Articles tagged with Drug Safety
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers developed a deep learning-based model to predict drug-drug interactions using gene expression data. The DeSIDE-DDI model can identify potentially dangerous pairs and act as a drug safety monitoring system, helping establish the correct usage of drugs in the development phase.
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.
A new study found that opioid-related mortality rates in Ontario, Canada, have shifted downward to peak in the mid-30s among males and females. The study analyzed high-frequency data from 2003 to 2020 and hypothesizes that opioid-related mortality among younger adults will continue to grow.
A Canadian study of over 12,000 hospital admissions found that updated product label changes did not reduce rates of accidental acetaminophen overdose. The study suggests additional measures are needed to prevent these episodes beyond just labeling changes.
A new study found that Black kidney transplant recipients exhibit a faster clearance rate of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug. The study suggests that considering both sex and race when dosing tacrolimus may reduce adverse effects and enhance transplant outcomes.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that disulfiram inhibits FROUNT protein and chemokine signaling pathways, reducing anxiety levels in mice. The study suggests a potential breakthrough anti-anxiety medication with safe and effective treatment for elderly patients suffering from anxiety and insomnia.
Researchers developed innovative smart sensors to test new vaccines, revealing significant discrepancies between subjective self-reports and objective measurements. The study found that side effects escalate over the first 48 hours and then stabilize, with parameters returning to pre-vaccination levels.
A small study of 26 individuals with mild cognitive impairment found that taking SAGE-718 daily improved scores on a common cognitive test by an average of 2.3 points after one month. Participants also showed improvements in daily activities, such as using a computer and managing medications.
A new study shows that a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease, sargramostim, improves cognitive function in people with Down syndrome and normal aging mice. The drug reverses learning and memory deficits, nerve cell loss, and brain abnormalities in mouse models of Down syndrome and aging.
A post-hoc subgroup analysis of the AFIRE trial found that reduced kidney function significantly influences bleeding events during antithrombotic therapy. Patients with healthy kidney function have a decreased risk of bleeding over time, while those with reduced kidney function remain at high risk.
A history-based screening for medication abortion was found to be both effective and safe in this study, with a total of 3,779 patients involved. The researchers used either in-person dispensing or mailing of medications, without the need for ultrasonography or pelvic examination.
A new study published in Frontiers in Oncology has shown that mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines are well-tolerated by high-risk patients with impaired immunity. The trial enrolled 566 patients and found no evidence of increased adverse events or interference with treatment, reassuring vaccine-hesitant immunocompromised individuals.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new consensus recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of research studies involving investigational drugs. The recommendations focus on seven areas, including pharmacy workflows and collaboration with sponsors.
The collaboration aims to accelerate addressing unmet needs in the neonatal population by applying quantitative modeling, biomarkers, and regulatory science. Patients and families will benefit from improved understanding of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and better patient enrollment for trials.
Fosfomycin, a long-dormant antibiotic, has been revived as a potential treatment for multidrug-resistant E. coli infections. The study involved 143 patients with invasive urinary tract infections and found effective results, offering an alternative to last-resort antibiotics.
Researchers found that 1% of US adults taking opioids are also prescribed benzodiazepines and other sedatives. This polypharmacy approach is linked to increased side effects and may pose dangers to vulnerable populations.
Researchers found a significant increase in overdose deaths involving gabapentinoids and z-drugs between 2000 and 2018. The proportion of deaths increased by more than three-fold, coinciding with exponential prescription increases. Co-usage with opioids was common, with over 67% of overdose victims having both substances in their system.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University advise against prescribing ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 due to the lack of reliable evidence. They emphasize the importance of relying on proven therapeutic innovations and vaccinations to combat the pandemic, citing the risks of unproven treatments like ivermectin.
A comprehensive genetic study found actionable pharmacogenomic variation affecting drugs in the Qatari population, highlighting diverse distribution of variants compared to other world populations. The study suggests potential implications for preemptive pharmacogenomic implementation in Qatar and beyond.
