Health Care Alerts
November 8th, 2015Study Finds Drug Errors in 50% of Surgeries
Study Finds Drug Errors in 50% of Surgeries November 6, 2015 Administering drugs in the perioperative setting is fraught with error potential because the urgent need to treat patients in a high-stress environment often causes caregivers to skip standard safety protocols, suggested a new study. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), […]
August 14th, 2015
Early Opioid Prescription for Back Pain Doesn’t Up Risk of Chronic Use
Early Opioid Prescription for Back Pain Doesn't Up Risk of Chronic Use August 6, 2015 NEW YORK - Early opioid prescription does not seem to increase the risk of long-term use of the drugs in people with back injuries, according to a new retrospective study. In fact, patients with back […]
August 14th, 2015
Diagnosing Headache: Patient, Provider Communication is Key
Diagnosing Headache: Patient, Provider Communication is Key August 12, 2015 Diagnosing Headache: Patient, Provider Communication is KeyDiagnosing Headache: Patient, Provider Communication is Key A study recently presented at the American Headache Society's Annual Scientific Meeting reviewed data on the effectiveness of office visit for patients who present with a chief […]
August 9th, 2015
Strong Support for Folate Supplements for Primary Stroke Prevention
Strong Support for Folate Supplements for Primary Stroke Prevention March 16, 2015 NEW YORK - Folic acid supplementation significantly reduced the risk of first stroke in adults with hypertension enrolled in the Chinese Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). Those with low baseline folate levels showed the greatest benefits. The findings […]
July 31st, 2015
Antidepressants and NSAIDs Are a Dangerous Mix
Antidepressants and NSAIDs Are a Dangerous Mix July 30, 2015 Combining antidepressants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increased the risk of intracranial hemorrhage within 30 days of administration, according to new research. The researchers compared incidence of intracranial hemorrhage in more than 4 million individuals who took antidepressants for the […]
July 8th, 2015
Factors associated with medication regimen complexity in older people: a cross-sectional population-based study
Factors associated with medication regimen complexity in older people: a cross-sectional population-based study; Wimmer B, Johnell K, Fastbom J, Wiese M, Bell J; European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Jun 2015 PURPOSE: There is a lack of population-based research about factors associated with medication regimen complexity. This study investigated factors associated […]
July 7th, 2015
Narcolepsy and Autoimmune Response: The Missing Link
Narcolepsy and Autoimmune Response: The Missing Link July 6, 2015 Narcolepsy and Autoimmune Response: The Missing Link Narcolepsy and Autoimmune Response: The Missing Link Narcolepsy is a lifelong neurological disorder characterized by impaired regulation of sleep-wake cycles and several distinct symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness — the most common symptom […]
July 3rd, 2015
Epilepsy Drug Could Reverse Early-Stage Dementia
Epilepsy Drug Could Reverse Early-Stage Dementia July 3, 2015 The antiepileptic drug levetiracetam showed promise in reversing cognitive decline in elderly individuals at high risk of dementia, according to a new study. Johns Hopkins University researchers administered 3 doses of levetiracetam or placebo to 54 patients with amnestic mild cognitive […]
June 26th, 2015
New Drug Promises Relief from Tinnitus, Epilepsy
New Drug Promises Relief from Tinnitus, Epilepsy Published on June 24, 2015 Drug stops overactive electrical signals Neurophysiologists at the University of Connecticut (UConn) have discovered a new drug that may prevent tinnitus and treat epilepsy by selectively affecting potassium channels in the brain. According to an article in the […]
June 24th, 2015
Inhaled Levodopa Improves Motor Function in Parkinson’s
Inhaled Levodopa Improves Motor Function in Parkinson's GREAT NEWS! June 22, 2015 Inhaled Levodopa Improves Motor Function in Parkinson'sInhaled Levodopa Improves Motor Function in Parkinson's SAN DIEGO — Inhaled levodopa (CVT-301) can reduce the amount of “off” time per day for patients with Parkinson's disease on an oral […]
March 20th, 2015
STATIN DRUG RECALL
Statin Recall March 19, 2015 Statin Recall Think we’ve seen the end of drug recalls due to quality issues associated with Indian drug manufacturing? Think again. A major recall has resulted in more than 54,000 bottles of statins being recalled due to quality issues. Simvastatin (Zocor), manufactured by in Goa, […]
