Articles tagged with Drug Safety
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.
Crime rates among undocumented immigrants in Texas are significantly lower than those of legal immigrants and native-born U.S. citizens, according to a study analyzing arrest data between 2012 and 2018. The findings suggest that removal of undocumented immigrants may not lead to increased crime rates.
A subcutaneous injection of teclistamab elicits responses in 74% of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, offering a promising treatment option for patients with poor prognoses. The study's results suggest that teclistamab takes a similar approach to cellular therapies but is more convenient and faster to administer.
A research team led by Susan Bergeson has developed a new medication to treat alcohol use disorder, receiving a $7.25 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to begin testing the drug. The treatment targets neuroinflammation as a major pathway in AUD.
Researchers will analyze human tissue samples to determine genetic predispositions to liver side effects from antiviral drugs. The study aims to identify potential genetic factors and dosing recommendations for safer treatment.
A Portland State University study found that pharmacy dropboxes increase customer awareness of proper drug disposal and reduce improper disposal methods. The study suggests that legislation mandating dropboxes at pharmacies and industry funding for disposal are crucial to addressing this issue.
A clinical study found that baricitinib reduced the rate of death or invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with severe COVID-19 by roughly half. The drug also restrained high ACE2 receptor expression in liver cells, helping to reduce viral infection.
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.
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.
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%.