Articles tagged with Medications
A new tablet-based vaccine has shown long-lasting protection against bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) in mice. The vaccine was found to be comparable to antibiotics in efficacy, with durable antibody responses lasting for the lifetime of a mouse.
Researchers uncover the origins of Kampo, tracing it back to 8th century Chinese monk Jianzhen's herbal medicines and prescriptions. These findings show that Kampo has been integrated into Japan's healthcare system for centuries, influencing traditional Japanese medicine.
A large-scale comparison of direct oral anticoagulants has identified apixaban as the drug with the lowest risk of bleeding. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that apixaban had a 19-28% lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other DOACs.
A search of the Cambridge Structural Database found nearly 1,800 conglomerate crystal structures with spontaneous enriched chirality, augmenting synthetic building blocks for medicinal chemists. This discovery introduces a new pool of chiral molecules outside of natural sources, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
A large randomized clinical trial demonstrated Octagam 10% as an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option for adult dermatomyositis patients. The study showed improved outcomes in patients with this rare disease, providing a much-needed treatment alternative.
A Swedish cohort study found that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were associated with a lower risk of kidney function decline or kidney failure compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA). DOACs also showed a lower risk of acute kidney injury.
Researchers used a computer model to identify potential candidates for treating ASD, including loperamide, which has shown promise in restoring social behaviors in genetically engineered mice. The study suggests that repurposing existing drugs like loperamide could provide a new treatment option for core autism symptoms.
The study found that hospitals vary in their stocking practices and often rely on wholesale distributors or neighboring facilities to acquire non-stocked antimicrobials. Researchers recommend improving information sharing and collaboration among local hospitals to reduce barriers to timely treatment.
A new analysis reveals that mandatory prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) do not significantly impact retail opioid sales across eight commonly prescribed opioids. The findings suggest that PDMP implementation is best considered as part of a broader policy response to the opioid crisis.
A prespecified subgroup analysis of East Asian adults with lupus nephritis found that belimumab added to standard therapy improved kidney outcomes significantly. The study also showed no new safety concerns were raised in the subgroup.
Mandated PDMP use in US states reduced opioid prescriptions by 6.1% but led to a 50.1% increase in heroin-related deaths, according to researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas.
A large study of over 660,000 children found that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a range of symptoms and health conditions. The research suggests that some children may experience persistent health issues after infection, highlighting the need for continued monitoring.
Researchers have developed a new compound, afimetoran, that prevents lupus-like symptoms and reverses organ damage in mice. The compound works by blocking toll-like receptors 7 and 8, which are involved in the immune system's response to viral RNA. Phase 2 clinical trials are underway to test its effectiveness in humans.
A study found that a majority of online pharmacies selling imatinib, a chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, are uncertified and operate unsafely. Patients may face risks of nonadherence, treatment failures, and adverse events if they use these pharmacies.
A new study within the Veterans Health Administration system identified effective strategies to reduce benzodiazepine prescriptions for older adults. The researchers found that initiatives focusing on passive strategies like education and patient identification have limited success in lowering prescription rates.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the efficiency of nanoparticle delivery into cells, particularly in stem cells. They found that nanoparticles become trapped in bubble-like vesicles, preventing them from reaching their targets.
MIT researchers create microparticles that release their payload at different times, enabling self-boosting vaccines. The particles degrade over time and break down once released, allowing for potential use in regions with limited access to medical care.
National data indicate that expanded access to methadone treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to increased harms, but rather declined percentage of overdose deaths involving methadone. This evidence supports expanding take-home treatment for opioid use disorder.
Researchers assessed buprenorphine coverage and prior authorization requirements in US commercial formularies from 2017 to 2021. The study found that coverage and requirements changed over time, with more stringent regulations in place by 2021.
