Articles tagged with Medications
A recent analysis reveals a modest decline in new and additional opioid prescriptions for patients with cancer from 2016 to 2020. For patients with metastatic cancer, prescribing remained stable for those reporting any pain but declined steeply for those reporting no pain.
A new survey found that the high cost of legal cannabis products is a significant barrier for many participants, while access to unbiased information helps people avoid illicit products. Understanding patients' difficulties in accessing safe products can guide strategies to make the process easier.
A cohort study suggests nicotinamide reduces skin cancer risk, with greatest effect seen after initial skin cancer diagnosis, indicating potential chemopreventive properties of the vitamin B3 derivative
A Swedish study of over 1.2 million children found no significant association between prenatal exposure to opioids and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers attributed the observed differences in ASD rates among exposed versus unexposed children to other pre...
A national study found that half of adults without diabetes who started taking semaglutide for weight loss discontinued treatment within a year. The most common factors influencing discontinuation were age, with younger users more likely to stop, as well as high costs and higher predisposition to adverse effects.
Researchers evaluated a tool based on NCCN Guidelines to identify high-risk medications and their association with frailty and outcomes in over 380,000 older adults diagnosed with cancer. The study found that each additional high-risk medication increased the odds of being mildly or moderately-to-severely frail by 66%.
Researchers create peptide hydrogel that controls drug release, improving treatment adherence and efficacy for conditions like tuberculosis and diabetes. The SABER platform uses reversible chemical bonds to slow down drug release, offering a promising solution for precise delivery.
A new study found that Australian women of reproductive age taking GLP-1 receptor agonists are not using effective contraception, despite known risks during pregnancy. The research revealed a higher risk of pregnancy among younger women with diabetes and those without diabetes in their early thirties.
A single dose of MM120 (lysergide) produced a dose-dependent reduction in anxiety in participants with moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. The study supports the efficacy of MM120 and informs dose selection for phase 3 pivotal trials.
A new study reveals that more than half of affected women consider terminating their pregnancy due to extreme morning sickness, with high rates of anxiety and depression. The condition is linked to significant disruptions in daily life and a need for personalized care.
A study of 2,201 patients after heart bypass surgery showed that dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor and aspirin did not reduce cardiovascular risks but increased the risk of excessive bleeding. The results contradict current guidelines recommending dual therapy for these patients.
A study of Medicare database payments found that nearly 80% of US neurologists prescribing multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs received industry payments, with higher volume prescribers more likely to be beneficiaries. Recipients were also more likely to prescribe the company's drugs, especially if payments were larger and sustained.
Research from the University of South Australia finds that ibuprofen and paracetamol drive antibiotic resistance when used individually, but amplifying it when combined. The study also reveals that common bacteria like E. coli become highly resistant to antibiotics and multiple other medications.
Researchers envision AI-powered systems that identify patients at risk of mental health struggles, provide continuous psychological monitoring and tailor interventions. AI can also overcome barriers to mental health care by delivering support exactly where and when it's needed, including rural areas.
Researchers have reimagined hemoglobin as an antioxidant protein in the brain, where it breaks down harmful reactive oxygen species. A new compound, KDS12025, selectively enhances this natural defense mechanism to protect against ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and autoimmune disorders.
Research highlights preventable harms of intensive diabetes and hypertension treatment in frail older adults, calling for personalized care approaches that prioritize patient safety. Guidelines recommend cautious individualized care, but complications remain alarmingly common.
Adults with a history of cancer are significantly more likely to use depression and anxiety medications than noncancer survivors. Non-Hispanic Black patients exhibit decreased medication use, highlighting disparities in mental health treatment.
A daily intranasal corticosteroid treatment with stapokibart resulted in reduced polyp size and improved nasal symptom severity after 24 weeks. Stapokibart, a novel monoclonal antibody, showed efficacy in treating severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine developed a non-invasive system that delivers drugs to specific regions of the body, reducing unwanted side effects. The system uses nanoparticles encapsulated in a sugar solution that responds to ultrasound stimulation, allowing for precise delivery of medication.
