Articles tagged with Medications
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers tracked 120 older veterans taking gabapentinoids and loop diuretics, finding that only 4 doctors correctly identified the gabapentinoids as the cause of leg swelling. The study highlights the dangers of 'prescribing cascades' and emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and alternative treatment options.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals who received emergency or hospital care for hallucinogen use are at a higher risk of developing mania and bipolar disorder. The study revealed a six-fold increased risk of mania diagnosis within three years for those who received such care.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a new treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, a deadly form of blood cancer. The FDA-approved medication works by disrupting cellular protein interactions that drive leukemia cell growth and survival, offering patients a potential cure.
Withdrawal of tirzepatide after 36-week treatment led to 25% or greater weight regain in most participants within a year, reversing initial cardiometabolic parameter improvements. Continued obesity treatment is crucial for sustained benefits.
The study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists are increasingly used for postpartum weight loss in overweight women without a documented diabetes diagnosis. The primary indication for use was weight reduction, suggesting a potential shift in treatment guidelines.
The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...
A UCSF study found that a combination of outreach methods, including texts and live phone calls, significantly improves follow-up care for hard-to-reach patients. The integrated approach increased engagement among African American patients to 76.4% and improved overall reach rate by 3.5%, supporting their recovery and treatment outcomes.
A new patch developed by Texas A&M University researcher Dr. Ke Huang may offer a way to help the heart heal after a heart attack by delivering interleukin-4 directly to damaged heart tissue. The patch uses a microneedle system to promote repair and improve heart function without affecting the rest of the body.
A study comparing GLP-1 RAs found that all three drugs are relatively safe options for patients with type 2 diabetes, with minimal differences in kidney and cardiovascular risks. Liraglutide had a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to dulaglutide.
The GSK/Fleming Initiative is launching six new research programs to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using advanced AI. The programs focus on discovering new antibiotics and vaccines for Gram-negative bacteria and fungal infections, with the goal of accelerating development of effective treatments.
Researchers found high-engagement social media posts lack essential risk information and promotional elements, potentially eroding patient decision-making. The study highlights the need for fair balance in online advertising to maintain informed consent.
A Cochrane review found that low-dose colchicine reduced heart attacks and strokes in people with a history of heart disease or stroke. The study involved nearly 23,000 participants and showed that taking colchicine could prevent about two of each heart attack and stroke among those with cardiovascular disease.
Headache disorders affect nearly one in every three people, causing significant disability and health loss. Migraine and medication overuse drive most of the global burden, emphasizing the need for improved prevention, management, and access to care.
A new compound MCH11, a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, shows promising effects in reducing alcohol consumption and motivation to drink in mice. The molecule exhibits anxiolytic and antidepressant properties with sex-dependent efficacy, correcting genetic alterations associated with alcohol use disorder.
A recent landmark study identifies adenosine as the critical mediator of rapid antidepressant action, connecting ketamine, ECT, and hypoxia. The discovery raises questions about the potential interference of caffeine with these treatments, highlighting the need for further research on adenosinergic modulation in depression.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine found that the breakdown of protective brain structures called perineuronal nets leads to social memory loss in Alzheimer's patients. Preventing the degradation of these nets may lead to new treatments to prevent or delay the disease.
A recent study found that fewer than half of young adults with severely high cholesterol levels start taking a statin within five years of first high LDL-C measurement. The study highlights significant care gaps in lipid management among adults aged 18-39, particularly those at high risk for premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular dis...
A new national quality framework has been developed to evaluate medication management and clinical services provided by pharmacists in residential aged care. The PHARMA-Care National Quality Framework promotes a transparent, person-centred approach to medication management, aiming to reduce risks linked to polypharmacy.
Pharmacists play a key role in providing medication abortion services when mifepristone is regulated as a routine prescription. This study's findings inform policy initiatives to enhance pharmacist referral networks and improve access to medication abortion.
Researchers are searching for cellular vulnerabilities in 'superbugs' like E. coli and P. aeruginosa to find new, effective therapeutics. The $5.3 million project aims to develop new ways to deliver lifesaving drugs directly into resistant pathogens.
A UBC-led study found that most pharmacies in British Columbia can provide the abortion pill mifepristone within days, but uneven access still poses barriers for some women. The study highlights the need for better communication between pharmacies and clearer referral systems to close remaining gaps.
A large global study of 23,000 people found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used for indigestion and heartburn were associated with poorer overall survival and a higher risk of severe side effects in patients with breast cancer. Statins and metformin showed no significant impact on either survival or adverse events.