Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
A survey of 642 physicians found that DTCA can lead to valuable discussions with patients, but also raises concerns about inappropriate prescriptions and unnecessary treatments. Physicians reported prescribing the advertised drug only 39% of the time, citing effectiveness or cost as reasons for not using it.
Researchers found that everolimus, when combined with cyclosporine and steroids, prevents transplant rejection and lowers risk of infection and complications more effectively than traditional anti-rejection therapy. A two-year study demonstrated the drug's improved safety and efficacy in preventing heart transplant rejection.
A randomized, prospective study found that tacrolimus + mycophenolate mofetil and steroids significantly reduce incidence of treated rejection and improve graft function compared to other regimens. The combination therapy also showed better lipid profiles and reduced risk of certain infections.
A study of 201 patients with psoriasis found that women had higher medication adherence rates than men, while single people and unemployed individuals had lower rates. The researchers identified factors affecting compliance, including facial disease, extent of involvement, and self-image, which can lead to psychological disturbance.
A meta-analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials found no significant differences between the failure rates of oral and intravenous rehydration therapies. The researchers conclude that further studies are not warranted, as oral rehydration is less traumatic, simple to administer, and associated with lower hospital admission rates.
Researchers found that nearly one-quarter of hospitalized individuals with current alcohol use disorders had undetected diagnoses, and only half of detected cases received intervention or treatment referral. The study highlights the need for routine screening and education among medical professionals to address this issue.
A new experimental drug has shown to completely prevent arrhythmia-related deaths in mice with the same molecular defect as people with heart failure. The drug works by patching a leak in the heart's calcium channel, which can trigger fatal arrhythmias, and has great potential for slowing the progression of heart failure.
A study published in The Journal of Cognitive Rehabilitation found that computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation improved treatment response for individuals with substance abuse. Participants who received the rehabilitation program stayed longer in treatment and had higher graduation rates compared to those who did not receive it.
Researchers found cognitive behavior therapy significantly reduced hypochondriacal symptoms, beliefs, and attitudes, as well as health-related anxiety. CBT also improved social role functioning and daily living activities in patients with hypochondria.
Faslodex, a novel oestrogen receptor antagonist, has been approved by the EU for treating advanced oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The drug offers durable responses and tolerability benefits compared to existing therapies, with a unique sustained release formulation administered monthly.
A study found that early treatment with thrombolytics can significantly improve stroke recovery rates, with patients treated within 90 minutes of symptom onset showing the most improvement. The study also suggests that t-PA given up to 4 hours after symptoms may be beneficial, but the effect diminishes later.
The World Health Organization's (WHO) global tuberculosis control strategy, DOTS, is facing challenges in meeting its 2005 targets. A significant case-detection gap exists between estimated annual incident cases and reported cases under the DOTS strategy. The WHO recommends four key actions to address this issue, including equipping na...
Stanford researchers found that patients who received clot-busting drug tPA within an hour of stroke arrival had better recovery outcomes. The study suggests that administering tPA even after the three-hour time period may be beneficial for some patients, albeit with reduced effectiveness.
The study found that patients who used home blood pressure monitoring were more likely to stop taking antihypertensive drugs and had lower costs, but also had less BP control. Self-measurement helped identify white-coat hypertension, supporting a step-wise strategy for evaluating blood pressure.
A clinical trial found that low-dose clozapine can reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) in people with severe Parkinson's disease by around 50 percent. The study suggests that clozapine may mitigate the transmission of toxically high levels of levodopa, thereby reducing its potency and lessening the severity and duration of LIDs.
A new study presents promising results for acute stroke treatment using desmoteplase, a genetically engineered blood clot-dissolving protein. MRI techniques also play a crucial role in identifying patients who can benefit from this therapy.
A study found that two-thirds of men with a primary partner and one-third without said they were not ready to use condoms consistently. Men in more intimate relationships reported the least confidence in condom use. Despite being at risk, many men opt for secondary prevention over preventive behavior like consistent condom use.
A study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that PET scans are more effective than CT scans in early assessment of patients' responses to imatinib mesylate therapy. The researchers concluded that 18F-FDG PET is an excellent prognostic tool for predicting treatment response in gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
A traditional herbal remedy has been found to improve bilirubin clearance in neonates, offering a potential complement to Western pharmaceutical treatments. The discovery involves the activation of the nuclear receptor CAR by an herbal tea, highlighting the intersection of Eastern and Western medical practices.
