Articles tagged with Medications
A new injection therapy uses self-amplifying RNA to prompt the body's release of the natural heart-protective hormone ANP for several weeks. This approach aims to reduce harmful scarring, preserve healthy heart muscle and improve heart function after a heart attack.
A decision-support system improved depressive and anxiety symptoms, increased medication adherence, and reduced symptoms over time for patients with major depressive disorder. The system used clinical and demographic predictors to tailor treatment, resulting in better outcomes for patients compared to usual care.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide prescriptions increased dramatically between 2018 and 2025, while MBS use rates declined substantially starting in 2023. Recent shifts in MBS use may be more pronounced in certain patient subgroups, such as those seeking sleeve gastrectomy or with lower BMIs.
New studies reveal that medication nonadherence in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often caused by affordability and limited understanding of medications. This can lead to quicker lung function decline, more frequent exacerbations, and a higher symptom burden.
A new Cochrane review found that sucrose can effectively reduce pain in newborn babies during painful procedures like venepuncture. The study examined 29 clinical trials involving over 2,700 babies and showed that a small amount of sucrose given before the procedure significantly reduces pain when combined with non-nutritive sucking.
Researchers investigated low-dose lithium as a potential treatment for mild cognitive impairment in a pilot clinical trial. The study found that none of the primary outcomes met the significance threshold, but effect size estimates suggest potential benefits for future trials.
A comprehensive study of collagen supplements found benefits in skin elasticity, hydration, and osteoarthritis symptoms. However, there were no meaningful improvements in sports performance or muscle recovery, dispelling some myths surrounding its use.
A study published in the Chemical Engineering Journal proposes a new method for environmental remediation of pharmaceutical pollutants in water. The researchers used high-energy sparks to degrade pollutants, achieving better results than conventional methods.
The study found that opioids provide only small, time-limited pain relief for certain pain conditions, such as stomach pain and dental surgery. Regular use of opioids comes with a risk of harm, including dependence and overdose.
Daily aspirin use offers no quick or reliable way to prevent bowel cancer in the general population, increasing risk of serious bleeding. However, it may have potential long-term benefits for people at high genetic risk of colorectal cancer.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System found that using GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination with adhering to healthy lifestyle habits significantly reduces cardiovascular risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that these two stra...
A large registry study in Finland found that 70% of antipsychotic medication use among older adults was off-label. Risperidone and quetiapine were the most commonly used medications off-label. The study highlights the need for alternative treatments and clearer guidelines for monitoring metabolic side effects.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that early hydrocortisone treatment increases the chance of surviving without lung disease for extremely premature babies. The treatment is safe and does not increase serious side effects.
Researchers are developing a new compound that can break down MDM2, a cancer-driving protein often found in triple-negative breast cancer, showing promise in shrinking tumors. The goal is to create an entirely new class of therapies for this aggressive and difficult-to-treat form of the disease.
Nearly 2/3 of US adults reported using medication in the past 7 days, with similar prevalence of over-the-counter and prescription medications. This study emphasizes the reliance on these therapies and underscores the need for increased accessibility to address health disparities.
A team of researchers from Penn State and The University of Minnesota Medical School found that chemically changing the structure of a naturally occurring peptide can make it more stable and effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new shape imparted by the modified molecule allows it to physically degrade bacterial cell me...
The study found increased requests for medication abortion among adolescents in states with gestational bans and parental consent requirements. Young adults also sought more medication abortion services post-Dobbs, with the highest demand in states with restrictive abortion laws.
A nationwide cohort study found that semaglutide initiators had a significantly higher risk of developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy compared to sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor initiators. The absolute risk was low, but clinicians and patients should be aware of this rare but evident increased risk.
A new study found that removing legal barriers to cannabis use may reduce daily opioid use and lower the risk of opioid-related overdoses among people who inject drugs. US states that legalized recreational cannabis saw a 9-to-11-percentage-point decline in daily opioid use among this population.
The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment is causing problems in ecosystems, leading to impacts on human health. Researchers propose key points for a more sustainable pharmacy framework, including training professionals and promoting eco-prescribing.
Researchers discovered that collaborative care programs improve quality of life, reduce costs, and alleviate caregiver burden for dementia patients. Adding lecanemab to treatment increased healthcare costs but was offset by the savings from collaborative care.
