Articles tagged with Drug Safety
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A new digital intervention developed by pharmacists has significantly reduced hazardous prescribing rates in general practice, with a 43% reduction reported after 12 months. The SMASH intervention uses real-time data to identify patients at risk and provides near-constant feedback to prescribers.
Researchers at Monash University discovered that metformin, a diabetes drug, removes damaged proteins and restores swimming ability in zebrafish with myofibrillar myopathies. The treatment shows promise for children suffering from this rare genetic disease.
A recent clinical trial found that ertugliflozin demonstrated non-inferiority on the rate of cardiovascular death, heart attack or stroke compared to placebo. The study results add to growing evidence supporting guidelines for using SGLT2 inhibitors to prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients.
Researchers discovered five unapproved pharmaceutical drugs in 'brain boosting' supplements, including omberacetam and phenibut, with doses four times higher than recommended. The study warns of potential serious health risks from using these supplements, especially when combined with prescription drugs or used without medical advice.
A recent analysis found that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are associated with higher rates of cardiovascular problems, including life-threatening heart rhythm events and heart failure. The study highlights the need for caution when prescribing these drugs for off-label indications, especially in patients with cardiac disorders.
Researchers found that levodopa stabilized and improved vision in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), reducing the number of treatments necessary. The drug's ability to target the GPR143 receptor led to a decrease in retinal fluid and an improvement in visual acuity.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy have found that genetic markers may improve COVID-19 treatment efficacy and safety. The study identified actionable genetic markers with promise to enhance therapy outcomes.
A new study published in The American Journal of Medicine estimates that one out of every 100 American children will die from firearms if current death rates continue, while one out of every 70 will die from drug overdoses. The study aims to educate the public and policymakers about the impact of firearm and overdose deaths.
The EAC's MRH initiative has streamlined timelines for medicinal product applications, decreasing from 24 months to 8-14 months. The initiative aims to improve access to quality medicines by harmonizing technical standards and regulatory requirements.
Breastfeeding is now considered safe after anaesthesia, according to new guidelines published by the Association of Anaesthetists in the journal Anaesthesia. The guidelines state that breast milk remains safe even if mother has had anaesthetic or painkiller drugs.
LAM-002A has shown promise in reducing SARS-CoV-2 virus levels in infected individuals, with Yale leading a Phase II trial to test its safety and efficacy as a COVID-19 treatment. The study aims to enroll 142 newly diagnosed patients to assess the drug's effectiveness in preventing disease progression.
The FDA has issued a positive response to C-Path's biomarker panel for detecting acute drug-induced skeletal muscle injury in phase 1 clinical trials. The panel, developed by C-Path's Predictive Safety Testing Consortium and Duchenne Regulatory Science Consortium, uses four molecular biomarkers to aid in the detection of this condition.
Tofersen, an experimental drug for a rare inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has shown early promise in a phase 1/phase 2 clinical trial. The study found that the drug is generally well-tolerated and lowers levels of a disease-causing protein in people with SOD1 ALS.
A UK study found that nurses who follow revamped guidelines make nearly two and half times fewer mistakes when administering intravenous medicines. The modified instructions present the same information in a user-friendly way, leading to faster injection procedures and increased nurse confidence.
Researchers found that having more information about existing drugs delays new drug approvals for the same conditions. Innovative drugs took an average of 20 months to win approval when there was less information available.
Pregnant patients with COVID-19 are often excluded from drug trials due to lack of fetal safety data. A new position paper suggests using electronic health record (EHR) data to simulate drug trials, identifying safer therapeutics for treatment. This approach could offer an alternative to delivering all pregnant patients with COVID-19.
A study found that electronic health records (EHRs) commonly used in hospitals nationwide failed to detect up to one in three potentially harmful drug interactions and other medication errors. Despite improvements over the past decade, EHR systems consistently failed to detect errors that could injure or kill patients.
The FDA approved a phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose Octagam 10% therapy in COVID-19 patients with severe disease progression. The study aims to determine if IVIG can slow or stop respiratory deterioration in these patients.
Scientists developed a computational pipeline to screen drugs for induced arrhythmias, distinguishing between proarrhythmic agents and safe ones. The pipeline uses multi-scale computer simulation data to predict proarrhythmia vulnerability, enabling the identification of potentially toxic compounds.