A meta-analysis of 16 randomised trials shows that artesunate is highly effective in treating malaria when added to other antimalarial drugs. The new combination dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is also found to be highly efficacious in Vietnam, where multidrug-resistant parasites are common.
A clinical trial of Prana's Alzheimer's disease drug, PBT-1 (Clioquinol), has shown a significant reduction in AD development. The study found an average change in score at 24 weeks of about 1.5 points on PBT-1 and about 8.9 on placebo.
Researchers found that a three-minute head scan is comparable to the traditional 20-minute version in terms of image quality and diagnostic results. The new protocol eliminated complications from patient movement, resulting in better image quality and accurate blockage identification for clot-busting drugs.
Researchers at UCL's Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research have developed a new drug to treat enlarged prostate with virtually no hormonal side effects. The treatment can both relax the prostate and prevent its growth, offering a major advance in treating a condition affecting millions of men worldwide.
Researchers found that patients starting lipid-lowering therapy in the hospital were nearly three times as likely to continue taking their medication six months later. This suggests that hospital-based initiation of treatment can improve adherence and is an effective strategy for enhancing long-term use.
A study published in The Lancet found that medium-firm mattresses can significantly improve symptoms of low back pain, including reductions in pain while lying down and getting out of bed. Participants who used medium-firm mattresses reported twice the improvements compared to those using firm mattresses.
Researchers found that IFN-beta-1a initiates different patterns of genetic expression in MS patients, which could lead to better treatment outcomes. The study's findings suggest that gene expression profiling and pharmacodynamics may enable improved, possibly individualized, treatment regimens for MS patients.
A recent study found that patients with a genetic subtype of diabetes have a significantly greater response to sulphonylurea drugs compared to those without a defined cause. This discovery highlights the importance of individualizing treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes, depending on their underlying cause.
A three-year community campaign aimed at the public and health professionals increased the use of tPA, a life-saving emergency drug for stroke patients. The study found that 69% of eligible patients received tPA, compared to 2.2% in non-intervention areas.
Patients developing neutralizing antibodies had longer time to first relapse and increased yearly relapse rate compared to antibody-negative patients. The presence of antibodies did not affect overall disease outcome, but prompt consideration for alternative treatments may be necessary.
A two-year study found that caregivers refuse risk-free medications to slow Alzheimer's disease progression if it may impact their relative's quality of life. Caregivers with depression, financial burdens, or from racial minority groups were more likely to decline treatment.
A double-blind study found that Risperdal significantly reduced 'manic' symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, with treatment response achieved by 48% of patients taking Risperdal. The medication was also shown to improve depressive symptoms and was better tolerated than haloperidol.
A new study shows significant improvements in positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia when patients are switched to Risperdal Consta without a three-week overlap treatment period. The study found that side effects were mild to moderate, with extrapyramidal symptoms improving significantly by the first month.
The study found that eight out of twelve patients achieved periods of abstinence of more than 28 consecutive days, and all eight were drug-free at the time of publication. Patients reported significant reductions in craving and improvements in self-esteem, family relationships, and work activities.
The study found that initiating Avonex treatment immediately after MS symptoms appeared reduced the development of clinically definite MS by 35% and relapses by 48% compared to delayed initiation. Early intervention also led to higher likelihood of being classified as clinically stable between years four and five.
In a phase II clinical study, exemestane demonstrated a higher tumor response rate (41%) compared to tamoxifen (17%) in shrinking tumors. Exemestane was also well-tolerated with fewer side effects than tamoxifen.
Patients who traveled at least 15 miles for care had a one-third lower risk of dying during the trial and follow-up period compared to those living closer. The study found that patients with higher incomes, more education, and a supportive social network tended to fare better in terms of survival rates.
A study found that Viagra took effect within 14-20 minutes for many men, with over half experiencing erections leading to successful intercourse. The medication was well-tolerated, with no patients discontinuing treatment due to side effects.
A study estimates that millions of dollars are wasted each year on blood pressure medication due to unnecessary prescriptions. The researchers suggest that increasing the use of thiazides as a first-line treatment could save healthcare services up to $1 billion annually.
The Lancet presents six randomized controlled trials of heart disease drug interventions, highlighting potential benefits for patients in poor countries. The World Trade Organization's decision to allow poor nations to import low-cost generic drugs is seen as a game-changer for effective treatment accessibility worldwide.
Regularly scheduled use of inhaled beta-agonists can result in airway hyperresponsiveness and prolonged asthmatic attacks, according to recent studies. Researchers suggest that targeting phospholipase C-beta may offer a new treatment approach for asthma patients.