A new Cochrane review has found no clear evidence of benefit for ketamine in treating chronic pain conditions. The review identified an increased risk of adverse effects such as delusions and vomiting. High-quality trials are needed to determine the role of ketamine in chronic pain care.
A cross-sectional analysis of 549 essential medicines in 72 markets reveals significant variation in prices and affordability. The study emphasizes the urgent need to promote equitable drug prices and improve access to life-saving medications.
Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody to combat life-threatening inflammatory diseases like sepsis and ARDS. The antibody shows promise in blocking the immune system's hyperactive response and restoring healthy function without unwanted side effects.
A study found no association between semaglutide treatment and diabetic retinopathy, but suggested a potential link to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to clarify this risk.
Researchers designed over 36 million compounds using generative AI algorithms and computationally screened them for antimicrobial properties. The top candidates show promise against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by novel mechanisms that disrupt bacterial cell membranes.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that patients with type 2 diabetes prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide are at increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and other optic nerve disorders. The overall risk is low, but highlights the need for close monitoring of these conditions.
A recent study analyzed use of online asynchronous telemedicine abortion services from July 2023 to September 2024. The research found that these services increased access to abortion care, particularly in rural areas where traditional abortion providers are scarce.
Initiation of semaglutide in adults leads to reductions in weight and cardiovascular risk factors, while increasing health care expenditures. These findings suggest potential clinical benefits, highlighting the need for long-term evaluation of semaglutide's economic impact.
A new study finds that up to 18% of women are advised to stop breastfeeding due to medication, while chronic illness increases this number to 58%. The research highlights the need for accurate and balanced information about medication safety during breastfeeding.
Researchers found that Ozempic-induced weight loss decreased lean mass by 10% in mice, with most of the lost weight coming from non-skeletal tissues. While some skeletal muscles did shrink, others stayed the same size, and strength was affected for some but not all muscles.
A nationwide observational study found significant regional differences in antibiotic use among newborns in Sweden, with the goal of treating no more than one percent of infants while maintaining low sepsis prevalence. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and improved practices to reduce overuse of antibiotics.
A digital tool called MedSafer has been developed to help clinicians identify and deprescribe unnecessary medications for seniors. The software helped reduce the use of such medications in 36% of long-term care residents, nearly triple as many as without the tool.
Researchers found that injecting botox directly into the TMJ alleviated TMD-related pain, hypersensitivity, and neural activity, while preserving movement abilities. The study suggests avoiding muscle tissue to overcome botox side effects and offers new hope for treating jaw disorders.
Researchers at University of Bath have developed a system that can transport therapeutic proteins across the gut wall and into the bloodstream, enabling medication delivery via pill. The new technology has shown consistent delivery rates, with potential to transform lives of patients who currently inject themselves daily.
A study found that semaglutide and liraglutide use are associated with a higher risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in older patients with type 2 diabetes. The GLP-1 receptor agonists showed varying levels of risk, with liraglutide posing the greatest threat.
Researchers validated panels of antibodies targeting clinically relevant nucleic acid modifications to visualize antisense oligonucleotides in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The tools enable detection of modified nucleic acids irrespective of sequence, facilitating multiple clinical and pre-clinical workflows.
The book examines antibiotic-induced reproductive toxicity, microbiome alterations, and emerging concerns around antibiotic resistance. It provides critical insights for clinicians, pharmacists, researchers, and students in reproductive medicine and pharmacology.
Among US adolescents, current medical use of prescription stimulants for ADHD increased from 2005 to 2023, while nonmedical use decreased. Lifetime nonmedical use was more prevalent than medical use in early cohorts but shifted to being less prevalent in recent cohorts.
Researchers found that external cues alleviated pain for all participants but only half reported less pain with placebo treatment. Predictive cues were less impactful when patients received placebo treatment. The study suggests cue-based expectations have more consistent effects than treatment-based expectations.
A recent Irish study analyzed national prescription data for over 533,000 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and found five significant prescribing cascades. These cascades involve medications prescribed together, such as calcium channel blockers with diuretics or benzodiazepines with antipsychotics.
