Articles tagged with Drug Studies
Young adults who use heavily are more likely to receive medical marijuana cards, a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found. The study analyzed data from California participants aged 18-20 and showed that frequent marijuana use was the primary driver of card acquisition.
Scientists at Salk Institute discovered that metformin activates multiple biochemical switches, including Protein Kinase D and MAPKAPK2, which may explain its health-span-extending effects. The study identified new targets and cellular processes regulated by AMPK, shedding light on the therapeutic benefits of metformin.
A recent study highlights a 'worrying' increase in misuse of gabapentin and baclofen medications in the US, coinciding with a decline in opioid prescriptions. The analysis found significant rises in intentional suspected suicide attempts and hospital admissions related to these non-opioid medications.
A new study found that intravenous levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally effective in stopping status epilepticus seizures, with each drug working about 45% of the time. The results suggest a major change in clinical practice, recommending increased dosing of commonly used levetiracetam.
The PALM clinical trial found that investigational drugs mAb114 and REGN-EB3 offered lower mortality rates compared to ZMapp, with mortality rates of 35% and 34%, respectively. Early diagnosis and treatment also improved survival chances.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that high androgen levels during pregnancy increase the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in daughters for multiple generations. The study found that altered gene expression and placenta dysfunction contribute to the transmission of PCOS symptoms.
A pharmacy service has been shown to reduce NHS costs by £651 million while improving patient outcomes through enhanced medication adherence. The New Medicine Service, delivered by pharmacists since 2011, supports patients taking new medicines and helps them adhere to their treatment regimens.
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that pharmacist-led interventions can significantly reduce medical risk factors for cardiovascular events. Pharmacist-led interventions included patient education, medication review, and lifestyle modification, resulting in reductions in systolic blood pressure...
A review of randomized controlled trials found that pharmacist-led interventions, such as medication review and patient education, can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Patients who received these interventions experienced significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and LDL-cholesterol levels.
A new study has found that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus. The three drugs were tested on over 380 children and adults, showing similar benefits in stopping seizures and improving responsiveness.
A new study reveals that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition characterized by prolonged seizures. The three drugs stopped seizures and improved responsiveness in approximately half of the study participants.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that co-prescribing benzodiazepines with opioid agonist treatment increases the risk of overdose death by three-fold. Doctors should avoid this practice, especially for patients who have recently left treatment or continue to use opioid drugs.
Adults in recovery report experiencing micro and macro forms of discrimination, leading to increased distress and decreased quality of life. The study highlights the need for addressing discrimination to support successful recovery.
A UK study of over 3,000 doctors reveals that 36% experience burnout, leading to suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety. The research highlights the need for improved workplace environments, compassionate leadership, and support systems to prevent burnout and improve patient care.
A new study found that nearly 2 million people in the US skip medications due to cost concerns, with those under 65 and from low-income families being most affected. The study highlights the need for lower-cost generic drugs and advocating for changes in national healthcare policy to address this issue.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pain found that inhaled cannabis reduces self-reported headache severity by 47.3% and migraine severity by 49.6%. The study analyzed archival data from over 1,300 patients who used medical cannabis to track changes in their symptoms before and after use.
Cenobamate reduces seizures by 55% in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, offering new hope for those who have limited success with traditional medications. The study, led by Johns Hopkins lead investigator Gregory Krauss, involved 437 participants across 16 countries and found significant improvements in seizure control.
A systematic review found that levels of agreement were low to moderate, highlighting the need for better experimental controls and more thorough reporting of outcomes in TCM research. New statistical approaches may also be suited to analyze Traditional Chinese Medical patterns.
Research at McMaster University found that cannabis use didn't reduce illicit opioid use during treatment and failed to retain people in treatment. The study involved over 3,600 participants and provided limited insight into the potential benefits of cannabis as an 'exit drug' for opioid use disorder.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed new DNA transporters using artificial fats, offering a promising alternative to modified viruses. The lipids can encapsulate nucleic acids, protect them from degradation, and introduce them into cells efficiently.
