Thursday, September 20, 2012
Drug update- A Complete update on Drugs for health care professionals..
Drug update- A Complete
update on Drugs for Doctors..
by-Shamna M,Sr lecturer
NEW DRUG APPROVALS
Aflibercept - August 3, 2012 — Aflibercept,an angiogenesis inhibitor(Anti
VEGF) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in
the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. The indication is for use in
combination with the conventional FOLFIRI regimen (leucovorin, irinotecan,
5-fluorouracil).
Enzalutamide - August
31, 2012 — Enzalutamide, an anti androgen has been approved by US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) to treat men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate
cancer that has spread or recurred.
Fingolimod – Fingolimod, sphingosine-1-phosphate
receptor modulator is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing
forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Recommended dose is 0.5md once daily,
with/without food.
Linaclotide
- August 30, 2012 – Linaclotide,
guanylate cyclase type C agonist (GCC agonist) has been approved by US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation
and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults.
Pertzumab
– Pertuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, which inhibits HER 2 (Human
epidermal growth factor receptor) has been approved by US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HER 2 positive breast cancer.
Phentermine-topiramate
combo- July 17, 2012, a controlled-release preparation of
phentermine and topiramate in one capsule, is
now indicated for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2.
Glucarpidase
- January 17, 2012 — Glucarpidase, a recombinant enzyme, has been approved
approved as a treatment for the rapid and sustained reduction of toxic
methotrexate levels due to impaired renal function.
Mirabegron
-
June 28, 2012- Mirabegron is a beta-3 adrenergic agonist indicated for the
treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urge urinary
incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency.
Everolimus
- An mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) has been approved for the treatment
of breast cancer in females.
Stribild (elvitegravir,
cobicistat, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
Aug. 28, 2012 --
Stribild
(elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) has
been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults with
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The combination drug, which only has to be
taken once a day interferes with enzymes that are needed for the virus to
multiply.
tbo-filgrastim
August 29, 2012
-- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved tbo-filgrastim to reduce the
time certain patients receiving cancer chemotherapy experience severe
neutropenia, a decrease in infection-fighting white blood cells called
neutrophils. It is intended for use in adults who have cancers other than blood
or bone marrow cancers (non-myeloid malignancies) and are taking chemotherapy
drugs that cause a substantial decrease in the production of neutrophils in the
bone marrow. This reduction in neutrophils may lead to infection and fever
(febrile neutropenia). It stimulates the bone marrow to increase the production
of neutrophils. It is administered as an injection beginning 24 hours after
chemotherapy treatment.
FDA
Approves Vaccines for the 2012-2013 Influenza Season
August 13, 2012 - Each
year experts from the FDA, the World Health Organization, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other public health experts study
influenza virus samples and global disease patterns to identify virus strains
likely to cause the most illness during the upcoming flu season. Based on that
information and the recommendations of the FDA’s Vaccines and Related
Biological Products Advisory Committee, the strains selected for inclusion in
the 2012-2013 flu vaccines are:
·
A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus
·
A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus
·
B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.
While the H1N1 virus is the same as what was
included in the 2011-2012 influenza vaccines, this year’s influenza H3N2 and B
viruses differ from those in the 2011-2012 influenza vaccines.
Qsymia
(Phentermine and Topiramate extended-release)
FDAapproved Qsymia (Phentermine and Topiramate extended-release) as an
addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management.
The drug is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or
greater (obese) or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) who have at
least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension),
type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).
NEW DOSAGE FORM FOR
EXISTING DRUGS
Afinitor Disperz
- First Drug Formulated for Children with Rare Brain Tumor
August 29, 2012
-- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Afinitor Disperz (everolimus
tablets for oral suspension), a new pediatric dosage form of the anti-cancer
drug Afinitor (everolimus) used to treat a rare brain tumor called subependymal
giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA). Afinitor Disperz is the first approved pediatric-specific
dosage form developed for the treatment of a pediatric tumor. It is recommended
to treat patients ages 1 year and older with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)
who are diagnosed with SEGA that cannot be treated with surgery. Prior to
approval of this new dosage form, Afinitor was recommended for use only in
patients ages 3 years old and older. Afinitor was granted accelerated approval
in 2010 to treat SEGA in patients with TSC.
FDA
Approves Nucynta ER (tapentadol) Extended-Release Oral Tablets for the
Management of Neuropathic Pain Associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Aug.