A new study by University of Chicago researchers found no evidence that LSD microdosing improves mood and cognitive function. However, the study did confirm that taking small doses of LSD is safe, with participants building a tolerance to the drug over time.
A recent study found that drug checking programs can reach people who would not access services otherwise, reducing overdoses and increasing HIV testing. The program also improved demand for other services like treatment for opioid use disorder.
A recent University at Buffalo-led study found that nearly 1 in 7 COVID patients in ICU experienced severe bleeding when given full-dose blood thinners. The research compared the safety and effectiveness of two blood clot treatment strategies, finding that a smaller dose was equally effective but carried less bleeding risk.
Researchers create plan for proactively developing drug cocktails against virus families, aiming to provide effective treatments in weeks, not months. The approach prioritizes combination therapy to reduce disease spread and limit viral adaptation.
A clinical trial found that remote monitoring of medication's potential arrhythmic side effects is feasible and safe for patients with mild COVID-19. The study used handheld devices to transmit digital ECGs, suggesting a potential expansion of clinical research to broader populations and reducing participants' burdens.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that frail patients with atrial fibrillation are under-prescribed for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), a safer alternative to traditional warfarin treatment. Despite needing DOACs most, these patients are less likely to receive them than non-frail patients.
Researchers at UConn Health have discovered that eliminating senescent cells in human fat tissue can alleviate signs of diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. The study suggests that clearing away these dysfunctional cells could lead to game-changing new treatments for Type 2 diabetes.
St. Jude researchers have identified a possible risk for late effects of treatment with the experimental cancer drug CX-5461, which targets topoisomerase II beta (TOP2β) instead of RNA polymerase 1. The study highlights the need for close monitoring of patients enrolled in ongoing clinical trials.
The CryForm project aims to replace synthetic stabilizing agents with crystalline materials, enabling innovative multiphase formulations for safer, more sustainable and affordable products. The project will develop biocompatible crystals for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food applications, contributing to the European Green Deal.
About 42% of U.S. adults are considered clinically obese due to increased risk of health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. New weight-loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) show promise in safely aiding weight loss, but long-term side effects and sustainability remain concerns.
A new study suggests that increased access to naloxone has not changed people's perception of the risks associated with heroin use. Researchers found that individuals who used heroin and those living in areas with easy or restricted access to naloxone both perceived heroin as a high-risk substance.
A new study funded by FDA and HHS suggests that continuous manufacturing (CM) processes could make pharmaceutical production in the US more attractive than investing in China or India. The findings show that CM processes were more economical than current batch processing, particularly under current US corporate tax rates.
A study by Intermountain Healthcare found that notifying pharmacies of discontinued prescriptions can prevent almost 200 safety events over two months. By using a CancelRX functionality in their electronic medical record system, the team was able to avoid these events and ensure patients only receive correct medications.
Patients with certain gene mutations are at high risk of fatal chemotherapy toxicity, with a 25-times increased risk detected in those with uncommon DPYD variants. The study suggests that adding pre-treatment screening may help prevent avoidable deaths without interrupting standard care.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine are studying the impact of antibiotics on breast milk and infant health. The team will investigate how antibiotics alter the composition of breast milk and impact the infant microbiome, metabolome and immune response.
A recent study found that breastfeeding mothers who received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines experienced temporary symptoms such as pain and swelling at the injection site, chills, muscle/body aches, fever, and vomiting. The study also reported no serious side effects in breastfed infants.
A new study suggests that T cell therapy alone or combined with cancer drug nivolumab is safe and persistent in attacking Hodgkin's lymphoma cells. The treatment showed promising results in patients with relapsed or refractory HL, offering a potential option for those who do not respond to checkpoint inhibitors.
A recent study found that telehealth medication abortions were safe and effective during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers examined data from patients who underwent telehealth abortion procedures and found that they had similar outcomes to in-person procedures.