The ORION-10 trial shows inclisiran significantly lowers LDL cholesterol in patients taking statin drugs, reducing heart attack and stroke risk. The medication's excellent safety profile and convenient dosing schedule make it a promising treatment option.
A new guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in nonpregnant adults without symptoms or risk factors. The evidence suggests that this type of screening has no health benefits and may lead to unnecessary testing, medication, and follow-up appointments.
Researchers have found that Ibrutinib, approved for B-cell tumors, may limit the impact of obesity-induced inflammation in metabolic syndrome. The study used big data analysis and computational approaches to identify potential drug interactions with mutated genes responsible for the condition.
A large clinical trial found that an oral drug improved exercise capacity in adolescent patients with severe single-ventricle heart defects. The treatment showed benefits in oxygen consumption and circulatory function, which may translate to better long-term outcomes for these patients.
The ISCHEMIA trial found that early revascularization doesn't lower rates of death or heart failure in stable patients, but improves quality of life and reduces spontaneous heart attacks. The study confirms the effectiveness of PCI in relieving angina symptoms.
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.
Researchers found that patients who received nudges had better adherence (80%) compared to those in the control arm. Nudges supported patient decisions without restricting options.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that 86% of diet trials amended their primary outcomes. This discrepancy raises questions about the rigor of these trials and potential biases. Researchers are calling for more investment in rigorous diet research to pin down the effects of dietary changes.
A randomized clinical trial in Australia tested whether a dose of naloxone administered through the nose was as effective as the same dose delivered by injection to reverse opioid overdose. The study found that nasal naloxone was just as effective as injectable naloxone in preventing the need for a rescue dose within 10 minutes.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine finds that yoga can improve symptoms of clinical depression and major depressive disorder. Both short-term and long-term yoga sessions show significant improvements in sleep quality, tranquility, positivity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A new study found that lung transplant recipients who received an inhaled form of cyclosporine had improved lung function and increased survival rates. The treatment, which involves using liposomal cyclosporine with a nebulizer, showed promise in preventing chronic organ rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.
A recent study published in Neurology found that women are more likely to survive a stroke, but experience worse disability and reduced quality of life compared to men. The research suggests that variations in hospital treatment and risk factor management may contribute to these differences.
A study by Mount Sinai researchers found that more than half of patients taking ruxolitinib gained over 5% in body weight, associated with increased systolic blood pressure and liver enzymes. The study highlights the need for physicians to counsel patients about potential metabolic effects.
Two studies examine the effects of intensive blood pressure control on life expectancy, with a target systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mm Hg. A cost-effectiveness analysis found that targeting high-risk patients is the most cost-effective approach over 10 years.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a small-molecule compound that harnesses the power of a natural cellular cleanup system to eliminate tumors. The degrader achieved nearly complete elimination of tumors in mouse models of leukemia and lymphoma, with lasting results.
A six-week treatment with low-dose oral prednisolone substantially improves pain and decreases signs of inflammation in patients with painful hand osteoarthritis. Substantial improvements in pain and function were seen, exceeding effects of currently available therapies.
Children with JIA continue to have active arthritis despite available medications, highlighting a need for additional treatments. Researchers found that 52% of patients had ongoing active JIA despite treatment with two or more biologics.
A new study published in JAMA found that patients with kidney dysfunction who were prescribed high doses of the muscle relaxant baclofen were more likely to experience cognitive-related symptoms such as severe confusion. The research team analyzed data from over 16,000 patients and found a significantly higher risk of hospitalization a...
A new study found that the live zoster vaccine is safe and effective in patients taking TNF inhibitors, with no cases of confirmed disseminated or local varicella infection. The researchers observed a very low risk of infection, with an upper bound confidence interval of approximately one percent.
Women are disproportionately affected by penicillin allergies, with a significantly higher rate of positive skin tests and reactions. Direct oral challenges without preliminary testing can safely rule out penicillin allergy in low-risk children, allowing them to have the allergy label removed from their medical records.
