Articles tagged with Side Effects
A new graphical tool called RXplore allows physicians to instantly track down the cause of drug side effects by retrieving adverse reaction data for multiple medications simultaneously. The study found that physicians can retrieve accurate information 65% faster using Rxplore than traditional resources.
A study found that increasing the radiation dose for prostate cancer treatment did not lead to increased long-term side effects. Patients reported minimal distress from chronic symptoms, with many considering their quality of life 'normal' despite experiencing symptoms. The results suggest that patients may adapt to treatment and exper...
Researchers found a six-step psycho-educational and cognitive-behavioral treatment approach to boost women's sexual desire by nearly 30%, without adverse side effects. The treatment addresses relationship issues, body image concerns, and lifestyle stressors.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a new guideline evaluating the treatment options for muscle cramps. Quinine is no longer recommended for routine muscle cramps due to potential serious side effects, while naftidrofuryl and diltiazem may be considered as alternative treatments. More research is needed on these options.
A recent study at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that a high-fat ketogenic diet is both effective and safe for controlling seizures in the long term. The diet, which consists of high-fat foods and very few carbohydrates, has been shown to reduce seizure frequency by nearly 80% in patients treated for a minimum of 16 months.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new compound that appears to balance neurotransmitters better than existing antidepressants, potentially offering improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
A new oral drug Cladribine has been shown to significantly reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse and deterioration, with no short-term side effects. The treatment, which only needs to be taken for 8-10 days a year, promises to change the lives of the 100,000 people in the UK affected by MS.
A new study found that long-term testicular cancer survivors who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy experienced more severe neurological side effects compared to those not treated with chemotherapy. The study suggests that dose-intensive chemotherapy regimens can limit ototoxicity and hearing impairment in these patients.
Thalidomide's mechanism of causing limb defects has been linked to its impact on angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. This understanding paves the way for developing safer treatments for diseases like Leprosy, Crohn's Disease, and AIDS.
A new study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that clinicians' and patients' reports of treatment side effects differ significantly, but together provide a more complete picture. Patients generally reported adverse symptoms earlier, more frequently, and with greater severity than their clinicians.
A large study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that patients treated with radiotherapy after prostate cancer surgery experienced very few complications, contradicting concerns about toxicity and side effects. The study suggests that radiation treatment is an effective and safe option for patients with recurrent cancer.
The winners of the 2009 Science in Society Journalism Awards are Alison Bass, Jason Felch and Maura Dolan, Michael J. Berens and Ken Armstrong, and Pamela Ronald, who received $2,500 cash prizes for their investigative reporting on topics such as pharmaceutical industry manipulation, DNA-based forensic evidence, and genetic engineering.
A phase II trial found that budesonide did not reduce the rate of diarrhea in patients with stage III or IV melanoma taking ipilimumab. The study showed a median overall survival of 17.7 months among those treated with budesonide, similar to those receiving placebo.
A large study comparing widely used treatments for chronic hepatitis C infection found similar safety and efficacy in achieving long-term viral eradication. However, subgroup analysis revealed that certain approaches may be better suited for women and minorities, with some treatments showing higher success rates in these groups.
Vibrator use is prevalent among adult Americans, reported by 53% of women and 45% of men, associated with positive sexual function and proactive sexual health care. The studies also found no significant differences in vibrator use between heterosexual and gay/bisexual men.
A Queen's University study found that cholinesterase inhibitors can cause slowed heart rates, fainting episodes, and increased risks of permanent pacemaker implants and hip fractures in patients with dementia. The study suggests that people at high risk should reassess their medication regimen.
A study by University of California, San Diego researchers found that polypharmacology can explain the failure of cholesterol-controlling drugs like Torcetrapib. By analyzing protein-drug interaction networks, they identified potential off-target effects and proposed a novel computational strategy to design safer pharmaceuticals.
A case study reports a patient with chronic diarrhea responding to lansoprazole withdrawal, highlighting the drug's potential link to collagenous colitis. Withdrawal of lansoprazole promptly resolved both colonoscopic and histological abnormalities.
A new study analyzed dialogue between neurologists and epilepsy patients, revealing significant gaps in communication. Discussions of mood- and behavior-related topics occurred in only 22% of visits, while 57% of patients reported issues post-visit that physicians were not aware of.