A large-scale population-based study confirms that COVID-19 vaccines far outweigh the risk of Bell's palsy. The study found a small increased risk of Bell's palsy associated with CoronaVac vaccination, but not with BNT162b2.
A UC Davis Health study found that patients on stable opioid therapy who had their doses tapered had significantly higher rates of overdose and mental health crisis. The study suggests that patients undergoing tapering need significant support to safely reduce or discontinue their opioids.
Experts recommend a mandatory UK register of doctors' financial and non-pecuniary interests. The proposed register aims to increase transparency for patients and reduce potential conflicts of interest, following concerns raised by the Cumberlege review.
A new analytical approach for detecting contaminants in Heparin has been developed, increasing sensitivity by over 100 times and reducing analysis time and material requirements. This technique has the potential to improve the quality and safety of the widely used anticoagulant drug.
A Mount Sinai study of over 40,000 patients reveals that tranexamic acid use in high-risk patients does not increase complications such as deep vein blood clots or strokes. The study confirms prior findings and provides new insights into the safety of the drug when used in high-risk patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgeries.
A large randomized Phase 3 clinical trial will test existing prescription and over-the-counter medications for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms. The ACTIV-6 trial aims to provide evidence-based treatment options for adult patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms, reducing the need for hospitalization.
A national registry is needed to capture all pharma/medical device industry payments and benefits made to doctors, healthcare organisations, and patient support groups in the UK. The UK government has been dragging its feet on setting up such a system despite recommendations from key reviews.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the need to rethink antihistamine use, as millions worldwide take these medications incorrectly. The study emphasizes that newer generation antihistamines are safer and more effective than first-generation antihistamines.
Children's Hospital Colorado and STAQ Pharma developed pre-filled sterile injectables for pediatric patients, addressing drug shortages and medical waste. The partnership optimizes patient care by providing individualized medication concentrations and doses.
A new smartphone app has been shown to improve medication adherence and safety in patients with chronic kidney disease. The eKidneyCare app sent monthly reminders for medication reviews and reduced medication discrepancies by 44% compared to a commercially available stand-alone app.
Researchers used an experimental safety switch to curb treatment side effects in a patient with refractory acute B-cell leukemia, achieving a significant reduction in toxicities. The study demonstrates potential for expanded use of CAR-T immunotherapy paired with the safety switch.
A new drug has been identified that can prevent Alzheimer's disease by modulating the enzyme involved in forming amyloid plaques. The drug was tested on rodents and monkeys, demonstrating safety and effectiveness in reducing Aβ42 production and plaque formation.
OYE Therapeutics is developing a new life-saving strategy to reduce mortality and morbidity resulting from battlefield injuries. The company, in partnership with USU and HJF, aims to enhance acute pain control at the point-of-injury through its drug product pipeline.
The ASHP published two landmark reports articulating a futuristic vision for pharmacy practice, including expanded roles and optimized medication use. The reports outline opportunities for pharmacy leaders to advance patient-centered care and population health, and recommend adopting the HVPE framework and Pharmacy Forecast report.
A recent study published in Applied Ergonomics compared standardized processes for community pharmacists with their real-world practices, revealing a significant gap. The researchers identified four main themes: efficiency, resource availability, thoroughness, and delegating safeguards. Further research is needed to adapt procedures to...
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dexmedetomidine and propofol are equally effective and safe for light sedation in critically ill patients. The study, which enrolled 422 adults with sepsis, found similar patient outcomes between the two sedatives.
The article suggests reversing the FDA's default assumption of prescription-only status for new drugs to prioritize patient autonomy. This approach could lead to over-the-counter availability of various drug products, including oral contraceptives and statins.
A recent study by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) reveals that most mail-order prescriptions are shipped outside the recommended temperature range for extended periods during both winter and summer months. This can lead to medication effectiveness being compromised, posing a risk to patient safety.