29, 2012 -- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the
supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Nucynta ER (tapentadol)
extended-release tablets, an oral analgesic taken twice daily, for the
management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
(DPN) in adults when a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic is needed
for an extended period of time. It is the first and only opioid approved by the
FDA for neuropathic pain associated with DPN. In addition to this new
indication, Nucynta ER is currently approved for the management of moderate to
severe chronic pain in adults when a continuous, around-the-clock opioid
analgesic is needed for an extended period of time
NEW INDICATION FOR
EXISTING DRUGS
Linagliptin - FDA approves updated
prescribing information for Linagliptin tablets for add-on therapy to insulin
in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Gabapentin enacarbil
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved gabapentin enacarbil
extended-release tablets for the management of post herpetic neuralgia in
adults.
FDA Approves Auvi-Q (Epinephrine injection, USP) - Aug. 13, 2012 -- FDA has approved Auvi-Q (Epinephrine injection, USP) for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions in people who are at risk for or have a history of anaphylaxis. Auvi-Q is the first-and-only compact epinephrine auto-injector with audio and visual cues that guide patients and caregivers step-by-step through the injection process.
GENERIC APPROVALS
FDA
Approves Generic Versions of Actos
Aug. 17, 2012 -- The
first generic versions of Pioglitazone (Actos) have
been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help adults with type
2 diabetes control blood glucose levels. License to produce the generic
versions in 15 milligrams (mg), 30 mg and 45 mg strengths was granted to Mylan
Pharmaceuticals. As with the brand name drug, generic versions will contain a
label warning that the drug could cause or worsen heart failure in certain
people. And there may be an increased risk of bladder cancer in people who take
the drug for more than a year.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN
MEDICARE FIELD
FDA Approves Digestible Microchips to be
Placed in Pills
August 3, 2012 —
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first ingestible
sensor. The Ingestion Event Marker (IEM), by Proteus Health,
represents a new category of medical device: It is made entirely of ingredients
found in food and is activated on ingestion.
The FDA
validation represents a major milestone in digital medicine. Directly
digitizing pills, for the first time, in conjunction with wireless
infrastructure, may prove to be the new standard for influencing medication
adherence and significantly aid chronic disease management.
The sensor resembles
a grain of sand in size, is made primarily of silicon, and can be integrated
into an inert pill or any other ingestible object (such as a pharmaceutical).
The Proteus Digital Health feedback system integrates wearable and
ingestible sensor technologies to detect medication intake and physiologic
data.
A disposable
patch is worn on the body to capture and relay the body's physiological
response and behaviors. In addition to recording information from the sensor,
the patch records heart rate, temperature, activity, and rest patterns. The
patch lasts approximately 7 days and is operated by a battery, which also lasts
approximately 7 days.
A mobile device
is then carried in the pocket or purse to display data in context and support
care.
The sensor can be
used to detect the exact time medication is taken, as well as the unique
identity of the medication. The information is controlled by the patient.
The IEM does not
contain a battery. Instead, the fluids in the stomach power the sensor, and the
body transmits the digital signal generated by the sensor. The IEM is the only
ingestible sensor that is powered by the body. The sensor passes through the
body similar to fiber.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Inhibitors (Anti-VEGF) in the Management of Diabetic Macular Oedema
As an
alternative treatment for DMO, anti-vascular endothelial growth factors
(anti-VEGF) have been introduced. Different types of anti-VEGF are available,
all of which inhibit VEGF angiogenic activity by binding to the VEGF protein
and thus preventing its receptor activation.
Pegaptanib (PG)
is a pegylated aptamer that targets only the VEGF 165 isoform and is currently
approved for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration
(AMD). Bevacizumab (IVB) is a full-length humanised antibody that binds
to all types of VEGF. It is used in and licensed for tumour therapy. Ranibizumab
(RBZ), it is a humanised monoclonal antibody fragment that binds all active forms of VEGF-A and is currently
approved for AMD and DMO.
In summary, only
RBZ has been approved for the treatment of DMO in Europe. RBZ and
IVB were both developed by Genentech (now part of Roche), but
Roche-Genentech has not sought a licence for the use of IVB in the eye.
However, due to the very high price of RBZ, IVB has regularly been used off
label while experimental studies are underway. The therapeutic aim of anti-VEGF
injections in patients with DMO is to improve and stabilise quality of vision
and, ultimately, to improve quality of life which is severely threatened by visual
loss (eg, increased risk of falls, severe limitation in daily activities like
reading, watching TV or driving a car).
New Hope for Parkinson’s Patients:
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 plays a role in the energy production of
defective mitochondria and that it potentially offers hope for a new
treatment for Parkinson’s.
Researchers have
very recently came up with VITAMIN K2, which can cease the progression of
Parkinson’s' disease. Parkinsonism is a slowly progressive neurological
disorder characterized by progressive dementia with several known etiologies.