January 6th, 2015
NSAIDs May Boost Risk of Venous Thromboembolism
NSAIDs May Boost Risk of Venous Thromboembolism October 8, 2014 NEW YORK - Pooled data from observational studies show a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among NSAID users versus nonusers, according to U.S. and Thai researchers. "This possible relationship between NSAIDs and VTE is of significant public health […]
December 23rd, 2014
Advances in the Primary Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
Advantages in the Primary Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease Although the focus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) research efforts remains on finding a treatment that slows disease progression and recovers cognitive decline, interest in primary prevention of the disease is growing, especially because there are several confounding, modifiable factors believed to be associated with […]
December 9th, 2014
FDA Announces Voluntary Urgent Correction for INR Testing
FDA Announces Voluntary Urgent Correction for INR Testing December 9, 2014 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday that Alere has launched an urgent voluntary correction of its INR testing monitor. The purpose of the correction is to inform customers in the United States that the Alere […]
December 4th, 2014
Sulfonylureas Tied to Higher Mortality in Diabetics
Sulfonylureas Tied to Higher Mortality in Diabetics November 23, 2014 NEW YORK - Compared with other antidiabetic drugs, sulfonylureas may increase the risk of cardiovascular events and some may be particularly risky, according to Canadian researchers. As Dr. Scot H. Simpson told Reuters Health by email, "Although there is a […]
November 7th, 2014
Experts Update Stroke Prevention Guidelines
Experts Update Stroke Prevention Guidelines October 29, 2014 Tools for preventing strokes include a healthy diet, home blood pressure monitoring and an online stroke-risk estimator, according to updated guidelines issued Wednesday by a leading heart health organization. Together with traditional measures like smoking cessation aids, medications and surgeries, the updated […]
November 4th, 2014
Cardiovascular Drugs May Up Anaphylaxis Risk Via Mast Cells
Cardiovascular Drugs May Up Anaphylaxis Risk Via Mast Cells November 4, 20140 Comments By David Douglas NEW YORK - Beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, particularly in combination, may increase the risk of anaphylaxis by decreasing the threshold of mast cell activation, according to German researchers. In a report online […]
October 27th, 2014
Oral Inosine a Potential Disease-Modifying Therapy for Parkinson’s
Oral Inosine a Potential Disease-Modifying Therapy for Parkinson's December 24, 2013 NEW YORK - In a study of patients with early Parkinson's disease (PD), oral inosine treatment raised serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) urate levels, demonstrated nonfutility for slowing disability and was generally safe and well tolerated. Results of the […]
October 27th, 2014
ProSavin May Benefit Patients with Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
ProSavin May Benefit Patients with Advanced Parkinson's Disease January 30, 2014 NEW YORK - Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease may have improved motor responses with ProSavin, a lentiviral vector-based gene therapy, according a phase 1/2 open-label trial. ProSavin, designed to restore local and continuous dopamine production in those patients, was […]
October 27th, 2014
Levodopa Better First Parkinson’s Drug than MAO Inhibitors or Dopamine Agonists
Levodopa Better First Parkinson's Drug than MAO Inhibitors or Dopamine Agonists June 25, 2014 NEW YORK - Patients with newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease do better on patient-rated mobility scores if they receive levodopa instead of a levodopa-sparing therapy, new research suggests. The benefits are very small but persistent, and of […]
October 27th, 2014
Parkinson’s Drugs Linked to Impulse Control Disorders
Parkinson's Drugs Linked to Impulse Control Disorders October 20, 2014 NEW YORK - Dopamine receptor agonist drugs were linked with higher risks for pathological gambling, hypersexuality and compulsive shopping in a new study. Cases of these severe impulse control disorders linked to the drugs have been reported for more than […]
October 21st, 2014
Nationwide Lidocaine Recall
