Articles tagged with Medications
The study found that the prevalence of adults with diabetes did not significantly change between 2013 and 2023. However, glycemic control among those with diagnosed disease worsened, particularly among young adults. This trend is concerning due to its potential impact on lifetime risk of cardiovascular events.
A new survey found that patients with neurological and mental health disorders prefer non-invasive neuromodulation interventions over current medications. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that providing accurate information to patients improves their perception of these treatments.
Researchers have discovered that commonly prescribed medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis in developing brains, potentially affecting neural development and function. The study highlights the need for reevaluating medication safety during pregnancy and early childhood.
A cohort study found that patients with obesity undergoing joint replacement who experienced significant weight loss after initiating anti-obesity medications had a lower risk of 5-year and 10-year revision. This suggests that safe and sustainable weight loss may improve implant survivorship in obese patients.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found a modest increase in the risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy among individuals with type 2 diabetes associated with semaglutide use. The findings suggest that further investigation is needed into the clinical implications of this association.
A new study found that generic drugs made in India have significantly more 'severe adverse events' for patients, including hospitalization and death. The researchers matched 2,443 drugs made in the US and emerging economies, finding that mature generic drugs were responsible for the higher rates of severe adverse events.
A study by University of Bath researchers found that stopping anticoagulants for patients aged 75 and over does not significantly affect the risk of major bleeding, but increases the risk of serious events like stroke and death. This highlights the need for clinicians to carefully consider the risks of stopping anticoagulation therapy ...
The study found a significant increase in obesity drug prescriptions from 0.76 million in July 2017 to 1.5 million in February 2024, mirroring rising public online search activity for semaglutide and tirzepatide. This correlation highlights the real-time association between public awareness and prescription trends.
A cohort study found that insurance plan type and structure play a crucial role in determining access to semaglutide for adults with obesity. The findings suggest that targeted interventions at the insurance level could improve equity in obesity treatment access.
A polypill containing a statin and three half-standard dose antihypertensives could significantly reduce health disparities in low-income, majority Black populations with limited access to healthcare. The study suggests that this treatment approach may be a high-value intervention for preventing cardiovascular disease.
A cross-sectional study found that maternal use of certain antidepressants and anti-inflammatory medications can lower protein and fat levels in breast milk. This may impose health risks on infants who are breastfed by mothers taking these medications, highlighting the need for further research to clarify the clinical implications.
A recent study found that approximately 1 in 3 U.S. retail pharmacies have closed since 2010, primarily driven by chain pharmacy closures and industry consolidation. This decline significantly impacts public health, making it harder for people to access prescriptions and essential health services.
A cohort study found that nearly half of participants who consumed alcohol at baseline decreased their alcohol use after initiating anti-obesity medication treatment. The medications, such as naltrexone and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), may have properties that lead to reduced cravings for alcohol.
A study estimates that approximately one-third of eligible US adults without diabetes were excluded from clinical trials supporting GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications. The FDA should consider updating labeling to advise caution on generalizing these medications' safety and effectiveness to excluded populations.
A study of U.S. adults on anti-obesity medications found that 25% reported wasting more food since taking the drugs, while changes in diet and eating habits appeared to offset some of this waste, particularly among those who consumed more vegetables.
A study reveals that nearly 137 million US adults are eligible for semaglutide therapy, more than the number eligible for statins. Semaglutide's broad eligibility could lead to increased adoption and treatment options for US adults.
Researchers found semaglutide and liraglutide substantially decrease AUD hospitalization risk compared to approved medications. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore their efficacy in treating AUD.
A new study published in JAMA found that reports of drug supply-chain issues were 40% less likely to result in drug shortages in Canada compared to the US. The analysis looked at drugs with reports of supply-chain disruptions between 2017 and 2021 in both countries, and found nearly half resulted in shortages in the US within 12 months.
A study published in JAMA found that drug-related reports of supply chain issues were 40% less likely to result in meaningful drug shortages in Canada compared to the US. This highlights the importance of global cooperation to curb the effects of drug shortages and strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains.