A study in seven Front Range emergency departments found that counseling parents on safe storage of guns and medications helped improve safety practices. The results showed a significant increase in parents reporting safer storage practices, with behavioral health counselors expressing enthusiasm for the training.
Despite preliminary trial results, experts caution against using antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat or prevent COVID-19. Serious side effects and limited clinical evidence make these drugs unsuitable for general use.
Strategies treating households near recent malaria cases with anti-malarial drugs and insecticides significantly reduce malaria in low-transmission settings. Researchers found that reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC), used separately or together, can cut new cases by up to 75%.
A study found that artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were significantly more effective than quinine in treating malaria in pregnant women. ACTs, such as artemether-lumefantrine, showed better tolerability and efficacy compared to quinine, with lower recurrence rates of malaria after treatment.
Researchers in Namibia demonstrated the effectiveness of targeting high-risk individuals with anti-malarial drugs and insecticide spraying to reduce malaria transmission. The trial, conducted in a low-endemic setting, showed a significant reduction in cases by up to 75%.
Researchers at UAB will screen the Scripps Calibr repurposed library of compounds to determine if any licensed drugs have activity against Sars-Cov-2. The goal is to identify potential medicines through collaborations with leading virology labs and testing in cellular and animal models.
Researchers at NIST create a brick made of white flour mixed with fluorescent powder to visualize the spread of drug particles under UV light. They find that frequent glove changes, large-mouth vials, and two sets of wash bottles can minimize particle spread.
Doctors propose using antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 patients with pneumonia or as primary prophylaxis for healthy individuals at highest risk. However, limited global supplies may hinder this approach.
A large-scale study has found no association between varenicline and increased cardiovascular or neuropsychiatric hospitalization risk. The study also suggests bupropion may be linked to lower cardiovascular risks and higher neuropsychiatric risks compared to NRT.
Researchers created 'active droplets' that release drugs at a constant rate over several days, reducing the risk of overdose. The droplets are stable for longer due to hydrolysis protection and can be loaded with varying doses.
Research in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association finds that patients on antidepressants for years may face difficult withdrawal symptoms due to physical dependence. A tapering schedule with physician guidance is recommended to safely discontinue medication and manage mental health.
A new Yale study found rosiglitazone, a type 2 diabetes drug, is associated with a higher risk of heart problems, especially heart failure. The research analyzed over 48,000 patients and found a 33% increased risk of cardiovascular events compared to controls.
A Texas policy reducing anti-psychotic medications for foster children showed a 5-8% decrease in non-FDA indicated prescriptions while preserving medication use for those with approved indications.
Experts argue against switching from Truvada to Tenofovir Alafenamide for PrEP, citing limited data on the newer drug's effectiveness in diverse populations. The current medication, Truvada, has been shown to be safe and effective with ample evidence of its safety and effectiveness.
A risk management program for opioids may not be effective due to design and execution flaws, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study. The program's educational materials were consistent with FDA guidelines, but assessments of its impact were often inadequate.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found no conclusive evidence supporting the safety of ivermectin administration among pregnant women. The studies included in the analysis reported some adverse events, but the number of cases was too low to be conclusive.
A study found that pharmacy-based transition-of-care models can improve patient satisfaction by educating patients about their medications as they transition out of hospital care. The model also led to a significant drop in hospital readmission rates.
A new study investigates online sales of fish antibiotics and finds that consumers are purchasing these medications for human use, raising concerns about unintended consequences. The research highlights the potential risks of self-medication and the need for healthcare professionals to educate patients on safe medication use.
A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that Electronic Medication Complete Communication (EMC2) Opioid Strategy improved safe dosing of opioids, but not actual use. The intervention also boosted patient knowledge about medication risks.
A global clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of an oral medication to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a chronic liver disease. The treatment, obeticholic acid, showed the ability to reverse liver scarring in patients most at risk for irreversible liver damage.
Researchers found that MedDevs often lack critical information on product composition, ingredients, and clinical effectiveness, raising concerns for children's safety. The authors call for revised regulations to ensure these products meet medicine standards before being marketed.