Several high-impact clinical trials have yielded promising results, including the ATHENA trial showing azathioprine to be as effective as mycophenolate mofetil in preventing chronic kidney rejection, and the NOBILITY trial demonstrating that obinutuzumab improves kidney health in patients with lupus nephritis. Additionally, a phase 3 s...
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that cannabidiol may not have a significant antiepileptic effect on seizure frequency in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. However, the interaction between cannabidiol and clobazam could be responsible for the reduction in seizures.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with increased infection events in children. Genetic testing can help identify patients at risk, allowing for tailored treatment and reduced side effects.
Recent analysis examined safety of oral fluconazole and itraconazole in pregnant women, finding slight increases in risk of congenital heart defects and limb defects. Oral agents were not associated with increased risk of overall birth defects.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is investigating the impact of opioids and sedatives on veteran health, with a focus on reducing overdose and death rates. The study aims to identify effective treatment strategies for co-prescribing these medications, which have been linked to increased risks of respiratory depression and suicide.
A new study from UChicago identifies 44 drugs that may prevent suicide attempts, including folic acid and several antidepressants. The research used a statistical tool to analyze data on 922 prescription medications and found that just 10 were associated with an increased rate of suicide attempts.
Researchers have discovered significant differences in gene expression between male and female mouse kidneys, shedding light on the organ's complex physiology and potential impact on human kidney disease. The study's findings may help clinicians better understand genetic programs linked to disease and improve treatment outcomes.
A new study by Anne Hamby and colleagues found that people are more willing to update their memories if something bad has happened to a character, such as a death or serious illness. The researchers discovered that explaining alternative causes of events can help change beliefs and promote tolerance.
A nurse-led program has been shown to improve the care of older adults, with improved patient safety, quality of care, and reduced complications. The program addresses issues specific to this population, including falls, medications, and dementia symptom management, and helps healthcare providers become unit-based leaders.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that adding weight management counseling to group visits improved diabetes outcomes for patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Participants who received the counseling showed significant weight loss, reduced blood sugar levels, and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia compared to those who on...
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified three complement system genes linked to MS-caused vision loss. The researchers found that patients with specific genetic changes in these genes were more likely to experience severe vision problems, opening up new avenues for precision medicine and potential treatments.
Late-stage clinical studies of new anti-obesity medications will be presented during a special research forum at the 37th Annual Meeting of The Obesity Society. Promising targets and medications in preclinical development will also be discussed.
A new study has discovered four subtypes of primary Sjögren's syndrome, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the body's fluid production. This finding offers hope for personalized treatment and improved quality of life for patients.
A meta-analysis of 83 studies found inadequate evidence for the effectiveness of medicinal cannabinoids in relieving depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, or psychosis. Despite some low-quality evidence suggesting pharmaceutical THC may improve anxiety symptoms, the overall risks and ne...
The PROLONG trial found that weekly injections of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate do not reduce recurrent preterm birth or neonatal morbidity. In contrast, a previous study showed a 34% reduction in recurrent preterm birth with this medication. The differing results may be attributed to differences in the populations studied.
A new study of nearly 5 million patients shows that ACE inhibitors are not as effective in treating hypertension as thiazide diuretics, which cause fewer cardiovascular events. The research highlights the need for more evidence to guide drug selection in treating high blood pressure.
The National Institute on Aging has funded a major study to examine the benefits and risks of cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins in adults age 75 or older. The trial, called PREVENTABLE, aims to determine whether statin therapy can help prevent dementia and disability in this age group.
A small proof-of-concept trial has shown promising results for a new therapy targeting the immune system to treat atopic dermatitis. The treatment, called etokimab, led to significant improvements in physical symptoms and a reduction in eosinophils in patients with severe eczema.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that taking anti-hypertensive medication at bedtime reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and death by nearly half compared to morning medication. Patients who took their medication at night had better-controlled blood pressure and a significantly lower risk of heart attack...
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that one in eight pharmacies in the US closed between 2009 and 2015. Independent pharmacies in urban areas are disproportionately affected, with nearly half closing due to lack of access to preferred pharmacy networks and 340B contracts.