Researchers have conducted the world's first randomised control trial assessing ketamine's effectiveness as an antidepressant in elderly patients. The trial found that repeated intravenous doses of ketamine resulted in a 68.8% response and remission rate among patients, with no severe side effects reported.
A recent study published in BMJ Open found that negative media coverage and personal experiences of statin side effects are significant barriers to adherence among stroke survivors. The research highlights the need for open dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals to address concerns and improve medication adherence.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a novel approach to treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which safely increases treatment success and reduces negative side effects. The study, led by Professor Richard Clark, shows that CML patients with stable responses to treatment can reduce their medication dosage befor...
Researchers found a 25% increased risk of death from all causes among PPI users compared to H2 blocker users. The study also suggested that PPIs may boost oxidative stress and shorten telomeres, potentially leading to tissue damage.
A study of 1488 adult patients found that 20% experienced adverse reactions to antibiotics, with gastrointestinal and kidney issues being the most common. Nearly a fifth of these adverse effects were unnecessary and occurred in patients who didn't need antibiotics.
A new study found that SGLT2 inhibitors increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis by twice as much as another class of diabetes medications. Despite being rare, this complication can be fatal if left untreated.
A phase III clinical trial suggests a potential new treatment for patients with advanced EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Dacomitinib delayed cancer growth by 5.5 months compared to gefitinib, but also caused more side effects.
The immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab has been shown to shrink tumors in patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer, regardless of prior treatment. In a Phase II clinical trial, the drug demonstrated activity in both PD-L1-positive and -negative tumors.
Researchers have developed a potential new diabetes treatment that uses a 'sugar sponge' to regulate glucose levels. The system, which consists of a lectin-coated polymer vesicle, can absorb glucose when levels are high and release it when levels are low. In laboratory tests and mouse studies, the treatment showed antidiabetic effects.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have engineered a cancer stem cell vaccine that expresses pro-inflammatory protein IL-15 and its receptor to stimulate T cell production. This results in enhanced immune responses against tumors with reduced side effects, offering potential new immunotherapy treatments.
The clinical trial found that systemic therapy preserved visual acuity and had fewer side effects compared to the intraocular implant. The researchers concluded that systemic therapy would be the first choice of treatment for average patients with uveitis.
A systematic review by Aarhus University researchers documents that ECT-related deaths are extremely rare, with only one reported death out of 414,747 treatments. The study highlights the procedure's highly beneficial effects on mental disorders, outweighing potential side effects like memory impairment.
A new study in The Lancet found that muscle-related symptoms are less commonly reported when patients and doctors are unaware of statin therapy. However, when patients know they're taking a statin, they were more likely to report symptoms, suggesting the nocebo effect may be at play.
Researchers warn that hospital policies to restrict patient mobility may worsen health outcomes, citing increased risk of falls and medical adverse events. Promoting mobility with supervised walks and trained staff could help prevent these issues.
A preliminary study suggests that removing Epstein-Barr virus-infected B cells and boosting the immune system may improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Three participants showed significant improvements, including one person with secondary progressive MS who was able to walk without assistance for the first time in 20 years.
People taking oral corticosteroids for less than 30 days are at higher risk of broken bones, dangerous blood clots, and sepsis. Researchers call for better education on the potential risks and most appropriate uses of steroids.
A small study found that the new chemical composition of poppers is linked to retinal damage, with symptoms starting within hours or days of inhaling the substance. Most patients fully recovered after stopping drug use, but some experienced prolonged visual effects.
Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee advises against bioresorbable stents due to their high cost, longer insertion time, and lack of improved results compared to conventional drug-eluting stents. The recent clinical trial results show a higher risk of device thrombosis with Absorb stents.
A recent study found that women with overactive bladder who received antimuscarinics were 38% more likely to develop depressive disorder within three years. The use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of depression, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and consideration of alternative treatment options.
A recent study found that women with overactive bladder who received antimuscarinics were 38% more likely to develop depressive disorder within three years. The use of these drugs was associated with a higher risk of depression despite their ability to improve bladder symptoms by blocking muscarinic receptors.