A study by University of Minnesota and Fairview Health Services validates collaborative care approach between pharmacists and physicians to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes. Pharmacists resolve an average of 2.3 drug therapy problems per patient, increasing desired effects from 74% to 89%.
A new gene expression profile test could identify which breast cancer patients are likely to respond to chemotherapy, helping reduce unproductive treatment and toxicity. The test uses biopsy samples from primary tumors before treatment and measures the tumor's response to docetaxel.
A new study by Saint Louis University researchers found approximately 7.8 million Americans living with hyperhidrosis, which can cause anxiety, depression, isolation, and reduced quality of life. The study also revealed that axillary hyperhidrosis affects 4 million Americans, leading to feelings of less confidence and frustration.
A new study published in American Journal of Hypertension found that the Resperate device significantly reduced blood pressure in patients with hard-to-control refractory hypertension. The 8-week study demonstrated that daily self-treatment with the device reduced blood pressure, even in those taking multiple antihypertensive medications.
A new DNA array technology test has identified differences in gene patterns that predict which breast cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy. The study, led by Dr. Jenny Chang at Baylor College of Medicine, found that 88% of genes were correctly classified, allowing for personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered a lignin-carbohydrate compound from Prunella vulgaris with potent activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. The compound showed significant reduction in skin lesions and increase in survival rate in guinea pigs and mice, respectively.
In a clinical trial, patients taking oral topiramate were six times more likely to be continuously abstinent for at least one month. The study also showed significant reductions in plasma GGT levels, indicating improved liver health.
The RESPeRATE TM device is gaining acceptance for its non-drug treatment of hypertension, with a new chapter in the American Heart Association's textbook supporting its therapeutic effect. The device works by reducing sympathetic outflow and peripheral resistance, leading to blood pressure reductions.
A Vanderbilt University study found that mental health carveouts can lead to disruptions in care for the most fragile patients. The study, which analyzed 8,000 patients with schizophrenia, showed that those who received carved-out services missed more days of antipsychotic therapy and saw fewer doctors.
The US has a higher prevalence and lower treatment rate of serious mental illness than many other developed countries. Despite differences in treatment, researchers found similar high proportions of the population with mental disorders across countries.
The American Academy of Neurology identifies five categories of reasons for treatment failure in headache patients. Incomplete or incorrect diagnoses are the most common reason, followed by unaddressed factors that exacerbate the headache. The experts also highlight inadequate medication regimens and lack of non-drug treatment options ...
A study showed that ARICEPT, a leading Alzheimer's treatment, is also effective in treating vascular dementia (VaD). Patients with VaD who received ARICEPT demonstrated significant improvements in cognition and daily living activities. The study suggests that ARICEPT may be an important measure of treatment success for VaD patients.
More than 80% of traumatic brain injury patients surveyed believe alternative medicine (CAM) therapies like massage, meditation, and herbal medicine are effective. However, only half have discussed their use with physicians, raising concerns about the lack of transparency.
A review of 176 patients found that the addition of Keppra led to complete seizure control in 22.3% of patients who had at least 12 months of treatment, with some also experiencing reduction or discontinuation of other anti-epileptic drugs.
A study of over 7200 patients found that budesonide decreased the risk of severe asthma attacks by 44% and reduced the need for systemic steroids. The drug also improved lung function and was well-tolerated, but had a negative effect on growth in children under 11.
Researchers have found that scopolamine and donezepil may be effective in treating nerve agent toxicity by blocking acetylcholine levels. These findings could provide a protective effect against nerve agents like sarin and VX, which cause seizures and death.
Patients with recurring migraines recorded non-headache symptoms in an electronic diary for three months, revealing a consistent pattern of symptoms leading up to the headache. The study suggests that learning to recognize these symptoms can help patients prevent or minimize their migraines, providing a new treatment option.
A comprehensive review of 73 randomized trials on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depressive illness reveals significant efficacy improvements over sham ECT, pharmacotherapy, and unipolar ECT. The study underscores the importance of ECT as a treatment option for managing severe depression.
A study of chronic drug users in Miami-Dade County found that 67% of women reported having a serious injury or traumatic event sometime in their life. The prevalence of such events was higher among women who abused drugs than those who did not, although treatment rates were similar.
Reider's innovative method of integrating drug discovery and development led to the rapid approval of life-saving treatments, including indinavir and Singulair. His approach prioritized getting effective drugs to patients faster, despite acknowledging the risks involved.