It is also postulated that disruption of energy production in mitochondria can
also be a causative factor. This energy is generated by transferring of
electrons. In Parkinson patients, the transportation of electron and
mitochondrial activity is disrupted resulting in insufficient production of
energy for the cell. This leads to the death of cells in certain parts of
brain disrupting communication between neurons. The consequences are the
typical symptoms’ of Parkinson’s: Muscle stiffness, tremors and lack of
movement (akinesia).
Although the
exact root of Parkinson’s diseases is unknown, scientists are successful
in unfolding several genetic defects (mutations) found in Parkinson’s
patients, including PINK1 and Parkin mutations, both of which lead to
reduced mitochondrial activity. By studying these mutations, scientists
hope to untangle the mechanisms underlying the disease process.
Experimental
Drug May Cut Severe Asthma Attacks: Study
Aug. 16, 2012 -- An
experimental drug known as Mepolizumab may reduce outbreaks by almost 50
percent in people with a type of hard-to-treat asthma, an early study
finds. The researchers explained that about a third of people with severe
asthma have eosinophilic asthma, in which eosinophils cause swelling of lung
airways. Standard asthma treatment with inhaled steroids isn't effective, so
these patients take oral steroids, which have many side effects. Mepolizumab
blocks the production of eosinophils and reduces the frequency of severe asthma
outbreaks, which may reduce the need for steroids.
Tofacitinib Appears Effective,
Safe for Ulcerative Colitis: Study
Aug. 15, 2012 -- An
experimental drug called Tofacitinib reduces the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, at least in the short term.
The drug appears relatively safe, with few serious side effects, a new study
found. More than three-quarters of those taking the highest dose of the drug --
which is given as a pill -- had a response to the medication, and 41 percent of
these patients achieved a remission, according to the study.
Drug safety
communication
§ FDA
Safety Changes: Statin Label Revised With New Warning
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
approved class safety labeling changes for statins, including removal of the
recommendation for routine monitoring of liver enzymes and the addition of new
information about reversible cognitive adverse effects and reports of increased
blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.
·
FDA: Do Not Prescribe Sildenafil Off-label to
Kids With PAH
August 31, 2012 - Clinicians should not
prescribe sildenafil on an off-label basis for children to treat pulmonary
arterial hypertension (PAH) because low doses do not effectively improve
exercise ability, and high doses increase the risk for death, the US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) warned.
FDA Issues New Safety Alert on
Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium
August 21, 2012 -- The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a new warning to consumers about
the potential health risks of two products marketed as natural dietary
supplements for treating arthritis, muscle pain, osteoporosis, bone cancer, and
other conditions. The products, Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium,
contain several potentially harmful active pharmaceutical ingredients that are
not listed on the product labels.
The FDA has received
dozens of additional adverse event reports, including death and stroke,
associated with the use of Reumofan Plus since the agency issued its first
warning about the product on June 1, 2012. Other reports include liver injury,
severe bleeding, sudden worsening of glucose (sugar) control, weight gain, swelling,
leg cramps and withdrawal syndrome, and adrenal suppression.
·
Codeine use in
certain children after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy may lead to rare, but
life-threatening adverse events or death
Aug 15, 2012 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
reviewing reports of children who developed serious adverse effects or died
after taking codeine for pain relief after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy
for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Recently, three pediatric deaths and one
non-fatal but life-threatening case of respiratory depression were documented
in the medical literature.These children (ages two to five) had evidence of an
inherited (genetic) ability to convert codeine into life-threatening or fatal
amounts of morphine in the body. All children had received doses of codeine
that were within the typical dose range.
FDA is currently
conducting a safety review of codeine to determine if there are additional
cases of inadvertent overdose or death in children taking codeine, and if these
adverse events occur during treatment of other kinds of pain, such as
post-operative pain following other types of surgery or procedures.
Two Antibiotics Linked to Liver
Injury in Elderly
Aug. 13, 2012 -- A new
study finds that two antibiotics commonly used to treat respiratory and sinus
infections -- moxifloxacin and levofloxacin -- may boost the
risk of severe liver injury in seniors.
·
Seizure risk for
multiple sclerosis patients who take Dalfampridine.
July 23, 2012 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating
health care professionals and the public about the risk of seizures in patients
with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are starting dalfampridine. Using
information received from post-market adverse event reports, FDA recently
evaluated seizure risk in MS patients taking dalfampridine. The majority
of seizures happened within days to weeks after starting the recommended dose
and occurred in patients having no history of seizures.