A cross-sectional study found a significant increase in GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) use as anti-obesity medications from 2022 to 2023. Meanwhile, the rate of metabolic bariatric surgery decreased by 25.6% during the same period. These findings suggest a potential shift in treatment strategies for obesity management
The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and SGLT2 inhibitors in people with type 1 diabetes has significantly increased between 2010 and 2023. This trend is driven by their benefits in weight management and cardiorenal protection, but caution is advised due to concerns about euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.
The article highlights patchwork strategies for managing high prescription drug costs, but emphasizes the need for solutions that address root causes of high prices. Clinicians can use existing solutions to help patients access costly medications, but policy changes are necessary for sustainable affordable access.
Researchers developed a system using woodchips and biochar to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and pharmaceuticals from wastewater. The treatment-train approach showed significant removal of pollutants, with the biochar acting like activated carbon to efficiently remove pharmaceutical residues.
The study found that individuals receiving methadone had a lower risk of treatment discontinuation compared to those receiving buprenorphine/naloxone. Additionally, the risk of mortality while receiving treatment was similar between medications, with no significant differences observed.
Researchers at EMBL Hamburg and CSSB have uncovered the molecular details of vitamin B1 absorption, revealing critical transporters and barriers that hinder its progress. The study sheds light on rare diseases caused by SLC19A3 mutations and potentially life-threatening hidden deficiencies triggered by certain medications.
The third annual TCT MedTech Innovation Forum will address pressing cardiovascular medicine challenges and unveil disruptive solutions. Visionary leaders from the medtech landscape will convene to explore bold solutions, share pioneering insights, and shape the future of cardiovascular care.
The study highlights the critical role of online pharmacies in providing direct-to-patient medication abortion care, particularly with virtual-only platforms. Removing barriers to accessing these services is crucial for increasing accessibility and equality in reproductive healthcare.
Long-term treatment with the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is estimated to extend event-free survival by up to 3 years among people with heart failure. The FINEARTS-HF randomized clinical trial found this benefit in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have found an antidepressant, vortioxetine, effective against glioblastomas, a particularly aggressive brain tumor with no cure. The drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger a signalling cascade makes it promising for treating this deadly tumour.
Scientists at Stanford University have developed a new method to relocalize misplaced proteins in cells, which could lead to therapeutic treatments for diseases. The team created a class of molecules called TRAMs that convince natural shuttles to take cargo like proteins to different parts of the cell.
A randomized controlled trial found erenumab injections significantly improved medication overuse headache remission rates and reduced acute migraine treatment days in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse headaches. The study suggests that erenumab can be a simplified treatment option for MOH patients.
Researchers developed a label-free biological sensing method that can detect substances at the zeptomolar level, significantly improving drug testing and research capabilities. This advancement has the potential to lead to portable sensors for environmental toxins, food quality monitoring, and cancer screening.
Prescription volumes for stimulant and antidepressant medications rose, while opioid volumes decreased between 2019 and 2022. Telehealth prescriptions climbed across medications, with a notable increase in opioids.
A retrospective cohort study of 3,389 patients with obesity found that semaglutide and liraglutide were associated with significant weight reduction at 1 year. The study suggests that persistent medication coverage, dosage, treatment indication, and patient sex are important factors in determining weight loss outcomes.
Researchers found that omitting the bolus-specific 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) portion from common chemotherapy regimens improves tolerability without sacrificing treatment effectiveness. The study of 11,765 patients shows no decrease in overall survival but a notable reduction in cytopenias.
A post hoc analysis found semaglutide treatment did not increase the risk of developing depression or suicidal ideation and was associated with a small reduction in depressive symptoms. Monitoring for mental health concerns is essential for individuals with obesity to receive proper support and care.
Researchers investigated peptide clumping behavior using molecular dynamics simulations and AI techniques. They discovered that aromatic amino acids enhance aggregation, while hydrophilic ones inhibit it, offering insights into peptide structure and function.
A low-dose triple-pill protocol demonstrated improved blood pressure lowering and control, with good tolerability, compared to standard-care protocols for Black African adults with uncontrolled hypertension. The study results have significant implications for hypertension treatment in Nigeria.
Sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduced hospitalization for any reason, particularly in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction below normal. Lower rates of cardiac and pulmonary hospitalizations were also observed in this patient population.
A five-year study led by Tulane University is investigating a new medication to treat trichomoniasis. The research compares secnidazole with metronidazole, finding that one-dose treatment could offer better options for the infection, which affects 156 million people annually.
Elinzanetant, a selective neurokinin-1,3 receptor antagonist, demonstrated significant reductions in vasomotor symptoms frequency and severity vs placebo in postmenopausal individuals with moderate to severe VMS. The treatment also improved sleep disturbances and menopause-related quality of life, with a favorable safety profile.
A USC study found that prescription fills for semaglutide increased by over 400% between 2021 and 2023, with most prescriptions going to privately insured patients. The study suggests that this may worsen disparities in diabetes and obesity outcomes among Medicaid and Medicare recipients.
A new University of Michigan study found that over 82% of Americans aged 50-80 take one or more prescription medications, with 80% open to stopping certain drugs. However, researchers stress the importance of personalized guidance for deprescribing older adults, particularly those taking medication for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
US adolescents have reported decreases in both medical and nonmedical use of prescription medications between 2009 and 2022. The study attributes these changes to factors such as revised prescribing guidelines and COVID-related school closures.
A study by Dr. Takanori Sekito and colleagues reveals a strong association between vaginal pathogenic Escherichia coli and recurrent cystitis in postmenopausal women, suggesting that targeting both the urinary bladder and vagina is crucial for effective treatment.
Researchers at Mainz University have identified aniquinazolin B, a natural substance from the marine fungus Aspergillus nidulans, which stimulates opioid receptors and could potentially replace opioids in the long term. The compound shows promising results with fewer undesirable reactions compared to opioids.
Treatment approaches for opioid use disorder are underreported and inadequate in US substance use treatment facilities, with more than one-third lacking medications for OUD. The study highlights the need for improved treatment options to address the opioid epidemic.
A cohort study found increased patient coinsurance in Medicare Part D's coverage gap and catastrophic coverage phases at age 65, associated with higher spending on T2D medications. This may lead to reduced diabetes medication utilization, increasing the risk of nonadherence and complications.
Tirzepatide was associated with significantly greater weight loss than semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. Future studies are needed to explore differences in other outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found an association between semaglutide and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition that can cause vision loss. The observational study suggests caution when prescribing semaglutide to patients at risk of this condition.
Researchers develop new method to create azetidines, a stable form of heterocycle that don't oxidize under physiological conditions, expanding toolkit for drug developers to improve medication safety and reduce side effects. This breakthrough enables the creation of more useful chemical transformations with better medical functions.
A Massachusetts statewide standing order policy led to a 32% increase in emergency contraceptive fills at pharmacies. The policy's impact was largely attributed to increased prescription-only ulipristal fill rates, which more than doubled after the policy was implemented.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.
A pilot study found that methylphenidate enhances oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis, improving visual processing speed. The treatment also showed promise for mitigating cognitive symptoms associated with MS.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...
A world-first study from HKUMed and Harvard found that continuous statin therapy reduces the relative risk of cardiovascular diseases by 21-35% in adults aged 75+, without increased safety concerns. The study used real-world data to inform decision-making on statin initiation for this large population.
A prospective study found that medication abortion via no-test telehealth and mailing of medications was comparable in effectiveness to in-person care with ultrasonography. The research also revealed low adverse event rates across all groups.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine demonstrated strong protection against a range of COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission. Annual updates to the vaccine are recommended due to waning immunity from older versions.
Scientists are conducting a clinical trial to explore the use of anti-retroviral medications Ritonavir and Lopinavir as a potential treatment for brain tumors in patients with Neurofibromatosis 2. The study aims to determine if these drugs can help reduce tumor growth and survival in NF2 patients.
A randomized clinical trial found that an intermittent fasting plan consisting of two nonconsecutive fasting days and five days of meal replacement diet improved glycemic outcomes and weight loss in the short term compared to metformin or empagliflozin. The study suggests a promising initial intervention for type 2 diabetes management.