Articles tagged with Medications
Benzodiazepine prescriptions have decreased by 26.7% over the past decade, with the largest decline observed among young adults between ages 18 and 29. The average dose per prescription also decreased by 18.3%, suggesting more selective prescribing practices.
A study by VCU medical students found that nearly 1 in 5 GLP-1 users spent at least 10% of their household income on the medications, while 7% of patients spent an average of 7% of their household income annually. The researchers emphasize the need for solutions to make GLP-1 medications more affordable, particularly among uninsured an...
A nasal spray treatment has shown to provide rapid and effective pain relief for children in emergency departments, with 86.2% of children experiencing reduced pain 30 minutes after treatment. The treatment was well-tolerated with mild side effects, offering a simple and effective option for treating children in the emergency department.
A recent USC-led study reveals that over 1 in 5 older adults are at risk for major drug interactions, despite a decline in their prevalence. Polypharmacy and dietary supplement polypharmacy have increased, with antidepressants, statins, and antiplatelet therapies being the most commonly used medications involved in these regimens.
A new drug, Kamuvudine K-9, has been shown to preserve nerve fibers and halt neurological damage in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The drug, derived from HIV drugs, has been found to be more effective than existing treatments in restoring function and reducing inflammation.
A study found that adding intravenous tenecteplase before thrombectomy in patients with moderate to severe basilar artery occlusion did not improve functional outcomes. The addition of tenecteplase before thrombectomy did not result in improved functional outcomes compared to thrombectomy alone.
A pharmacist-led medication review improved medication quality in older adults with cancer, with 29.9% fewer patients on potentially inappropriate prescriptions and 34.2% less medication overuse. The review also recommended 337 missing vaccinations.
The Semmelweis–Richter Journalism Award honored journalists for their work on abortion, climate change, and pharmaceutical innovation. Exporting Abortion, an international investigative journalism project, won first place in the
A new review suggests that microplastics can act as mobile carriers for antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes, creating hotspots where resistance can persist and spread. The review calls for integrated treatment methods to control microplastics, antibiotics, and resistance genes.
Researchers are evaluating the health and economic consequences of subpar buprenorphine dosing among Medicaid-covered pregnant women to improve maternal and infant outcomes. Data suggest that up to 90% of pregnant women require higher doses of buprenorphine.
A recent study found semaglutide to be effective in improving various clinical outcomes in patients with frailty, with greater benefits observed in those with higher frailty indices. The medication demonstrated a positive impact on health-related quality of life, highlighting its potential as a treatment option for this population.
A new US Medicare pricing policy could reshape global pharmaceutical markets, potentially driving up prices and delaying medicine launches worldwide. The study estimates that Medicare could save $5.2 billion under its initial phase, with savings rising to $21 billion if expanded to all Medicare beneficiaries.
Researchers have identified early signs of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic disease (CKMD) in children as young as 8 years old that can be reversed with a new class of weight loss drugs. The study found that levels of certain disease-associated proteins in children decline in response to therapy with semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonis...
Eric Vejerano's NSF-funded project will explain how sunscreens form persistent free radicals, how long they last, and how seawater affects their behavior. The goal is to develop safer sunscreen formulations that protect people and marine ecosystems.
A study published in JAMA found that intravenous loberamisal increased the proportion of patients with acute ischemic stroke achieving full functional outcomes at 90 days. The treatment resulted in a higher proportion of patients regaining full functional abilities compared to placebo.
Weight loss injections can impact reproductive health, and a new study provides evidence-based guidelines for families and health professionals. The guidelines recommend that incretin-based medication therapy should not be deliberately continued throughout pregnancy, but women who used the injections without realizing they were pregnan...
A study by Binghamton University found that 8-10% of children can carry strep bacteria even after antibiotic treatment, despite no symptoms. Researchers hope to understand this phenomenon through genome analysis and throat microbiota studies.
Researchers found that girls whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy had smaller ovaries, fewer ovarian follicles, and lower levels of reproductive hormones at three months old. The study, published in Human Reproduction Open, suggests that foetal exposure to paracetamol may affect reproductive development, but the findings do ...
A study of 13 drinking water sources in China's Poyang Lake region reveals that river-type sources carry higher risks from antibiotics and resistant bacteria than reservoir-type sources. The findings highlight the importance of considering water source type when designing monitoring and pollution-control strategies.