Researchers from FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine recommend using high-potency statins as the primary pharmacologic approach in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and a healthy diet, are also crucial in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Scientists at Leipzig University have discovered that the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor GPR133 plays a central role in building and maintaining healthy bone. By mimicking natural activation, a new active substance AP503 can strengthen bones and potentially treat osteoporosis.
A new treatment for corneal scarring is being developed by University of Houston optometry researcher Tarsis G. Ferreira. The treatment uses a natural protein called decorin to block scarring and unwanted blood vessel growth, offering hope for people with injured corneas.
The American Geriatrics Society has released an updated list of alternative treatments for potentially inappropriate medications in older adults, providing safer and more effective options. The list reflects the needs of clinicians and is designed to support safer prescribing practices.
A combination of two approved cancer medications may slow or reverse Alzheimer's symptoms by reversing gene expression changes in neurons and brain cells. Researchers analyzed public data from deceased donors and found a link between these drugs and reduced risk of developing the disease.
A recent study found that people in poorer areas receive three times the prescriptions for opioids than those in wealthier areas, despite a decline in overall opioid use in Canada. The research highlights the persistence of inequalities in healthcare and the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the risks of opioid misuse.
Medieval medicine was more sophisticated than previously thought, with many remedies resembling modern wellness trends. Researchers have discovered hundreds of medieval manuscripts containing health practices based on the best knowledge available at the time.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that opioid consumption intensity varies enormously across different populations and contexts. The study suggests that tracking average intensities of use could improve our understanding of consumption patterns and inform drug policy and treatment strategies.
A cohort study found that GLP-1RAs like semaglutide and tirzepatide lower risk of dementia, stroke, and all-cause mortality in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The findings suggest potential neuroprotective benefits beyond glycemic control.
A new study found significant reductions in medication use, symptoms, and procedural interventions with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers used an optogenetic platform to discover dozens of molecules that can act as pan-antivirals, including two chemical scaffolds that could serve as development candidates. The compounds were tested on Zika, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and herpes, showing promising results.
Scientists at University of South Australia developed a long-acting injectable formulation that delivers levodopa and carbidopa over a week, reducing the need for multiple daily tablets. The biodegradable formulation improves treatment outcomes and patient compliance, offering a potential game-changer for Parkinson's care.
The largest review of antidepressant withdrawal studies found that most people do not experience severe withdrawal symptoms, with dizziness and nausea being the most common. Depression was not a symptom of withdrawal but rather an illness recurrence.
A recent study in the Netherlands found 15% of men who have sex with men and transgender individuals recently used doxycycline as post- or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), highlighting an increase in informal use. The high intention to use PrEP among the population raises concerns about potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and chan...
Researchers at Lund University have identified a potential therapeutic breakthrough for melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. By targeting mitochondrial energy production and protein synthesis, existing antibiotics and inhibitors can effectively eliminate cancer cells while sparing healthy skin cells.
A study of over 2,500 adults aged 50-80 found that nearly 1 in 6 take aspirin for cardiovascular protection without a history of heart disease. Despite revised guidelines reducing aspirin use for primary prevention after age 70, many patients are unaware of the increased risk of bleeding.
A team of researchers proposes a novel adaptive platform trial fund to accelerate ALS drug development. The study outlines a financing model that merges efficiencies with an innovative royalty-based investment structure, drawing on data from the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial. This new approach could transform how diseases like ALS are addr...
A new study from the University of Bath found that inappropriate polypharmacy is a major driver of emergency hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and over. The researchers developed a digital tool to proactively identify older adults at risk of medication-related harm, which could reduce preventable emergency hospitalisations.
A new study found that the newer generation of effective diabetes medications are not reaching enough patients. The study analyzed data from over 40,000 records and found that only 20% of patients with type 2 diabetes were taking GLP-1 drugs within a year of diagnosis, and less than 15% were taking SGLT2 drugs.
A large-scale study found no association between medication use and the development of microscopic colitis, contradicting previous findings. SSRIs were linked to a slightly higher risk, but also increased the likelihood of receiving a colonoscopy.
Access to buprenorphine and naltrexone for opioid use disorder is affected by race and ethnicity, as well as insurance type. Targeted interventions, including culturally tailored care and expanded access points, are needed to address disparities and reduce inequities contributing to the overdose crisis.