·
New information
regarding QT prolongation with ondansetron (Zofran)
June 29, 2012 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
informing healthcare professionals and the public that preliminary results from
a recently completed clinical study suggest that a 32 mg single intravenous
dose of ondansetron may affect the electrical activity of the heart (QT
interval prolongation), which could pre-dispose patients to develop an
abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythm known as Torsades de Pointes.
·
Cefepime and risk of
seizure in patients not receiving dosage adjustments for kidney impairment
June 26, 2012 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reminding
health care professionals about the need to adjust the dosage of the
antibacterial drug cefepime in patients with renal (kidney) impairment. There
have been cases of a specific type of seizure called nonconvulsive status
epilepticus associated with the use of cefepime, primarily in patients with
renal impairment who did not receive appropriate dosage adjustments of cefepime.
Cases of
nonconvulsive status epilepticus associated with cefepime are documented in the
medical literature and have been identified in FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting
System (AERS) database .Most cases occurred in patients with renal impairment
who did not receive appropriate dosage adjustment.
· Revised recommendations for cardiovascular monitoring and use of multiple sclerosis drug Fingolimod
May
14, 2012 - The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed its evaluation of a report of a
patient who died after the first dose of multiple sclerosis drug
Fingolimod. The agency also has evaluated additional clinical trial and
postmarket data for fingolimod, including reports of patients who died of
cardiovascular events or unknown causes. However, based on its reevaluation of
the data, FDA remains concerned about the cardiovascular effects of fingolimod
after the first dose. Data show that, although the maximum heart rate lowering
effect of fingolimod usually occurs within 6 hours of the first dose, the
maximum effect may occur as late as 20 hours after the first dose in some
patients.
· Safety review update of cancer drug Lenalidomide and risk of developing new types of malignancies
May
07, 2012 - The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public of an increased risk of
second primary malignancies (new types of cancer) in patients with
newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma who received Lenalidomide. Clinical trials
conducted after lenalidomide was approved showed that newly-diagnosed patients
treated with the drug had an increased risk of developing second primary
malignancies compared to similar patients who received a placebo. Specifically,
these trials showed there was an increased risk of developing acute myelogenous
leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and Hodgkin lymphoma.
· Updated information on drug interactions between boceprevir and certain boosted HIV protease inhibitor drugs
April
26, 2012 - The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) is notifying the public that co-administration of
boceprevir, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor, along with certain
ritonavir-boosted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors, is not
recommended at this time because of the possibility of reducing the
effectiveness of the medicines, permitting the amount of HCV or HIV virus in
the blood (viral load) to increase. Ritonavir-boosted HIV protease inhibitors
include ritonavir-boosted Reyataz (atazanavir), ritonavir-boosted Prezista
(darunavir), and Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir).
·
New Warning and Contraindication for blood pressure
medicines containing aliskiren
April 20, 2012 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning
of possible risks when using blood pressure medicines containing aliskiren with
other drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and
angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with diabetes or kidney
(renal) impairment.
The following recommendations
are being added to the drug labels for aliskiren-containing products as of
4/20/12:
A new contraindication
against the use of aliskiren with ARBs or ACEIs in patients with diabetes
because of the risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia.
A warning to avoid use of aliskiren
with ARBs or ACEIs in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (i.e.,
where glomerular filtration rate [GFR] < 60 mL/min).
§
Updated information about the risk of blood clots in
women taking birth control pills containing drospirenone
April 10, 2012 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed
its review of recent observational (epidemiologic) studies regarding the risk
of blood clots in women taking drospirenone-containing birth control pills.
Drospirenone is a synthetic version of the female hormone, progesterone, also
referred to as a progestin. Based on this review, FDA has concluded that
drospirenone-containing birth control pills may be associated with a higher
risk for blood clots than other progestin-containing pills. FDA is adding
information about the studies to the labels of drospirenone-containing birth
control pills.
·
Revised
recommendations for citalopram hydrobromide related to a potential risk of
abnormal heart rhythms with high doses
March 28, 2012 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
clarifying dosing and warning recommendations for the antidepressant citalopram
hydrobromide; also available in generic form). In August 2011, FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication (DSC) stating
that citalopram should no longer be used at doses greater than 40 mg per day
because it could cause potentially dangerous abnormalities in the electrical
activity of the heart. .
·
Interactions between certain HIV or hepatitis C drugs
and cholesterol-lowering statin drugs can increase the risk of muscle injury
March 01, 2012 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing updated
recommendations concerning drug-drug interactions between drugs for human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) known as protease
inhibitors and certain cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins. Protease
inhibitors and statins taken together may raise the blood levels of statins and
increase the risk for muscle injury (myopathy). The most serious form of
myopathy, called rhabdomyolysis, can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney
failure, which can be fatal.
