ issues in systemic sclerosis patients. The drug was well-tolerated, with minimal impact on T-cells, suggesting potential repurposing for treatment.
Researchers aim to shift policing focus from law enforcement to building strong communities through situational policing. The approach considers connections within the community and collaboratively builds resources.
A Swedish cohort study found that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were associated with a lower risk of kidney function decline or kidney failure compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA). DOACs also showed a lower risk of acute kidney injury.
A study by the BMJ found that less than a third of FDA regulatory actions are backed by published research findings or public assessments. The researchers analyzed drug safety signals from 2008 to 2019 and found that most regulatory actions were based on changes to drug labeling, with only about 30% corroborated by relevant studies.
A clinical trial of email alerts from pharmacists to doctors and other practitioners found no reduction in risky opioid prescribing, highlighting the need for rigorous testing of policies aimed at making opioid prescribing safer. The study tested behavioral science techniques to encourage safer prescribing practices.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that law enforcement is not uniformly recognizing and respecting the legal protections in place to support harm reduction programs. Despite these protections, more than half of survey participants reported negative experiences with law enforcement, including confiscation of suppl...
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
Researchers at UMC Utrecht will investigate how intestinal microbiota impacts cancer immunotherapy and therapy side effects. The project aims to develop microbiota-targeted therapies to improve ICI treatment effectiveness and reduce severe inflammation.
A new biologic drug has been found to be highly effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe eczema in infants and young children. The study showed that more than half of treated children experienced a 75% reduction in eczema symptoms, leading to improved sleep and increased ability to lead normal lives.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found a moderate association between antipsychotic use and an increased risk of breast cancer, estimated at over 30%. The study highlights the importance of risk-benefit assessment of antipsychotic prescription in high-risk patients.
A new analysis reveals that mandatory prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) do not significantly impact retail opioid sales across eight commonly prescribed opioids. The findings suggest that PDMP implementation is best considered as part of a broader policy response to the opioid crisis.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that fentanyl stops breathing before noticeable changes occur, leading to a high risk of death when used illicitly. The discovery could enable safer opioid administration through EEG monitoring.
A clinical trial found that long-term use of evolocumab led to further reductions in cardiovascular events compared to shorter treatment. Participants who received evolocumab for over 5 years had lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization.
A national survey of US psychiatrists found discrepancies between their perceptions of certain psychoactive drugs' safety and therapeutic value and how they are categorized under the Controlled Substances Act. Psychiatrists rated psilocybin as having low misuse potential and high therapeutic potential, but it is a Schedule I drug with ...
A tiny sensor can detect lithium levels from sweat on a fingertip in 30 seconds, providing a non-invasive alternative to blood tests. The sensor, developed by researchers, has the potential to improve medication adherence and patient care.
A new drug, TB31F, has been shown to block the transmission of malaria parasites by mosquitoes, preventing further malaria cases. The antibody was tested in humans and found safe with no important side effects.
Researchers at UNH will develop and test social assistive robots to aid in the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in their own homes. The robots will be equipped with smart home devices, artificial intelligence, and wearables to track patients' activity levels and health management.
A cohort study found that reinfection rates are low after successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in people who inject drugs, suggesting a benefit of treatment in this population. The risk for reinfection was highest among those with ongoing injecting drug use and needle sharing.
A study found that a majority of online pharmacies selling imatinib, a chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, are uncertified and operate unsafely. Patients may face risks of nonadherence, treatment failures, and adverse events if they use these pharmacies.
National data indicate that expanded access to methadone treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to increased harms, but rather declined percentage of overdose deaths involving methadone. This evidence supports expanding take-home treatment for opioid use disorder.
A multicenter study found that traditional Chinese medicine Yupingfeng was as effective as allopathic drugs in treating recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. The study showed a substantially greater reduction in RRTI events and similar safety profiles across all three groups.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers shows a sharp increase in opioid poisoning cases and sales in Switzerland between 2000 and 2019, with oxycodone being the second most common cause. The rise is similar to that seen in other European countries, but per capita sales are higher in Switzerland.
A study by WVU researcher Ednilson Bernardes found that supplier pool pressure contributed to the oversupply of prescription opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. The researchers analyzed transactions from 2006-2012, revealing that over 90% of supply came from just three generics manufacturers.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed edible fluorescent silk tags with QR codes to verify whiskey authenticity, which can be activated with a smartphone scan. The technology has the potential to combat fake medications and address counterfeiting issues worldwide.
Physicians recognize benzodiazepine dependence as a significant contributor to the opioid crisis, coined a new term CPBD. Long-term treatment can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and recurrence of underlying anxiety and insomnia.
A global black market for COVID-19 antiviral drugs is emerging, putting patients' health in jeopardy due to unequal distribution and substandard products. The investigation found that patients are buying pills online without medical supervision, increasing the risk of birth defects and viral resistance.
Research found that men taking abiraterone or enzalutamide plus hormone therapy had a higher risk of metabolic and cardiovascular issues than those undergoing hormone therapy alone. This increased risk was observed in patients with Medicare health insurance, who were significantly older than those in clinical trials.
A new study found that Medicare spent $1.2 billion on 36 drugs with no confirmed clinical benefits, mainly for cancer-related indications. The study suggests reforming the FDA's accelerated approval program to reduce waste and ensure patients receive effective treatments.
A new clinical decision support software platform reduces harm due to medication errors in the OR by more than 95%. Clinicians using the system work with greater efficiency and provide better care, with improved blood pressure control and accurate pain medication adjustments.
A global study found a combination of two drugs dramatically reduces the chances of suffering an asthma attack. The combination of albuterol and budesonide lowers the number of sudden episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing in patients.
Less than half of Americans with opioid use disorder received a potentially lifesaving medication over a five-year period. Buprenorphine, which reduces overdose risk, was prescribed even less often for those with polysubstance use disorder, highlighting the underutilization of this effective treatment.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that mailing opioid disposal kits doubled the rate of safe disposal among patients who received them. The kits were provided to 235 patients after orthopedic or urologic procedures and resulted in the safe disposal of 480 unused tablets.
A study found that regular pharmacist visits reduced medicine-related problems by 60% and improved cognition scores. The research highlights the need for personalized pharmaceutical support within the aged-care sector to prevent harm from medicines.