Articles tagged with Medications
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.
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.