Nationwide Lidocaine Recall October 21, 2014 Hospira has issued a nationwide recall of a single lot of 1% lidocaine HCI injection, according to a statement released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday. The discovery of particulate matter, determined to be human hair, was found in one […]
October 15th, 2014
Wearing Dentures During the Night Increases Risk of Pneumonia
Wearing dentures during the night increases risk of pneumonia Oct 13,2014 When elderly people also wear their dentures during sleep, they have a higher risk of developing pneumonia. Japanese scientists arrive at this conclusion in their study published in the "Journal of Dental Research". Oral inflammatory markers were also higher. […]
October 14th, 2014
Portola Pharma Drug Reverses Effect of Anti-Clotting Drugs in Study
Portola Pharma Drug Reverses Effect of Anti-Clotting Drugs in Study October 1, 2014 Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc said its drug met the main goal of reversing the effect of anticoagulant drugs in a late-stage study. Data showed that an intravenous shot of the drug, andexanet alfa, immediately reversed the effect of […]
October 10th, 2014
NSAIDs May Boost Risk of Venous Thromboembolism
NSAIDs May Boost Risk of Venous Thromboembolism October 8, 2014 NEW YORK - Pooled data from observational studies show a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among NSAID users versus nonusers, according to U.S. and Thai researchers. "This possible relationship between NSAIDs and VTE is of significant public health […]
October 3rd, 2014
Statin use may be linked to less physical activity in elderly men
September 30, 2014 Statin use may be linked to less physical activity in elderly men, according to the results of a recent study. Researchers led by Dr. David S.H. Lee, assistant professor at Oregon State University/Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, found that individuals who took the cholesterol-lowering agents […]
September 21st, 2014
Antibiotic Recall Due to Particulate Matter
Antibiotic Recall Due to Particulate Matter August 20, 2014 On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that Cubist Pharmaceuticals is issuing its second recall of Cubicin (daptomycin injection) due to complaints of particulates found in vials. The particulates were found in nine lots that were distributed between […]
September 21st, 2014
Parkinson’s Drug Recall
Parkinson’s Drug Recall September 4, 2014 Nearly 4,000 bottles of a Parkinson’s combination drug are being pulled from shelves, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The U.S. nationwide recall is due to what may potentially be ‘superpotent’ carbidopa/levodopatablets. This recall comes on the heels of a recall […]
September 16th, 2014
Heparin Recall Due to Human Hair
Heparin Recall Due to Human Hair September 15, 2014 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Hospira is issuing a voluntary recall of heparin sodium due to particulate matter. The recall is of one lot of 1,000 USP heparin units/500 mL (2 USP Heparin Units/mL), in 0.9% Sodium […]
September 16th, 2014
Are VTE (Venous Thromboembolism) Prophylaxis Practices in Hospitals Logical?
Are VTE Prophylaxis Practices in Hospitals Logical? September 14, 20140 Comments Pharmacologic prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is said to reduce deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary emboli (PE), and national quality measures aim to improve VTE prophylaxis delivery to patients. But are the efforts worth it? Not according to […]
September 10th, 2014
FDA Staff: Novo Nordisk Drug Liraglutide Effective for Obesity
FDA Staff: Novo Nordisk Drug Liraglutide Effective for Obesity September 9, 2014 WASHINGTON - Novo Nordisk's drug liraglutide appears effective in treating obesity, though safety questions remain, according to a preliminary assessment by reviewers at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The report, posted on the agency's website on Tuesday, […]
September 9th, 2014
Wockhardt Recalls Blood Pressure Drug
Wockhardt Recalls BP Drug September 2, 2014 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday that Wockhardt has initiated a voluntary recall of its high blood pressure medication. Wockhardt is pulling more than 11,500 high density polyethylene plastic bottles of metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL). This is the third recall […]
September 9th, 2014
Massive Antibiotic Recall
Massive Antibiotic Recall August 22, 2014 Caraco Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Sun Pharmaceutical, is in the process of recalling more than 450,000 units of an antibiotic. The active ingredient in cephalexin was not produced in according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s good manufacturing practices. More than 340,000 units […]
