Articles tagged with Drug Safety
Researchers found dapivirine levels in breast milk to be very low, posing no safety concerns. The study supports the inclusion of breastfeeding populations in global guidelines for the use of the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University investigated the safety of anti-VEGF drug Aflibercept in a cell culture model exposed to HTLV-1. The study found that treatment did not increase pro-viral load or proliferation of RPE cells, suggesting potential for intraocular use.
The DELIVER study found that the vaginal dapivirine ring posed no safety concerns when used in the third trimester of pregnancy. The study enrolled women at different stages of gestation and reported similar pregnancy outcomes between those using the ring and a placebo.
A study of over 350 patients with small vessel stroke found that the medications were well-tolerated and safe, suggesting potential benefits in improving patient outcomes. The results indicate that cilostazol and isosorbide mononitrate may help reduce recurrent stroke, cognitive impairment, and improve quality of life.
Researchers found no significant evidence of harm in lowering blood pressure targets after endovascular treatment, but trends suggested marginal benefit and potential worsening of long-term disability. Clinicians should consider auto-regulation of blood pressure unless above 180 mm Hg.
A new neuroprotectant medication called ApTOLL has been shown to improve survival and reduce long-term disability among patients with stroke. The study found that ApTOLL, when used in conjunction with standard treatments, reduced death and brain damage, suggesting a promising new approach to treating stroke.
The study found that estimated national costs of self-injury mortality rose by 143% from $0.46 trillion to $1.12 trillion over a 20-year period, primarily driven by increases in opioid and alcohol-related deaths. West Virginia has the highest per capita cost at $6,534, with total suicide costs increasing 58% to $502.7 billion.
The study found that implementing the Shed-MEDS protocol before discharge to a post-acute care facility reduced patients' medication burden. The intervention also decreased exposure to potentially inappropriate medications, with effects persisting for at least 90 days.
A new study found that tailoring medication doses to a patient's DNA leads to a 30% reduction in serious side effects. The 'DNA medication pass' allows doctors and pharmacists to adjust prescriptions based on a patient's genetic profile, resulting in improved effectiveness and safety.
A new study found that medication administration errors can lead to negative emotions in healthcare professionals, including feelings of fear, disturbed mood, sadness, and guilt. Immediate reassurance and guidance from seniors and colleagues can help mitigate these effects.
A comprehensive review of antidepressant use in chronic pain found that some classes were effective in treating certain conditions, while others showed unclear or unknown benefits. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine demonstrated efficacy for various pain conditions.
Researchers found that while some antidepressants are effective for certain pain conditions, most are either ineffective or the evidence is inconclusive. A more nuanced approach is needed when prescribing antidepressants for pain, say experts.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that COVID-19 vaccination does not interfere with cancer immunotherapy in previously vaccinated patients. The study supports recommending vaccination to patients with cancer, including those receiving systemic therapies.
As abortion restrictions take effect, acute care surgeons should prepare to treat complications such as infection, haemorrhage, and injury to the uterus, bowel, bladder, and circulatory system. Experts argue that providers have an ethical duty to protect patient privacy and not report complications to law enforcement.
Researchers developed a translational step forward in treating brain tumors using intraventricular immunovirotherapy, which has shown safety and efficacy in recent clinical trials. This approach uses oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 to target high-grade glioma with promising results.
Researchers seek to reduce medical errors among patients with limited English proficiency by implementing three different translation approaches. The goal is to compare the effectiveness of telephone interpreter-based and in-person interpreter-assisted communication in reducing errors.
Researchers have developed a novel portable and low-cost macroscopic mapping system for all-optical cardiac electrophysiology using optogenetics and machine vision cameras. The system can stimulate and image engineered networks of human heart cells, providing insights into cardiac wave function and stability.
Researchers found that letters successfully encouraged clinicians to check patients' prescribing records, leading to increased PMP search rates and persistent effects. The findings suggest a cost-effective evidence-based strategy for promoting safer prescribing practices through simple letter interventions.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.