A randomized study shows rifaximin to be highly effective in preventing all forms of diarrhea and intestinal symptoms in healthy adults traveling to high-risk areas. The medication was also found to prevent chronic diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome in some individuals, making it a promising treatment for travelers.
The Department of Defense Smallpox Vaccination Program reported over 50 cases of myopericarditis, a heart muscle inflammation, following vaccination. Most soldiers experiencing complications have recovered well with therapy, but researchers stress the need for further study to better understand potential cardiac risks.
A compound found in orange and tangerine peels has shown promise as a natural alternative for lowering LDL cholesterol without side effects. The compound, called polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs), was found to lower cholesterol levels by 32-40% in animal studies.
A University of Michigan study found that most prostate cancer treatment guides overlook key details and favor active treatment over watchful waiting. The researchers recommend complete information on risks and benefits, clear writing styles, and visual elements to engage readers.
Scientists are developing a new anthrax vaccine that requires fewer shots and has fewer side effects. The study aims to improve upon the existing vaccine, which causes numerous side effects and takes 18 months to confer protection.
A study of 42 people found that those taking CoQ10 had significantly fewer migraine attacks than those taking a placebo, with 48% experiencing half as many attacks. The only side effect reported was an allergic skin rash in one patient.
A new study from the Mayo Clinic found that pyridostigmine improves standing blood pressure without increasing blood pressure when lying down, offering a safe treatment option for patients with orthostatic hypotension. The study involved 29 patients who were satisfied with the drug's effects, with 17 taking it as their primary treatment.
A new study published in Urology found that men taking AVODART for four years experienced a significant reduction in urinary symptoms and prostate volume, with an average symptom improvement of 6.1 points on the AUA-SI. Long-term treatment also resulted in low incidence of drug-related side effects.
A recent study by mathematicians and economists found that National League pitchers are more likely to throw inside pitches, increasing the risk of hitting batters. This 'moral hazard' theory suggests that the rule's impact is not due to lower costs for NL pitchers, but rather their fear of retaliation when stepping up to bat.
A new study demonstrates the benefits of Risperdal Consta in young adults with schizophrenia, improving symptoms and reducing side effects. The treatment showed significant satisfaction and improvement in health-related quality of life, making it a promising option for patients.
A recent study found that biological DMARDs significantly increase the risk of serious hepatic events. The study showed no such link with leflunomide or traditional DMARDs, suggesting further investigation is needed.
A study of 1,204 men treated with radiation therapy found that hormone therapy significantly increases the risk of moderate to severe genitorurinary and gastrointestinal side effects. Hormone therapy can extend lives but complicates treatment decision-making.
Researchers found that variations in genes related to serotonin receptors and liver enzyme CYP2D6 impact antidepressant efficacy and side effects. The study suggests personalized treatment approaches based on individual genetic profiles.
A study of 5,016 children with cancer found that five-year survival rates increased from 23% in the 1960s to 70% in the 1990s. However, many survivors experience long-term side effects, such as reduced growth hormone production and cardiac problems.
Combining herbal supplements with regular medication without consulting a doctor can lead to adverse interactions. Patients should discuss their herbal supplement use with their primary physician to ensure safe treatment and prevent unexpected complications.
A study found that applying a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug cream to the skin reduced muscle soreness by 37-45% in healthy males after exercise. This method avoids systemic side effects associated with oral NSAID use, which are common among patients.
Researchers have developed a glycosylated enkephalin that appears promising in studies using mice, triggering behavior consistent with reduced addiction and fewer side effects than morphine. The compound interacts with both mu and delta receptors to increase analgesic strength while limiting narcotic side effects.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that two types of medications used to treat osteoporosis and certain cancers can cause inflammation in the eyes, leading to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. The research found that almost 100 patients experienced blurred vision, pain, and swelling as a r...
Researchers investigating a potential new treatment for type 1 diabetes found severe allergic reactions in mice, raising concerns about its safety. The study's findings contrast with earlier mouse studies suggesting the treatment could reduce incidence of diabetes, and highlight the need for cautious evaluation of immunotherapy research.
A recent study conducted by Dr. Tim McCulley at Stanford University found that high doses of Viagra preserved the thickness of the eye's choroids layer, supplying blood to the eyeball, with minimal change in blood vessels or flow. However, some individuals with underlying vascular diseases may experience changes in vision due to small ...
Researchers have solved the structure of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme that metabolizes endocannabinoids like anandamide, which provide natural pain relief. By inhibiting FAAH, scientists aim to increase the longevity of these molecules, potentially leading to effective and long-lasting pain relief without side effects.
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment that preserves bone mass in both female and male mice without affecting reproductive organs. Estren, a class of compounds called ANGELS, appears to trigger bone-building activities without the side effects associated with sex hormone therapy.
A study published in Neurology found that opioid medications effectively relieve postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) pain without significant side effects, with 54% of patients preferring opiates over antidepressants. The research suggests opioids are a good alternative for patients not responding to other types of pain medications.
Studying genetically engineered mice that lack specific PDE4 subtypes, researchers found that inhibition of PDE4D mediates much of the emetic response. The study aims to develop subtype-specific inhibitors effective in airways without affecting other tissues.
A new generation antipsychotic quetiapine, combined with mood stabilizers, shows improved efficacy in treating manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. The study results indicate that more patients experience full resolution of manic symptoms when treated with quetiapine.
