A study examined the association between cerivastatin sodium and rhabdomyolysis to illustrate the US postmarketing safety-surveillance system's limitations. The authors suggest an outside group should review label changes, new studies, or suspension of sales to balance patient and industry interests.
A study found that combining antidepressant medication nortriptyline with a nicotine patch significantly increased smoking cessation rates at six months. The treatment showed a 23% success rate, compared to 10% for those receiving a placebo. However, participants taking nortriptyline experienced more side effects.
The Vioxx drug was found to increase the risk of heart attacks in patients, with a doubling of risk compared to placebo or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The data showed that adverse cardiovascular effects were evident earlier than September 2004.
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that beta-blockers significantly reduce all-cause mortality in heart failure patients by 27% and absolute annual increases in risks of hypotension, dizziness, and bradycardia. Fewer patients were withdrawn from beta-blocker therapy than from placebo due to adverse effects.
Researchers found that long-term consumption of high amounts of isoflavones can alter patterns of agonistic and social behavior in primates, including increased aggressive and submissive behavior. The study suggests careful attention must be taken to balance beneficial and potentially adverse effects of soy consumption.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins found that 34% of herbal weight-loss product websites contained incorrect or misleading statements, which could lead to serious harm to consumers. The products contain serious side effects such as heart attacks, strokes, and increased blood pressure.
A study found that 41% of web sites selling ephedra products failed to disclose potential adverse effects or contraindications, while 53% did not reveal the dosage of ephedra alkaloids. The authors recommend that makers of dietary supplements containing ephedra should voluntarily disclose pertinent information about the supplements.
Dr. Tierney emphasizes that medication side effects are often non-specific and can be attributed to underlying conditions, not just the medication itself. He advocates for regular screening of patients using computer-based medical records systems to eliminate preventable errors.
A Stanford research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of low-carbohydrate diets, finding they lead to short-term weight loss through reduced caloric intake. However, there is insufficient evidence on the long-term effects and potential health risks associated with these diets.
A Rutgers University study shows that Prozac treatment preserves female learning ability even under stress. Chronic Prozac treatment was found to be effective in protecting females from the negative effects of stressful experiences on learning. The researchers also found that males and females respond differently to stressful experiences.
A study found that farmers with specific genetic variations in the paraoxonase gene are more likely to experience poor health after exposure to organophosphates used in sheep dip. This suggests a potential link between repeated exposure and chronic ill health.
The Mayo Clinic report concludes that the available data are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the use of soy isoflavones as an alternative to estrogen for hormone replacement in postmenopausal women. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to address the potential benefits and risks of isoflavone use.
A study found that ephedra-containing dietary supplements can cause cardiac arrests, strokes, and permanent brain damage, with some users experiencing unreported adverse effects. Researchers urge the FDA to establish safe daily doses and mandatory labeling.
Researchers from Penn University School of Medicine investigated the safety of Viagra in men with severe coronary artery disease. The study revealed no direct adverse cardiovascular effects from Viagra use, but a small beneficial effect on coronary blood flow reserve was observed.
A large-scale study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found no connection between silicone breast implants and connective tissue diseases. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, included data from 757 studies and analyzed 9 cohort studies, 9 case-control studies, and 2 cross-sectional studies.
A Cornell University study of over 1,700 six- and seven-year-olds found that single mothers' education levels were more important than family income for their children's math, reading, and vocabulary scores. Strong links between a mother's ability level and her child's academic performance were seen in white, black, and Hispanic families.
A new study found that exposure to fashion magazines did not lead to excessive dieting, body dissatisfaction, or depression among adolescent girls. Only those with existing body-image problems showed increased negative affect after reading the magazine for 15 months.
A new study has found that children exposed to zidovudine in utero and as newborns show no cancers or other health effects up through preschool age. The study, sponsored by the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group and funded by NIAID and NICHD, includes over 2,200 children who were enrolled in PACTG prevention and treatment protocols.
Children living in crowded homes exhibit poorer school performance and more frequent conflicts with parents compared to those from less crowded environments. Additionally, boys in crowded conditions show higher blood pressure, while girls feel more helpless than their male counterparts.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has published the List of MAK and BAT Values 1998, revising health risks from exposure to ethanol vapors and aerosols, as well as sidestream smoke. The new classifications include significant updates on carcinogenic substances, with 22 evaluations or revisions for human cancer risk.
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that daily physical activities like climbing stairs and walking increased the risk of preterm birth among low-income women. In contrast, moderate exercise was shown to lower the risk of premature delivery by up to 50%.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found no correlation between high-sugar diets and weight loss, mood alterations, or metabolic effects. Instead, they discovered that the body processes simple and complex carbohydrates similarly, regardless of sugar content.