A new imaging device developed by Modulated Imaging Inc. uses low-power LEDs to project light onto the breast, measuring absorption and scattering properties to quantify skin health. The device aims to predict acute and late skin damage effects from radiation therapy in breast cancer patients.
A new study has identified distinct patterns of side effects in prostate cancer treatment choices, providing insights for patients to make informed decisions. The research found that surgery was linked to higher sexual dysfunction and urinary leakage than other options.
A recent study by Radhika Joshi at NCBS Bangalore has shown that environmental factors can modulate the sedative side effects of antipsychotics. Mice without the 5-HT2A receptor were less affected when given Clozapine in novel cages or with new objects, suggesting a potential strategy for managing these side effects.
Research shows that people who are less numerate experience worse health outcomes, including for cancer patients. To cope, patients can ask for numbers, understand what the numbers mean, consider absolute risk, and narrow down treatment options.
Researchers have discovered a novel substance that may effectively treat trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic nerve pain condition. The substance, BIIB074, inhibits the sodium channel 1.7, reducing pain intensity without burdening side effects.
Researchers found that statin specific side effects were the main reason patients failed to meet LDL cholesterol targets. Patients prescribed low-intensity statins were more likely to miss the target than those on high-intensity statins.
A Pew Research Center survey found that 88% of Americans believe the benefits of the MMR vaccine outweigh its risks. However, parents of young children are more likely to see a higher risk and lower benefits from the vaccine. Those with high science knowledge and higher incomes tend to support school-based MMR vaccine requirements.
Researchers at Tohoku University identified a new mechanism producing low-energy free electrons from X-ray absorption in matter. The process, known as Electron Transfer Mediated Decay, involves rapid charge redistribution over multiple atomic sites.
A study found that nearly half of women treated for early stage breast cancer experienced at least one severe or very severe side effect from their treatment. The most common side effects were pain, skin irritation, and constipation, with Latina women being 30% more likely to report a severe side effect.
A team led by Prof Dr Aiden Haghikia and Prof Dr Ralf Gold report two patients who developed severe symptoms under alemtuzumab, a common MS treatment. The researchers successfully treated the side effects with a new algorithm that could benefit other patients worldwide.
Patients taking antidepressants for depression are more likely to report gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects if they also have panic disorder, according to a new study. Co-occurring panic disorder is associated with an increased risk of worsening depressive symptoms.
Researchers at KIT and Jacobs University Bremen have discovered a new class of host molecules, namely, barrel-shaped cucurbiturils, which can transport medical substances and hormones more efficiently. This breakthrough may lead to improved medicine formulations with reduced side effects.
A Drexel study analyzed nearly 200,000 English-language tweets about the HPV vaccine between 2014 and 2015. The results show that 39% of tweets were positive, while negative sentiments accounted for only 25%. Prevention and protection were popular topics in positive tweets, while side effects dominated negative ones.
A University of Liverpool study found that reducing the dose of leukemia drug tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) can safely reduce side effects in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. Patients who achieved stable molecular remission levels showed no evidence of leukaemia rebound after cutting their TKI dose, with some reporting signif...
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine details two cases of acute and unexpected fatal myocarditis that occurred in melanoma patients following treatment with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. High-dose corticosteroids were initially administered, but both patients died due to the severe immune reaction.
Research suggests that many people with chronic low back pain experience limited relief from opioids, with only 13% finding them 'very successful'. Additionally, patients often report side effects such as constipation, sleepiness, and cognitive issues.
The use of glutathione for skin bleaching is on the rise in the UK despite potential risks and lack of regulation. The practice has been linked to serious side effects such as Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, as well as transmission of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
Pokémon Go has been linked to increased physical activity and social connections, with players walking longer distances and interacting with strangers in public spaces. However, the game also carries risks, such as accidents and thefts, that have sparked concerns about its impact on mental health.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that breast cancer drug trastuzumab affects the development of blood vessels in the heart, leading to potential cardiovascular side effects. The study highlights a new role for ErbB2 protein in blood vessel formation and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these side effects.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that medical marijuana users report improved pain, nausea, anxiety, appetite, and mood, with only minor side effects. The study involved over 2,000 patients using medical marijuana for cancer and non-cancer treatment.