August 17th, 2014
Alcohol Intake and Atrial Fibrillation
Alcohol Intake and Atrial Fibrillation: Even Moderation Is Risky. Alcohol Intake and Atrial Fibrillation: Even Moderation Is Risky August 08, 2014 As the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases worldwide, awareness of risk factors for this arrhythmia is also on the rise. For some risk factors, such as aging, obstructive […]
August 17th, 2014
Lower Treated BP Tied to Elevated Death Rates
Lower Treated BP Tied to Elevated Death Rates August 11, 2014 NEW YORK - Death rates are higher with treated systolic blood pressures both above 139 mm Hg and below 130 mm Hg, with similar increases in individuals with diastolic blood pressures outside of the 60-79 mm Hg range, according […]
August 15th, 2014
Voluntary Recall: Peritoneal Dialysis Solution
Baxter announced today that it is in the process of recalling two lots of peritoneal dialysis solution. The drug, DIANEAL Low Calcium (2.5mEq/L) Peritoneal Dialysis Solution with 2.5% Dextrose 5000 mL (Ambu-Flex II), is used for chronic renal failure patients. The voluntary recall is due to the presence of […]
June 3rd, 2014
(FINALLY) STOPPING STATINS MAY BENEFIT TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS
Stopping Statins May Benefit Terminally Ill Patients By Duke Medicine News and Communications CHICAGO – People in the late stages of cancer and other terminal illnesses are not only unharmed by discontinuing statins for cholesterol management, they may benefit, according to a study presented Friday by researchers at Duke Medicine […]
March 30th, 2014
What is HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION)
Home » Health Information for the Public » Health Topics » High Blood Pressure » What Is ... For more information, visit http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/ What Is High Blood Pressure? High blood pressure (HBP) is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other […]
March 17th, 2014
Trends in anemia care in older patients approaching ESRD in U.S. (1995-2010)
Trends in anemia care in older patients approaching end-stage renal disease in the United States (1995-2010) Winkelmayer WC, et al. – Anemia is common in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Whereas the treatment of anemia in patients with end–stage renal disease (ESRD) has attracted considerable attention, relatively little is […]
February 28th, 2014
Doctors are warned against Aricept for dementia care
February 28, 2014 Doctors are warned against Aricept for dementia care, supplements for weight control, consistent with the Consultant Pharmacists patient consults, in the second annual 'Choosing Wisely' list Due to the Consultant Pharmacists continued warnings, doctors warn against Aricept for dementia care, supplements for weight control in second annual […]
February 22nd, 2014
Lilly’s Ramucirumab for Lung Cancer Improves Survival in Late-Stage Trial
Lilly's Ramucirumab for Lung Cancer Improves Survival in Late-Stage Trial 02 19, 2014 Good News maybe Eli Lilly and Co said today that a phase III study of ramucirumab in patients non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showed a statistically significant improvement in overall survival in the ramucirumab-plus-docetaxel arm compared to […]
February 21st, 2014
New Better Trick in Cardiac Catherization That is Safe
Doctors use cardiac catheterization to diagnose and treat heart conditions. The technique involves threading a thin tube called a catheter through an artery (usually the femoral artery in the upper thigh or groin) to the heart. Serious complications during cardiac catheterization are rare. But the procedure comes with risks of […]
November 26th, 2013
FDA lifts some safety restrictions on GlaxoSmithKline’s Avandia
FDA lifts some safety restrictions on GlaxoSmithKline's Avandia November 25th, 2013 The FDA announced Monday that it is overturning certain restrictions imposed on the use of GlaxoSmithKline's Avandia (rosiglitazone), citing trial data showing no elevated risk of heart attack or death in patients treated with the diabetes drug, versus standard […]
October 25th, 2013
The FDA Makes Ancient Remedies Unaffordable
The FDA Makes Ancient Remedies Unaffordable Oct. 24, 2013 This article, written by senior resident fellow at the Ludwig von Mises Institute Mark Thornton, was originally published by Mises on Oct. 24. I recently experienced severe pain in my feet, particularly in the big toes. In my imagination it felt […]
October 2nd, 2013
Can’t help it, I TOLD YOU SO !!!
