Articles tagged with Medications
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
A nationally representative survey of 27,600 US adults found that 14.9% used medications that may cause an increase in blood pressure, including 18.5% of those with high blood pressure. The study highlights the importance of monitoring medication use in patients with hypertension.
A recent study published in JNCCN found that only 31% of hospitals have immediate availability of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a crucial blood cancer medication. This medication is essential for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, which has a better prognosis when treated appropriately. The lack of ATRA availability poses a signi...
A new smartphone app, MyHealthyPregnancy, evaluates preeclampsia risk and patient adherence to low-dose aspirin recommendations. The study found that 37% of high-risk patients were unaware they needed to take the medication, highlighting a need for improved communication between providers and patients.
Researchers revealed that β-lactam antibiotics like penicillin kill MRSA by forming small holes in the cell wall, which gradually enlarge and lead to bacterial death. This discovery provides new avenues for treatment developments against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Children in foster care are more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medications, with a prevalence of 35% compared to 8% for non-foster peers, according to a new study. The research found significant differences in medication use across all age groups.
A new study by UCL researchers has found that staying on long-term antidepressants reduces the risk of relapse by 39% compared to those who stop taking them. The study involved 478 primary care patients and found that 56% experienced a relapse within a year if they discontinued their medication, while only 26% did so after a full year.
A study found that only about 2-2.5% of individuals with alcohol dependence in Sweden receive alcohol medication, highlighting unequal provision of treatment across sociodemographic factors and co-morbid conditions. The research suggests low knowledge among physicians and patients, as well as preference for psychological treatment over...
Researchers found substantial amounts of pharmaceutical compounds in a stream in Baltimore, despite low concentrations over the course of a year. The high loads are likely coming from leaking sewer pipes, posing a significant threat to aquatic life and ecosystems.
A research team from Okayama University has reported the potential of a berry-producing vine, Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (Yamabudo), against lung cancer in mice. The study found that extracts from Yamabudo and its chemical compounds display tumor-suppressing properties by repairing DNA damage and suppressing growth signaling pathways.
A new study analyzes 377 severe harm and death incidents in acute medical units across England and Wales between 2005-2015. The most common incident types were diagnostic errors, medication-related errors, and failures in monitoring patients. Implementing electronic prescribing systems and checklists can reduce diagnostic errors, while...
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen are developing two new centers using quantum simulators to help create tomorrow's pharmaceuticals. The centers will utilize customized algorithms to simulate complex biochemical processes, speeding up the discovery of effective medications.
Researchers have discovered that flexible molecules can bind more effectively to proteins causing diseases like breast cancer. This finding could lead to the development of more effective pharmaceutical drugs. By maintaining molecular flexibility, scientists may be able to create stronger bindings with disease-causing proteins.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal raises questions about the safety of prescription drugs manufactured overseas, particularly from countries like India and China. Regulatory agencies are criticized for lacking transparency in inspection processes, leaving Canadians uncertain about the quality of their medications.
The natural health products industry lacks robust regulation, putting consumers at risk. The authors argue that uniform regulations can protect consumers while allowing choice.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal advocates for reforming Canada's outdated food and drugs act to ensure new and old medications are safe and effective. The proposed reforms include increased evidence gathering, monitoring, progressive licensing, and modernizing legislation.
A new method of administering antiemetic granisetron, subcutaneously, achieves similar blood concentrations as intravenous administration, making it a potential alternative for non-hospitalized patients. The study supports the use of subcutaneous granisetron for treating chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
A Wayne State and Virginia chemist has won a national award for his work on developing anti-parasitic compounds by mimicking the structure of sugar molecules. Researchers have learned that these molecules serve as 'ID tags' on cell surfaces, which can be used to identify target tissues and prevent infections.