A retrospective study of 222 patients with HIV found that women experienced higher rates of neurologic complications and lipodystrophy after two years of HAART therapy. The study's findings suggest that while women may respond similarly to treatment as men, they experience more side effects.
Researchers found that drug combinations significantly reduced HIV levels in untreated patients, with at least 75% achieving a viral load of less than 400 copies/mL after 48 weeks. The study used three different drug combinations and found impressive changes in viral loads across all groups.
Historical evidence suggests that smallpox vaccination poses significant risks to certain populations, including children under one year old and those with compromised immune systems. Researchers estimate that 25% of the US population would need to be excluded from a vaccination campaign due to high-risk factors.
Only 25% of patients have been seizure-free for the past year, with many experiencing frequent seizures despite medication attempts. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy (VNS) has shown promise in reducing seizures and improving quality of life.
A new study found that risperidone, a second-generation antipsychotic medication, cuts the one-year rate of relapse for patients with schizophrenia in half compared to haloperidol. This reduction could have significant economic benefits and improve patient outcomes.
Six popular herbal therapies - Ginkgo, St John's wort, Ginseng, Echinacea, Saw palmetto, and Kava - have varying levels of effectiveness and safety. Prednisone, a glucocorticoid, reduced swelling and progression of damage to joints in patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis.
A large-scale study shows that levalbuterol is more effective and produces fewer side effects than racemic albuterol in children. The new formulation contains only the biologically active right isomer of albuterol, making it a valuable alternative for pediatric patients.
Researchers found that prostate cancer patients who underwent seed implantation (brachytherapy) experienced more urinary, sexual, and bowel problems compared to those treated with high-quality conformal external-beam radiation. The procedure's invasive nature may contribute to the higher side effects.
A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that the Men C vaccine is safe for infants, with minimal adverse events reported. The vaccine was administered to almost 3000 infants between 2-5 months old and showed no serious adverse events, with only mild side effects such as swelling and redness at the injection site.
Researchers found that patients with the lowest activity of a key folate-metabolizing enzyme suffered the highest degree of toxicity and treatment complications. Patients with the MTHFR variant had less than half the rate of folate-enzyme activity, resulting in increased oral mucositis symptoms and slower platelet recovery.
A landmark survey shows that patients with major depression often feel their illness isn't under complete control and experience few quality-of-life improvements. The study highlights a significant communication gap between primary care physicians and patients, leading to inadequate treatment and side effect management.
A recent survey of high school athletes found that most users rely on friends for information, take unknown dosages, and experience minor side effects. The Mayo Clinic authors stress the need for larger studies to understand the long-term effects of creatine supplementation in this age group.
A study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that reducing prednisone medication can eliminate unpleasant side effects without affecting survival rates. 80% of adult transplant patients were successfully weaned off prednisone within two years, with no increased risk of rejection or infection.
A new study found that women taking lower-dose birth control pills experienced fewer side effects, such as bloating and breast tenderness, compared to those taking traditional 35 mcg pills. The study also showed that these lower-dose pills provided equally good contraceptive protection.
A recent study of outpatients taking prescription drugs found that drug complications may be long lasting and have additional negative consequences, including patient dissatisfaction with care. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal ailments, sleep disruptions, mood changes, and tiredness.
A new report describes four patients who experienced bruxism, including jaw clenching, headaches, tooth grinding, and broken teeth, after taking Zoloft for depression and anxiety. The symptoms resolved with the addition of another anti-anxiety drug, Buspar.
A study published in Urology found that men with prostate cancer are more likely to remain continent and potent after surgery performed by highly experienced surgeons. The study's potency and continency rates were the highest ever reported, with up to 93% of patients reporting continency and 65% reporting potency.
A clinical trial at UNC is testing the effectiveness of LY353381, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), for treating ovarian and endometrial cancers. The drug has minimal side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Researchers have developed a new, more effective form of the medication Ritalin that produces fewer side effects and has the potential to be used in anticocaine therapy. The improved drug is made through a chiral synthesis process, which allows for smaller doses and reduced potential side effects.
A UK allied health professor has received a patent to test the effectiveness of combining lithium salts with existing anti-viral drug agents for AIDS patients. The proposed treatment aims to reduce toxic side effects and enhance the immune system, potentially reducing the amount of virus in the body.
Studies reveal that patients are more likely to discontinue protease inhibitors due to side effects and complexity of dosing regimen. Additionally, certain groups such as women, minorities, and those with less education are underrepresented in receiving potent drug cocktails containing protease inhibitors.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that St. John's Wort can cut alcohol consumption in laboratory animals by up to 50 percent. The herb's active ingredient, hypericin, may prove effective in the fight against alcoholism without causing side effects.
A recent study found that two out of every three female veterinarians have reported accidental needlestick wounds, with side effects reported in 16.4% of cases. Vaccines were the most commonly injected substances, followed by anesthetics and euthanasia drugs.
A study documented four patients who developed symptoms ranging from nausea to jaundice after consuming home-made Kombucha tea. The researchers caution that the tea may be harmful to some consumers due to its potential toxicity and urge patients to consider alternative therapies as a cause of unexplained symptoms.
Researchers found that self-administered IL-2 injections can produce significant increases in CD4+ T cells in HIV-infected patients. Those with higher initial CD4+ T cell counts had the best responses, with almost half sustaining increases of at least 200 cells/mm³ after one year.
Methylnaltrexone, a medication that blocks morphine side effects without affecting pain relief, has been granted orphan-drug status. This designation will help bring the drug to patients with cancer pain who struggle with nausea and constipation due to long-term opioid use.