Researchers discovered that ATG triggers rapid clotting and inflammation in the liver by activating a complement activation system and TGF-β pathway, leading to severe side effects. The study used human organoid models and imaging analysis to reveal the biphasic mechanism of ATG-induced liver injury.
A new study found semaglutide to be an effective treatment for preventing secondary cardiovascular disease in US adults. The medication meets conventional thresholds when used alone, but its cost-effectiveness is improved with combination therapy.
A new study offers hope that kidney transplant patients may one day have a more effective treatment regimen. The Phase 2 pilot study showed improved kidney functioning in all patients who completed the study, with no patients experiencing rejection due to antibodies produced by the immune system.
US adults with uncontrolled blood pressure are often not taking antihypertensive medication, yet many have blood pressures within 10mmHg of the 2025 goal. Most adults with uncontrolled BP could achieve control through initiation of medication and lifestyle modification
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that oral semaglutide has a potential benefit in reducing heart failure events among people with type 2 diabetes and existing heart failure. The data support the use of oral semaglutide as a treatment option for these patients.
A national clinical trial found that oxybutynin significantly reduced hot flash frequency and quality of life for men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer. The study showed substantial improvements in hot flash symptoms, often within the first week of treatment.
The study found that metformin reduces the risk of developing Long COVID by approximately one case for every 50 cases of acute SARS-CoV-2 treated with 14 days of metformin. Metformin can be used alone or combined with other treatments to prevent Long COVID in most adults.
A recent study found that low-dose aspirin use was not associated with incident cancer incidence in older adults, contrary to previous findings. However, the study revealed a significant elevation in cancer mortality risk during the randomized clinical trial period, which did not persist after the trial ended.
Researchers found no association between long term use of proton pump inhibitors and increased risk of stomach cancer. The study, which analyzed data from five Nordic countries over 26 years, suggests that patients needing long term proton pump inhibitor therapy may not need to worry about a higher risk of stomach cancer.
A national clinical trial found that abemaciclib, an oral cancer drug, may slow tumor growth in patients with aggressive meningiomas with specific genetic mutations. The trial showed promising results, with a median progression-free survival of 10 months and a median overall survival of 29 months.
Research reveals a significant increase in antipsychotic use among adults 65 and older with dementia, despite limited proven effectiveness and serious risks. The study suggests that long-term prescribing is on the rise, particularly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
A new study by the University of Texas at Arlington examines how updated CDC guidelines can help nurse practitioners reduce opioid misuse and protect patients. The guidelines emphasize individualized care, clinical judgment, and ongoing reassessment to ensure safe prescribing practices.
A major U.S. clinical trial has uncovered a genetic factor that may inform how to optimize the dosing of abiraterone, a widely used hormone treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Researchers found that men who carry a specific version of the gene SULT2A1 clear abiraterone from their bodies more slowly, which could affect how well it w...
Researchers discovered that protein intelectin-2 has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria in the GI tract. It strengthens the mucus barrier and can directly neutralize or restrain bacteria, making it a potential therapeutic agent.
A study found that older adults are prescribed potentially inappropriate central nervous system-active medications despite guidelines. Patients with cognitive impairment were more likely to receive these medications than those with normal cognition. The study highlights the need for better medication management in older adults.
The FDA's regulation of mifepristone involves characterizing its decision-making process and rationale for key components. The agency's approach has evolved over time, with notable changes to its regulatory framework.
A new study found that only a quarter of reproductive health experts prescribe self-administered injectable contraceptives, despite its safety and effectiveness. The study identified barriers such as concerns about patient ability, medication availability, and lack of standardized counseling approaches.
Researchers at MIT have designed a pill that can report when it has been swallowed, using a biodegradable radio frequency antenna to communicate with an external receiver. This technology could improve medication adherence for patients who need to take immunosuppressive drugs or treatment for extended periods.
A new study found that 4.9 million adults in Great Britain have recently used a drug to support weight loss or were interested in using one in the near future. The usage far exceeds NHS England's initial goal of prescribing these drugs to 220,000 people over three years.
Around 4.9 million British adults, nearly one in ten, have recently used or expressed interest in GLP-1 medications to support weight loss. The demand highlights substantial need for these medications, which help lower blood sugar, support weight loss, and reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications.