A new study shows that taking cladribine tablets just a few times a year can dramatically reduce the chances of a relapse or deterioration of multiple sclerosis. Patients who took part in the trial suffered very few side effects, making it an effective oral therapy without constant injections.
A study coordinated by Duke University Medical Center found that adding the anti-viral drug telaprevir to standard therapy can shorten treatment duration by 50% and improve cure rates by 50%. The new combination therapy showed a sustained viral response rate of 67% in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C.
A new analysis finds that prostate cancer patients who undergo testosterone-lowering therapy are at higher risk of bone fractures and heart-related deaths. The study highlights the need for preventive measures and careful health scrutiny to mitigate these risks.
A new study by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati and colleagues found that the siRNA treatment is toxic to both blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, with potential applications in cornea transplantation and treatment of lymphatic diseases.
A new study reveals that lithium promotes DNA repair in irradiated mice, protecting nerves in the hippocampus by decreasing double-strand DNA breaks. Targeted therapies to enhance DNA repair may provide an avenue for future therapeutic development.
A study by Wan Li Low and colleagues found that combining low concentrations of tea tree oil and silver increases antimicrobial activity against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This method allows for controlled release and may lead to safer, over-the-counter antiseptic compounds.
Researchers found that inhibiting the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD2) with licorice extract or by silencing its gene prevents colorectal cancer progression in mice. This approach produces effects specific to the colon and kidney, unlike existing preventive therapies.
A new testosterone patch designed to boost female sex drive after menopause has been found ineffective, with small improvements and large placebo responses reported in clinical trials. The treatment's long-term safety is also unknown due to short trial duration and high side effect rates.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that varenicline (Chantix) did not worsen mood symptoms or side effects in smokers with a likely history of depression. The COMPASS trial tracked over 1,100 patients and detected only one serious psychiatric event involving suicidal thoughts.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that low-dose furazolidone-based quadruple regimens are effective for treating H pylori infection, with eradication rates ranging from 70-90%. The regimens have a low cost and relatively minor side effects, making them a useful option for rescue therapy, particularly in d...
Researchers at MIT have identified two genes that are altered in the brains of animals with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. The study found that regulating these CalDAG-GEF molecules could have therapeutic value for treating the involuntary movements associated with Parkinson's disease.
A new study shows that premature babies born before 34 weeks have a significant reduction in serious complications when given a 'rescue course' of Antenatal Corticosteroids. The study found a 31% decrease in respiratory problems, ventilator support, and surfactant use with no adverse side effects noted.
Researchers found that these diet pills contain a range of addictive substances, including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and diuretics. Physicians are advised to be aware of the dangers of these imported diet pills, which can cause serious side effects such as chest pains, palpitations, and insomnia.
A comprehensive review of nearly 900 studies on statin side effects reveals a spectrum of reported issues, from muscle problems to cognitive decline. The study also highlights the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and increased risk of adverse effects.
A recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology investigated the gastrointestinal side effects of high-dose acetaminophen and NSAIDs. The research found that gastric lesions were similar between groups, indicating that acetaminophen is not entirely free of gastrointestinal side effects at high doses.
Researchers developed a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects than aspirin, targeting the later stage of arachidonic acid biosynthesis. These dual mPGES-1/5-LO-Inhibitors effectively target both prostaglandins and leukotrienes, promising more effective results for inflammatory reactions.
A study found that reducing amiodarone treatment frequency did not decrease side effects but increased atrial fibrillation recurrence rates. Patients in the episodic treatment group had higher all-cause deaths and cardiovascular hospitalizations compared to those receiving continuous treatment.
Researchers found that quadruple therapy is effective in treating H. pylori-related diseases, but side effects can compromise patient compliance. Modifying the regimen or educating patients about side effects can improve treatment outcomes.
A randomized clinical trial shows acupuncture reduces hot flashes and vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer patients, providing additional benefits like increased energy and well-being. The treatment has no side effects compared to commonly used drugs.
A new study found that newer atypical antipsychotic medications were not more effective than an older conventional antipsychotic in treating child and adolescent schizophrenia. The study also revealed potential metabolic side effects, particularly with olanzapine, which may lead to serious health issues.