STATINS DO CAUSE DEMENTIA...... Long-term statin use reduces dementia risk by 30%, researchers discover Statins, which are commonly used to treat high cholesterol, do not cause cognition problems in the short term and may offer significant protection against dementia in the long term. This is according to new research that […]
June 5th, 2013
FDA Gives Avandia Another Look
FDA Gives Avandia Another Look MedPage Today Published: June 03, 2013 This is another "I TOLD YOU SO" as I have always said chemically it is probably the best oral antidiabetic drugs made for the older patient and did not have the risks wrongly placed on the drug. A reassessment […]
April 22nd, 2013
Bone Drug Lowers Levels of Bone Growth Markers
Bone Drug Lowers Levels of Bone Growth Markers Published: April 18, 2013 Action Points *Note that this randomized trial demonstrated that treatment with zoledronic acid increased sclerostin, which may inhibit healthy bone turn-over. 8Be aware that no clinical outcomes (such as fracture) were studied in this trial. A drug used […]
March 30th, 2013
Equation May Give Wrong LDL Status
Equation May Give Wrong LDL Status MedPage Today Published: March 28, 2013 Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD; Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN, Nurse Planner Action Points The widely used Friedewald equation may be underestimating LDL cholesterol levels in many […]
February 27th, 2013
Study: Doctors Misdiagnose 150,000 a Year
Study: Doctors Misdiagnose 150,000 a Year Monday, February 25, 2013 Missed or wrong diagnoses in primary care may put thousands of patients at risk of complications each year, a new study suggests. Although mistakes during surgery and in medication prescribing have been at the center of patient safety efforts, researchers […]
February 12th, 2013
Commonly used painkiller ‘should be banned over heart risk’
Commonly used painkiller 'should be banned over heart risk' A painkiller used by at least a million people in Britain a year should be banned because it raises the risk of heart attack and stroke by almost half, say British academics. Safer alternatives exist to diclofenac, say researchers at the […]
January 16th, 2013
Alzheimer’s breakthrough: Vaccine may be on its way, researchers say
Alzheimer's breakthrough: Vaccine may be on its way, researchers say Researchers say they've made a major breakthrough in the effort to develop an Alzheimer's disease vaccine. A team from Université Laval, CHU de Québec, and pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline discovered that the molecule monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) stimulates immune cells in […]
January 7th, 2013
AHA Adds Its Weight to NSAID Risk Message
AHA Adds Its Weight to NSAID Risk Message MedPage Today January 06, 2013 The American Heart Association (AHA) has joined the newly formed Alliance for the Rational Use of NSAIDs, a public health coalition that aims to bring more awareness to the health risks associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). […]
January 6th, 2013
Subtle Cognitive Declines Follow Menopause
Subtle Cognitive Declines Follow Menopause MedPage Today January 04, 2013 Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD; Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN, Nurse Planner Action Points The year after a woman's final menstrual period, a phase classified as early postmenopause, is […]
December 22nd, 2012
FDA Issues Pradaxa Valve Warning
FDA Issues Pradaxa Valve Warning Published: December 20, 2012 WASHINGTON -- The FDA is warning clinicians not to prescribe dabigatran (Pradaxa) to patients with mechanical heart valves, an indication for which the oral anticoagulant is not approved. The move comes barely 2 weeks after the drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim stopped the […]
December 14th, 2012
Survey: Poor mental health care keeping seniors at risk
Survey: Poor mental health care keeping seniors at risk Survey: Poor mental health care keeping seniors at risk Many Americans age 65 and older who suffer from mental health disorder do not receive treatments that meet acknowledged standards, according to results of a new survey. Conducted by the John A. […]
November 27th, 2012
Patients Forget How to Use EpiPen After 3 Months
Patients Forget How to Use EpiPen After 3 Months ANAHEIM, California — Patients with a history of anaphylaxis who have been prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors forget how to use them after approximately 3 months and need frequent retraining, researchers reported in an oral session here at the American College of Allergy, […]
November 21st, 2012
Testosterone / Viagra Findings Not a Winner as ED Combination
Testosterone, Viagra not a winning ED combination Using a testosterone gel in addition to Viagra doesn't make the little blue pill work any better, according to a new study. The report's lead researcher said testosterone is typically prescribed to men who have both low testosterone levels and symptoms such as […]
November 19th, 2012
Advair: How Safe Is This Drug ???