Researchers identified a compound, PF-04457845, that slows ALS progression in mice, with potential as a therapeutic option. The compound targets N-acyl taurines, which correlate with ALS progression, and has been proven safe in humans.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that women with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop mental health conditions, while men experience more cardiovascular and renal complications. The researchers analyzed data from 28,720 men and women in the UK, revealing significant sex differences in disease trajectories.
A $3.3 million NIH grant will support a five-year study on opioid treatment during breastfeeding, aiming to improve drug safety for lactating mothers. The researchers will develop a cell-based assay and use physiologically based pharmacokinetic models to predict drug levels in mothers and infants.
The updated guideline recommends routine obesity screening, comprehensive lifestyle intervention, and individualized use of medications and endoscopic and surgical procedures. Obesity should be treated as a chronic disease requiring longitudinal, flexible care pathways.
A study published in eClinicalMedicine found that illicit fentanyl use is more than twice as common as medically based use in the US. Illicit users have a significantly higher risk of opioid-related harmful outcomes, with a 3-fold higher risk of nonfatal overdose.
Researchers studied the impact of a pharmaceutical merger on prices of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in the Philippines. The study found that while some efficiencies were real, they did not lead to lower prices for all products, and in some cases, prices even increased.
A new report from Adelaide University highlights significant medicine safety challenges among culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Nearly half of PBS medicine recipients with limited English proficiency were dispensed six or more medicines, increasing the risk of medicine-related harm.
Surzen Biotherapeutics aims to develop effective pain relief without severe side effects by targeting opioid receptor pathways differently. The company plans to use peptides to block dimerization, reducing tolerance and improving efficacy.
Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a wearable microneedle patch called the iNal patch that can detect fentanyl in the body and automatically release naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. The patch uses porous silica nanoparticles loaded with naloxone, which is released when fentanyl levels are detected.
The inclusion of benzodiazepines in airline emergency medical kits is crucial for treating seizures that may occur during flights. Benzodiazepines can effectively manage seizure symptoms and prevent complications.
A new book by University of Virginia Health System expert Daniel J. Cox outlines a practical alternative to medication for managing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The GEM program emphasizes smart eating, physical activity, and listening to the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
A post hoc analysis of a cluster randomized clinical trial found that the Real-time Prescription Benefit Tool (RTPB) increased fill rates for high-cost medications, especially among patients from low-income communities. However, the tool's recommendations were only made for a small proportion of orders, limiting the study's applicability.
Researchers highlight unanticipated benefits of GLP-1 medications, including reduced inflammation and lower risk of certain cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions. However, questions remain about lean body mass and nutritional health following weight loss associated with these medications.
UCF researcher Mollie Jewett aims to 'starve' Borrelia burgdorferi of nutrients to prevent Lyme disease spread. Her team is focused on targeting the bacteria's ability to consume riboflavin, a key nutrient for its survival.
A retrospective cohort study found that patients treated with aripiprazole had a lower risk of hyponatremia than those on olanzapine. This association could inform clinical decision-making for high-risk patients, despite residual confounding considerations.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that people treated with modern NOAC blood-thinning medicines experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those receiving warfarin or no anticoagulant treatment. This was associated with lower risk of other health problems, including death, stroke, and fractures.
New research at Aston University shows that mānuka honey's effectiveness against disease-causing bacteria cannot be attributed solely to its sugar content and methylglyoxal levels. The study identified additional bioactive compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity, which may lead to the development of more effective honey-de...
Researchers at UH College of Pharmacy are developing breakthroughs to combat sepsis, a leading cause of hospital deaths, and diseases such as Alzheimer's and sickle cell disease. A dual-action nanomedicine has shown a 100% survival rate in preclinical trials for sepsis treatment.
A study found that Nirsevimab was associated with a substantial reduction in respiratory syncytial virus-lower respiratory tract infection hospitalizations during the first year. It was not linked to reduced hospitalizations due to non-RSV infections or asthma, nor during the second year of follow-up.
A new study by Adelaide University researchers found that higher cumulative doses of clomiphene citrate increase the risk of miscarriage and twinning, but do not improve live birth rates. The study analysed over 21,000 embryo transfer cycles and found a dose-response relationship between cumulative doses and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A randomized phase 3 study found that first-line osimertinib plus chemotherapy significantly improved median progression-free survival compared to osimertinib alone in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and concurrent EGFR and TP53 mutations. This study provides evidence for incorporating TP53-based molecular ris...