Following the leaked SCOTUS draft ruling, internet searches for abortion medication increased by 350,000 during the first week of May. These searches were more prevalent in states with restrictive reproductive rights.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers shows a sharp increase in opioid poisoning cases and sales in Switzerland between 2000 and 2019, with oxycodone being the second most common cause. The rise is similar to that seen in other European countries, but per capita sales are higher in Switzerland.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing additional medical conditions such as migraine, hypertension, and endometriosis. They also report poorer health and use medications more frequently than women without PCOS.
A new study finds that women using hormonal contraceptives have lower rates of attempted suicides compared to those who do not use them. The research, published by the European Psychiatric Association, analyzed data from over 587,000 Finnish women and found a significant reduction in suicide attempts among hormonal contraceptive users.
A study of nearly 4.5 million children found a potential association between prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The research suggests that further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.
A study published in Journal of Psychopharmacology found that consuming up to 1500mg of CBD daily has no impact on driving abilities. The research involved 17 participants who completed simulated driving tasks after taking different doses of CBD, with no dose inducing feelings of intoxication or impairing cognitive performance.
Researchers created oil-based gels that can deliver a variety of medications, including those for infectious diseases, in a stable and palatable form. The gels can be used to administer drugs to children and adults with difficulty swallowing pills, and could have a significant impact on improving medication adherence.
Researchers found that polypharmacy and sedative drugs are associated with an increased risk of long-term care needs certification among older adults. The study highlights the need for public health initiatives to reduce high-risk prescribing practices, which may lead to a decrease in disability risk.
A large study has found six predictors that can help determine the optimal lithium dose for patients with bipolar disorder. The predictors include age, sex, kidney function, and medication use. The researchers hope to develop a digital app to aid psychiatrists in finding the right dose.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A study found that regular pharmacist visits reduced medicine-related problems by 60% and improved cognition scores. The research highlights the need for personalized pharmaceutical support within the aged-care sector to prevent harm from medicines.
More than half of Michigan pharmacies offer naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdose, without requiring a prescription. The standing order allows pharmacists to dispense the drug in emergency situations.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.
A new study found that opioid-related mortality rates in Ontario, Canada, have shifted downward to peak in the mid-30s among males and females. The study analyzed high-frequency data from 2003 to 2020 and hypothesizes that opioid-related mortality among younger adults will continue to grow.
Outpatient antibiotic prescribing in Australia decreased significantly during the pandemic, with a 38% drop in winter 2020 compared to pre-pandemic years. The reduction was predominantly due to decreases in GP prescribing and targeted public education efforts.
A study examined the frequency of FDA's extrapolation of pivotal trial data to approved indications, finding it occurred in 45% of cases. This practice may lead to different clinical results in real-world use compared to trials.
A cohort study found an increased risk of serous retinal detachment, retinal vascular occlusion, and ischemic optic neuropathy among men taking phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The study suggests a potential link between erectile dysfunction medication use and vision impairment.
A study led by UCL researchers found significant disparities in opioid painkiller access between countries, with some regions reporting rates as low as 0.01 MME per 1,000/day, while others have surpassed the US in opioid sales. The findings highlight the need for global policies to improve palliative care and pain relief provision.
A study of nearly 15,000 US nurses found that significant antibiotic use in midlife is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline later in life. The researchers suggest that this may be related to changes in the gut microbiome, which can impact brain function and overall health.
A history-based screening for medication abortion was found to be both effective and safe in this study, with a total of 3,779 patients involved. The researchers used either in-person dispensing or mailing of medications, without the need for ultrasonography or pelvic examination.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new consensus recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of research studies involving investigational drugs. The recommendations focus on seven areas, including pharmacy workflows and collaboration with sponsors.
Scientists have devised a method to pinpoint active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine formulations, revealing 4 analytes with significant anti-inflammatory activity. This breakthrough could improve quality control standards and lead to better herbal remedies.
A study examined the association between county-level prescription rates of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin and voting patterns in the 2020 US presidential election. The analysis found a statistically significant correlation between higher prescription rates and Republican vote shares.