A new drug development project aims to create a modified beta-blocker that targets the heart without affecting lungs, benefiting hundreds of thousands of heart patients with respiratory conditions. The treatment has the potential to become the general medicine of choice for all heart patients due to its reduced side effects.
A sociologist's analysis reveals that new prescription drugs are twice as likely to harm patients as to provide benefits superior to existing drugs. The study identifies institutional flaws in the FDA's review process, including under-funding and industry influence.
Researchers developed a computational tool to compare drug side effects and predict common targets, revealing hidden therapeutic potential. The approach successfully identified new uses for marketed drugs in treating diseases they were not specifically developed for.
A Duke University chemist has created a method to produce synthetic ketone molecules in only one shape, using a faster and more efficient process than previous methods. This breakthrough could lead to the development of drugs with fewer side effects and increased patient safety.
A new form of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to be as effective as older forms in treating depression, but without the cognitive side effects. The study used a 'ultrabrief pulse' and found that 73% of patients responded, compared to 65% with traditional ECT.
The study demonstrates that AVONEX slows disability progression and reduces relapses in MS patients, improving their overall quality of life. Over 90% of patients experienced an improvement in general health while on treatment, with a significant reduction in disability scores.
Researchers at UCI have developed a new colon cancer prevention treatment using a combination of DFMO and sulindac, reducing the risk of reoccurring colorectal polyps by up to 95%. The treatment has shown promise in reducing the incidence of advanced adenomas and other forms of colon cancer.
Researchers found that aripiprazole reduced the pleasurable effects of alcohol and made drinkers sleepier, suggesting its potential as a treatment for alcohol dependence. The study's findings suggest a balance between useful and aversive effects may be achieved with aripiprazole.
A global study found that telmisartan is as effective as ramipril in reducing cardiovascular death, with fewer side effects such as coughing and swelling. The medication offers clinicians and patients a better alternative for managing high blood pressure.
Epilepsy patients face challenges in communicating with healthcare professionals about medication-related side effects. Advocates propose strategies to improve patient-physician communication and individualized treatment plans.
A study found a rare but significant link between statin use and tendon complications, including tendonitis and rupture. Regular examination may be necessary for patients on statins, particularly during strenuous physical activity.
A University of Houston professor found a new side effect of lead exposure: obesity in male mice born to mothers exposed to varying levels of lead. The study suggests that the link may be related to testosterone or other hormones, and highlights the need for lower acceptable lead exposure rates for pregnant women and children.
Men with prostate cancer who undergo radical prostatectomy experience significant urinary and sexual dysfunction, including incontinence and depression. Health-care practitioners must educate patients about these side effects to improve quality of life.
A University of Georgia study reveals that most TV prescription drug ads fail to provide a fair balance of information, especially when it comes to the risk of side effects. The researchers found that only 2.2% of ads disclosed side effects in both voice-over and text form.
A study by Penn researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with major depression who have tried other options without success. The non-invasive technique has minimal side effects and can be administered via the scalp, avoiding bodily side effects.
Researchers found that carbon monoxide inhalation restores mitochondrial biogenesis in doxorubicin-treated mice, preventing cardiomyopathy. Overexpression of the protein HO-1 also reduced mitochondrial DNA damage and cell death in rat cardiac cells.
The study found that lenalidomide-dexamethasone combination therapy slows multiple myeloma disease progression and improves overall survival for patients. The treatment resulted in a median time to disease progression of 11.1 months compared to 4.7 months in the placebo group.
Researchers identified atrogin-1 as a key factor in statin-induced muscle damage, which can be prevented by inhibiting its function. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for high cholesterol patients experiencing unwanted side effects.
A study found that athletes frequently take supplements without knowledge of their actual effects, leading to potential health risks. The research team recommends that education about supplement use become a required part of sport coach accreditation.
Researchers discovered that peroxynitrite plays a critical role in developing morphine tolerance. Therapeutic manipulation of peroxynitrite can prevent its formation or decomposition to maintain the pain-relieving effect of morphine, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
Acupuncture significantly reduces post-surgical pain and opioid use, with lower rates of nausea, itching, dizziness, and urinary retention. The treatment is also inexpensive and has virtually no side effects when performed by trained personnel.