·
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea can be associated with stomach acid drugs known as
proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Feb 08, 2012 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
informing the public that the use of stomach acid drugs known as proton pump
inhibitors (PPIs) may be associated with an increased risk of Clostridium
difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD). A diagnosis of CDAD should be
considered for patients taking PPIs who develop diarrhea that does not improve.
·
Brentuximab vedotin:
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy and Pulmonary Toxicity
FDA notified
healthcare professionals that two additional cases of progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but serious brain infection that can result
in death, have been reported with the lymphoma drug brentuximab vedotin. Due to
the serious nature of PML, a new Boxed Warning highlighting this risk has been
added to the drug label. In addition, a new Contraindication warning was added
against use of the drug with the cancer drug bleomycin due to increased risk of
pulmonary (lung) toxicity.
· CardioGen-82 PET Scan: Drug Safety Communication - Increased Radiation Exposure
01/12/2012
- FDA is
updating healthcare professionals and the public about preliminary findings
from ongoing investigations following the voluntary recall of CardioGen-82 by
the manufacturer. FDA continues to work with the manufacturer and other federal
agencies to better characterize the problems that led to excessive radiation
exposure to patients at certain clinical sites, and is working with the
manufacturer to revise the CardioGen-82 labeling to better describe how to use
the generator.
FDA ALERTS
Pfizer Removes
Breast, Colon Cancer Claims from Vitamins
Pfizer is removing claims for "breast
health" and "colon health" from labeling on its popular Centrum
vitamins line of products, after being accused of deceptive advertising that
mislead consumers into thinking that these pills will help ward off cancer.
Pfizer will alter label wording to resolve the issue.
FDA
Issues New Safety Alert on Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium
August 21, 2012 -- The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a new warning to consumers about
the potential health risks of two products marketed as natural dietary
supplements for treating arthritis, muscle pain, osteoporosis, bone cancer, and
other conditions. The products, Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium,
contain several potentially harmful active pharmaceutical ingredients that are
not listed on the product labels.
DRUG RECALLS
Ø
Acetylcysteine Solution, USP
(Roxane Laboratories, Inc.): - Visible Glass Particle
Ø Leucovorin
calcium injection (Bedford laboratories):-Visible Particulate Matter
Ø Vecuronium
Bromide For Injection Preservative free (Bedford laboratories):-Visible
Particulate Matter
GENERAL TOPIC
Hepatitis A Vaccine for Children Lasts
for 10 Years: Study
Aug. 14, 2012 -- Children younger
than 2 years who are given the hepatitis A vaccine are protected from the virus
for 10 years, a new study shows.
Newer Bone Drug Better for Advanced Breast Cancer Patients: Study
Aug. 14, 2012 -- The relatively new drug Denosumab reduces bone
complications of advanced breast cancer more effectively than another
osteoporosis drug, zoledronic
acid, according to new research.
Zoledronic acid belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates, which help delay bone complications
such as fractures, spinal cord compression and bone pain. But it has been
linked with kidney toxicity and other reactions. The study found that
Denosumab, a newer drug called a monoclonal antibody, is superior to zoledronic
acid in reducing skeletal problems and better tolerated.
Vandetanib May Aid People with Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Aug. 13, 2012 -- A new study shows that the chemotherapy
drug Vandetanib may extend life a bit for some thyroid cancer patients. The results of phase 2 trials showed
that patients taking the drug lived for 11 months without the cancer
progressing, compared with six months for those receiving a placebo.
Antibiotic Use in Infants Tied to Overweight Later: Study
Aug. 21, 2012 -- Infants who receive antibiotics before they're
6 months old may have a higher risk of being overweight later in childhood, a
new study finds.
Ø Newer Psoriasis Drugs May Lower Heart Attack Risk for Patients
Aug. 20, 2012 -- People with psoriasis who take a new class of drugs
known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors may be at a lower risk for
heart attack than their counterparts who only use topical medications to treat
this inflammatory skin condition, a new study shows.
And patients taking older systemic medicines and phototherapy
may also have a reduced heart attack risk compared to those using topical
preparations, the study found.
Vitamin D
May Thwart Kids' Winter Colds
Aug. 23, 2012 -- Taking vitamin D
supplements may lower children's risk of respiratory infections, according to a
new study. The study included nearly 250 schoolchildren in Mongolia with low
blood levels of vitamin D during winter. Taking a daily vitamin D supplement
reduced their risk of respiratory infection by half, the researchers said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)