A systematic review finds that stopping weight loss drugs leads to rapid weight regain, reversing heart health markers in under two years. Average monthly weight gain is 0.4kg, with all cardiometabolic risk markers projected to return to pre-treatment levels within 1.4 years.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that propofol, a common anesthetic agent, can improve cognitive function after surgery in older individuals. Additionally, intranasal insulin was found to mitigate age-related memory impairment by modulating neuroinflammatory mechanisms.
In a prespecified exploratory analysis of the SELECT randomized clinical trial, semaglutide demonstrated significant reductions in hospital admissions and overall time spent in hospital. This finding suggests that semaglutide has broader health benefits for patients with obesity and established cardiovascular disease.
A meta-analysis found nirsevimab to be associated with reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits for lower respiratory tract infections in young children. This suggests the potential of nirsevimab to decrease respiratory-related morbidity in this population.
A study published in JAMA found that nirsevimab was associated with lower risks of RSV-related hospitalization and severe outcomes compared to maternal vaccination with the RSVpreF vaccine. These findings suggest a potential benefit for passive infant immunization with nirsevimab in reducing RSV-related complications.
A recent study found that accelerated cancer drug approvals provided limited survival benefits for patients, while costing Medicare billions of dollars. The research, published in BMJ Medicine, analyzed the costs and benefits of early access to new cancer drugs through the FDA's accelerated approval pathway.
Researchers found that valacyclovir, an antiviral medication, was ineffective in treating early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and may even worsen cognitive function. The study suggests that individuals with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus seropositivity should not be treated with valacyclovir.
Acute sepsis alters fluid kinetics and creates a 'third space' resistant to adrenergic modulation, leading to maldistribution of crystalloid fluid. Vasoactive drugs have limited effect on fluid distribution in septic sheep compared to healthy animals.
Researchers at UVA Health System discover how traumatic brain injury increases Alzheimer's risk and find a potential prevention strategy using a hollowed-out virus to deliver repair supplies. The approach could help limit neurodegeneration and potentially prevent other neurological diseases.
A team of researchers has identified two proteins critical to the destruction of red blood cells by the Oroya fever pathogen. This discovery paves the way for a potential novel therapy against this deadly neglected tropical disease.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement suggests that combination pills combining two or more medications may help adults with high blood pressure achieve optimal blood pressure goals more quickly, reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, and improve long-term health. Currently, most people need two or more medicatio...
Scientists have successfully replicated human neural circuits using assembloids, a type of miniature organoid derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The study shows that the thalamus plays a crucial role in shaping cell-type specific neural circuits in the human cerebral cortex, promoting cortical growth and maturation.
A repeated cross-sectional study found a significant increase in stimulant prescribing for ADHD, with the largest acceleration observed among female adolescents and young adults aged 18 to 64. The study's findings are consistent with prior research but provide new insights into population-level trends.
A new seaweed-based carbon catalyst has been developed that can rapidly break down antibiotic norfloxacin in water without using toxic metals or sulfur chemicals. The catalyst, made from kappa carrageenan and doped with nitrogen and sulfur, shows high specific surface area and degrades antibiotics through non-radical pathways.
A study published in JAMA found that expectant management resulted in higher survival rates compared to active treatment for patent ductus arteriosus in extremely preterm infants. The protocol-defined study showed no significant difference in mortality or bronchopulmonary dysplasia between the two groups.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a promising new substance that inhibits the ability of tuberculosis bacteria to produce energy and causes them to die. The compound, PRP020, targets the pathogen's ATP synthase but attacks a different site than existing drugs like bedaquiline.
Researchers found that abstinent smokers have altered brain activity linked to increased pain sensitivity and a need for more postoperative pain relief. The study suggests that nicotine withdrawal affects specific brain regions, leading to higher requirements for pain management in surgery.
Researchers found that plant phenolic acids can dramatically boost the activity of existing antibiotics against multidrug resistant E. coli, reducing the chance of new resistance emerging. The compounds also make it easier for antibiotics to enter and stay inside bacterial cells.
A growing trend of antipsychotic medication prescription increases in older U.S. adults, with long-term care pharmacies being a primary source. Non-psychiatrist prescribers contribute to the trend, highlighting concerns over medication accessibility and oversight.