A recent study led by Dr Simon Fraser from the University of Southampton found that painkiller prescriptions decreased during the pandemic, but high-risk individuals continued to receive them. The research highlights the need for greater caution when prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent kidney damage.
Researchers have discovered a streamlined two-step synthesis strategy to produce neoechinulin B and its derivatives, exhibiting strong anti-HCV and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. The novel process utilizes a piperazine-2,5-dione derivative and tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) as key reagents.
The UArizona Health Sciences Center is developing a Center of Excellence for Addiction Studies to advance addiction research and develop therapies for the opioid epidemic. The center will facilitate national collaborations, employ cutting-edge genetic techniques, and provide advanced methods for measuring neurotransmitters.
A new framework evaluates medicines' impact on global health, calculating the impact of drugs used to treat diseases like TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and NTDs. The Global Health Impact Index model saves about 62 million disability-adjusted life-years, equivalent to saving almost a year of life for 1% of the world's population.
A randomized controlled trial involving 51 GP practices and 404 patients found a significant reduction in the number of medicines prescribed for older people with multimorbidity. The intervention group experienced over 800 medicines being stopped, with only mild adverse reactions reported.
A study of 1.1 million patients with type 2 diabetes found disparities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists by racial and ethnic groups, as well as by sex and socioeconomic status. The findings highlight concerns about unequal access to effective diabetes care.
Scientists have found that the gene PBK is overexpressed in pulmonary hypertension, causing excessive cell proliferation and thickening of pulmonary artery walls. They are now exploring PBK inhibitors to reduce cell proliferation and improve heart and lung function.
A recent study published in JNCCN found that 33 out of 81 studies lacked transparency on censoring, which can introduce bias and affect trial results. The researchers emphasize the need for improved transparency and reporting in clinical trials to ensure patients and clinicians make informed decisions.
Scientists have developed a fusion protein that successfully blocks replication of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses in cell culture tests. The protein combines ACE2 with human antibody fragments, providing reliable protection against future mutations.
Researchers discover novel compound AD732 with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, outperforming standard NSAIDs while causing minimal harm. The compound may be a safer alternative for treating pain and inflammation in difficult diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to nonpharmacologic therapies like physical therapy was limited, leading to an increase in opioid prescriptions for pain management. The study found that prescription opioids replaced nonpharmacologic therapies as a primary means of pain control.
Researchers have mapped the atomic structure of amphotericin B, a powerful but toxic antifungal agent. The detailed structure reveals how the drug kills fungal cells by robbing them of sterol molecules, providing a roadmap for synthesizing less-toxic derivatives.
A study found that the percentage of psychiatrist visits involving psychotherapy dropped to 21.6% between 1996 and 2016, with rural and Black/Hispanic patients experiencing significant declines. The shift towards medication management is attributed to economic factors and a national shortage in psychiatric services.
The COVID-19 pandemic drove significant advancements in pharmaceutical technology, with mRNA-based vaccines proving highly effective. Oral antiviral pills, such as Merck's molnupiravir and Pfizer's PF-0732133, showed promise in reducing hospitalization and death rates among unvaccinated individuals.
A UBC-led study found no increase in abortion-related health complications after Canada removed mifepristone restrictions. The study examined 315,000 abortions in Ontario between 2012 and 2020 and showed that abortion continued to be safe and effective with mifepristone prescribed without restrictions.
A new analysis proposes four solutions states can implement to improve Medicaid eligibility for seniors, including eliminating the asset test or increasing its limit. This could lead to lower administrative burdens and improved health outcomes for eligible individuals.
The 2022 Pharmacy Forecast Report notes that COVID-19 disruptions have led to increased roles for pharmacists in patient care, emergency preparedness, and technology. The report also emphasizes the need for equitable access to digital tools and explores strategies to mitigate supply chain issues.
Pharmacy standing orders led to a significant increase in naloxone dispensing in Massachusetts, but gaps in access persist in rural communities and Hispanic neighborhoods. Communities with higher rates of opioid overdose deaths and buprenorphine treatment also dispensed more naloxone.