Researchers identify a combination of classical and emerging viral biomarkers to predict functional cure in chronic hepatitis B. Multimarker models exhibit superior predictive discrimination compared to single viral markers, enabling more accurate treatment decisions.
A new study found that hypertension patients are more likely to follow doctors' recommendations for medication than make lifestyle changes. The Health Belief Model suggests that perceptions of personal risk and disease severity influence treatment intentions.
A study published in Neurology found that between 70% and 85% of people with atypical Alzheimer's disease would not meet eligibility criteria for anti-amyloid treatments. The main reason for exclusion was poor performance on cognitive screening tests, particularly those assessing visual-spatial abilities or executive functioning.
Researchers found that people with well-controlled HIV have more fibrosis in their fat tissues, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The study also identified a blood marker of scarred fat, which may help predict metabolic future for individuals with HIV.
Researchers tracked nearly 80,000 adults with type 2 diabetes over ten years, finding those who consistently took their prescribed medication stayed free of serious heart and circulatory complications for over seven extra months. Low adherence was linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in younger adults.
Adding tirzepatide to standard care reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, by 32% compared to sitagliptin. The study found significant benefits on individual MACE components and mortality from any cause.
A comparative study found that men prescribed tadalafil (Cialis) for enlarged prostate symptoms are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The researchers suggest that these patients should have their eye health monitored closely, especially those with existing high blood pressure or family history of glaucoma.
A cohort study of 2771 male children found no evidence that neonatal medical male circumcision is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. The study also examined the effects of acetaminophen use during and after the procedure, but found it to be uncommon.
A randomized clinical trial found that dexamethasone eye drops reduced the progression of retinopathy of prematurity to severe disease requiring invasive treatment in preterm infants. However, no differences in adverse events were observed.
Researchers found that female mice's microglia form prolonged contacts with neurons during recovery, leading to synaptic remodeling and plasticity. This phenomenon was not observed in male mice, highlighting differences in brain recovery processes between sexes.
Combining cemiplimab, fianlimab, and paclitaxel-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved pathologic complete response rates in high-risk -negative breast cancer. Patients with the ImPrint immune signature showed enhanced sensitivity to the combination.
A cross-sectional study examines trends in US FDA-approved cancer medicines for adult solid tumors between 2006 and 2025. The analysis reveals significant increases in approvals, particularly for original indication approvals.
Traveling patients from restrictive states experience mistrust of online sources, legal concerns, and knowledge gaps regarding remote services. Health policies should address these issues to improve understanding and trust in safe, reliable options.
Researchers found that Bofutsushosan reduced fibrosis in fat tissue and liver of mice with obesity, and identified herbal components with anti-fibrotic activity. The study suggests that Bofutsushosan may have benefits beyond weight control, providing a scientific basis for studying Kampo medicines.
A new pan-European study identified the psychological and contextual factors that shape decision-making among healthcare professionals. The findings provide important insights into how behaviour change frameworks could support the uptake of new treatments, with the strongest lever being to shift intention to prescribe.
A Phase 2 clinical trial shows that a THC/CBD combination significantly reduces agitation in hospice-eligible people with dementia. The study, conducted across multiple US sites, achieved its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment approach for end-of-life agitation.
Use of newer GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide was associated with a significant reduction in alcohol-related hospital admissions among adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The findings suggest a potential role for these medications in treating alcohol-use disorder.
Repeatedly losing and gaining weight accelerates muscle loss in middle-aged people, as found in new UC San Francisco research. The study analyzed MRI scans of 1,433 participants and found that those with fluctuating weights lost nearly four times as much thigh muscle over four years.
A new study has developed a high-resolution inventory of veterinary antibiotic emissions across China, tracking emissions from livestock and aquaculture into soil, freshwater, and seawater. The inventory estimated that approximately 23,110 tonnes of veterinary antibiotics were released into China's environment in 2020.
The new collaboration will provide hands-on training at Bristol Myers Squibb and fund translational neuroscience research at WashU, focusing on neurological, neuromuscular, neuroinflammatory, and psychiatric conditions. The program aims to accelerate breakthrough discoveries toward meaningful therapies for patients.