Scientists created a way to make tissues and organs clearer by linking molecules together, leaving lipids that cause opacity intact. This breakthrough allows tracking of nanoparticles at depths of over 1 millimeter, enabling better understanding of interactions with tumors and organs.
A team of researchers has identified a ketamine metabolite that quickly reverses depression in mice without ketamine's major side effects. The study suggests that this compound may work by activating AMPA receptors, potentially opening up new vistas for the development of safer antidepressant treatments.
Researchers modified an obesity drug to block brain penetration, reducing psychiatric side effects. The new version of the drug can work on cannabinoid receptors outside the brain.
A team at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering developed a novel strategy for engineering protein fusions to improve in vivo efficacy and safety. The approach enabled the creation of cell-targeted drugs that reduce potential side effects and accelerate new drug development.
A significant association has been found between HLA-B*59:01 and Clozapine-induced agranulocytosis and granulocytopenia, suggesting the allele may serve as a marker for prioritizing patients at low risk of developing these severe side effects. Further analysis is needed to clarify the mechanism behind this association.
Australian scientists have developed a new method for harvesting stem cells that eliminates the need for growth factor injections, reducing side effects for donors. The new method combines two molecules to mobilize stem cells into the bloodstream within an hour of administration.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have discovered a molecule that rescues damaged blood vessels without harming healthy ones. This finding could lead to the development of new pharmaceutical therapies with fewer side effects for hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney disease.
Research from University at Buffalo finds that antidepressant use increases the odds of dental implant failure by four times. The study highlights the importance of weighing benefits against side effects for patients using these medications.
Researchers have developed a computer program that predicts pharmaceutical side effects, outperforming earlier software in accuracy. The system assesses drug molecules and identifies potential side effects using an ensemble approach, demonstrating its effectiveness in flagging adverse reactions.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin reveals that modifying ECT can minimize cognitive side effects while maintaining its effectiveness in treating severe depression. The 'unilateral' approach, involving unilateral electrode placement, shows promising results.
A new approach has been discovered to reduce uncontrolled movements caused by levodopa, a common Parkinson's disease medication. By boosting the functioning of a specific brain receptor, scientists have found that side effects such as dyskinesia can be dramatically reduced.
A possible solution to the inflammatory side effects of Alzheimer's immunotherapy has been discovered by researchers from the University of Southampton. They engineered three new antibodies that preserved immunotherapeutic activity while reducing inflammation.
A team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego has developed a predictive model that can forecast how different individuals will respond to a particular drug. The model, which uses genomic and metabolomics data, aims to provide insights into why some patients experience side effects while others do not.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a class of compounds that can effectively treat chronic itch without inducing sedation. The new compounds target the kappa opioid receptor, which is associated with pain perception and stress responses.
Researchers have developed a molecular 'on switch' to control T cell actions in cancer therapy, allowing for sharper reduction of severe side effects. The innovation enables doctors to precisely manage immune responses using a controller drug that flips cells into an active status.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that deliver allergens to specific cells, reducing side effects. The new approach could lead to safer and more effective treatments for allergies and other conditions.
A chemist at San Diego State University developed a new technique to improve the selectivity of protein kinase inhibitors, which can lead to fewer side effects. By locking in either the right- or left-handed version of an atropisomeric compound, researchers found more selective inhibition of specific kinases.
A NIHR-funded study has found that repositioning patients after the Valsalva manoeuvre significantly increases its success rate in treating supraventricular tachycardia. The modified technique improved heart rhythm return rates from 17.5% to 43.5%, offering a cost-free and comfortable option for patients.
A study of 515 premenopausal patients found that younger women with stage 0-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer are less likely to initiate or continue tamoxifen treatment due to concerns about side effects and fertility, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new study suggests that ultra-brief pulse stimulation is almost as effective as standard ECT in treating severe depression, but with significantly fewer cognitive side effects. The treatment has the potential to benefit up to 10,000 Australians who have not responded to first-line treatments.