Researchers have identified a combination of two drugs that can relax the walls of the ureter, reducing contractions that cause pain when passing a kidney stone. The treatment, which delivers muscle relaxants directly to the ureter, has shown promising results in reducing the frequency and length of contractions.
A recent study found that providing more context about a drug's efficacy can improve physicians' knowledge but reduce enthusiasm for prescribing it. The researchers also discovered that company-sponsored information about off-label uses can increase prescription rates.
Research from the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic reveals biosimilar drugs can lower costs for patients, but their use is still hindered by regulatory barriers. The study found that while physicians are willing to prescribe biosimilars, cost savings are minimal, and market share remains limited.
A Yale-coauthored paper in Lancet analyzed data from 4.9 million patients to compare the safety and effectiveness of five classes of first-line hypertension medications. Thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics were found to be better at preventing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke than ACE inhibitors.
Researchers at UTA's PROMIS lab are developing interventions to reduce unsafe medication use, which affects over 700,000 hospitalizations annually. The project aims to enhance decision-making, increase compliance, and raise adherence in primary care settings.
A new Nightlife Safety Plan intervention demonstrates a reduction in alcohol and drug overuse among young adult nightclub patrons. The program increased protective actions among individuals to keep group members safe and reduced blood alcohol concentration.
A study of nearly 65,000 patients has found that paclitaxel-coated devices are safe and not linked to an increase in deaths. The analysis, which is the largest of its kind, suggests that drug-eluting stents and balloons have no increased risk of death over long-term follow-up.
A secret-shopper-style study by Harvard Medical School found that web-based and digital-app services offering oral contraception appear to be safe and efficient. However, gaps remain, such as inadequate counseling on alternative forms of birth control and lack of screening for rare health conditions.
More than 1 million Canadians have alcohol use disorders, but most never receive professional help. Improved screening and medication are available to address this issue.
Researchers replicated human-like drug responses in TARA's engineered heart-on-a-chip system, predicting cardiac safety and efficacy. The study validated the platform's ability to model different heart diseases and measure contractile force of Cardiotype tissues.
Researchers found ivacaftor significantly reduces P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus spp. infections in CF patients, with a 32% reduction in P. aeruginosa and 15% reduction in Staphylococcus aureus.
Since President Trump took office, FDA warning letters have fallen by a third, with significantly fewer issued during his second year. The decline in enforcement actions raises concerns among agency watchers and experts, who find the trend alarming despite the FDA's claim of ongoing regulatory efforts.
A University of Queensland researcher calls for the PBS to update its restrictions on anti-epileptic drugs to ensure safe and up-to-date clinical practice. The current system fosters outdated prescribing practice and suboptimal care.
A new poll suggests that many grandparents are storing their medications in easy-to-reach places, posing a risk of accidental poisoning or intentional misuse. The poll found that nearly 80% of grandparents keep their medications in the same place as usual when their grandchildren visit, and 72% store them in purses or bags.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that one-third of ophthalmic patients have discrepancies between clinician notes and EHR-generated medication lists. This inconsistency may lead to avoidable medication errors, threatening patient safety.
Researchers tested a medication reservoir implant in 220 patients with wet age-related macular degeneration, finding it safe and effective in reducing the need for injections. The study showed significant improvements in eyesight, with patients able to see farther than before, and a longer time between refills.
A large majority of people who use heroin and fentanyl are willing to use safe consumption spaces where they can obtain sterile syringes and medical support in case of overdose. The study found that 77% of participants reported a willingness to use such spaces, with higher rates among those who rely on public spaces.
Researchers exposed commonly used anaesthetic drugs to Antarctic weather conditions and found that they were within the allowed security margins, making them safe for use. The study provides reassurance for anaesthetists working in challenging environments.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial argues that the Motherisk program should be reinvented to support healthy pregnancies and births. The proposed program would involve collaboration among clinical experts, front-line providers, and health organizations to ensure responsible conduct and independence from industry.
Seven former FDA commissioners and a new paper suggest the FDA should become an independent agency to protect science-based drug safety decisions from political interference. The authors propose safeguards, including six-year terms for commissioners and budgetary independence, to ensure the agency's mission is upheld.