Advair: How Safe Is This Drug? By John Fauber, Reporter, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/MedPage Today Published: November 18, 2012 The 2001 product launch of the asthma drug Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) was a lavish, Las Vegas affair. Using images of a slot machine to illustrate their message, top GlaxoSmithKline executives took the stage […]
November 13th, 2012
Dangerously Low Calcium with a Cancer, Osteoporosis Drug
Dangerously low calcium with a cancer, osteoporosis drug November 12, 2012 If you are taking the drug denosumab [XGEVA, PROLIA] for either cancer or osteoporosis and you experience any symptoms of hypocalcemia, or low blood calcium (including confusion, muscle spasms, twitching or cramping, seizures, or irregularity of the heart rhythm), […]
November 13th, 2012
Forgetfulness in seniors tied to anxiety and insomnia drugs
Forgetfulness in seniors tied to anxiety and insomnia drugs CBC News Posted: Nov 6, 2012 Seniors who take common medications to treat insomnia, anxiety, itching or allergies may have symptoms of forgetfulness or trouble concentrating, a new review concludes. About 90 per cent of people aged 65 and older take […]
October 7th, 2012
CDC: Meningitis Outbreak Spreads to 7 States
Published: October 05, 2012 The scope of the fungal meningitis outbreak is widening, with 12 more cases and an additional state reporting patients. All told, the CDC said today, 47 people have been affected in seven states – up from the 25 cases in six states reported Thursday -- but […]
September 30th, 2012
Xanax and Valium Boost Dementia Risk by 50 Percent
British Medical Journal Thursday, September 27, 2012 6:30 PM Benzodiazepines, the generic name for a family of prescription drugs that include Xanax and Valium used to treat anxiety and insomnia, raise the risk of developing dementia within 15 years by 50 percent. An alarming study found that the drugs, which […]
September 23rd, 2012
FDA Reviews Possible Mirapex Heart Risk
Epidemiological data suggest that pramipexole (Mirapex), used to treat Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, the FDA said. Pooled data from randomized trials with the dopamine agonist, as well as two epidemiological studies involving some 1,300 patients with heart failure and […]
September 23rd, 2012
2 Beta-Blockers Similar for CV Event Risk
Published: August 27, 2012 Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD; Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN, Nurse Planner Action Points -- Two commonly prescribed beta-blockers had a similar effect on the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with hypertension. -- […]
September 22nd, 2012
Thalidomide Relieves Cough in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Published: September 18, 2012 Action Points -- A small, randomized, double-blind crossover study found that thalidomide significantly reduced cough and improved cough-related quality of life in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. -- Note that the investigators stated that these results should be replicated in a larger randomized trial. The once-banned […]
September 21st, 2012
Elderly With Low Vitamin B12 Risk Brain Shrinkage And Cognitive Decline
Articles in: Neurology / Neuroscience; Alzheimer's / Dementia Article Date: 26 Sep 2011 Elderly individuals with low blood vitamin B12 levels have a greater risk of brain shrinkage and losing their cognitive skills, researchers from Rush University Medical Center, Chicago reported in the journal Neurology. Foods rich in vitamin B12 […]
September 11th, 2012
Organic Foods May Not Be More Nutritious
Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD; Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN, Nurse Planner Action Points --There's no solid evidence that organic foods are healthier than those produced conventionally. --Point out that organic foods may expose patients to fewer pesticide residues […]
September 9th, 2012
Vitamin Studies Spell Confusion for Patients
If it's Monday, it must be bad news about multivitamin day -- or was that Wednesday? No, Wednesday was good news about vitamin D, not so good news about vitamin E -- if you're confused, join the club. The alphabet soup of vitamin studies making headlines in the last few […]
September 7th, 2012
Hopes dashed for ginkgo biloba in Alzheimer’s disease
English medwireNews: The GuidAge trial of ginkgo biloba extract in people with evidence of memory problems confirms that the treatment does not reduce their risk for progression to Alzheimer's disease. The findings, which appear in The Lancet Neurology, add to previous evidence against a protective effect of ginkgo biloba against […]
August 30th, 2012
Smoking Cessation Lowers Risk of Brain Bleed
Reviewed by Dori F. Zaleznik, MD; Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Action Points --A Korean case-control study found that smoking cessation for more than 5 years reduced the elevated risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with current smoking. --Note that the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage was still […]
August 29th, 2012
CSF Markers Aid in Dementia, Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD; Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN, Nurse Planner Action Points --These researchers found that levels of five proteins in cerebrospinal fluid can distinguish among different types of dementias and also among conditions that resemble Parkinson's […]
August 27th, 2012
Statin Use Tied to Possible Boost in Cataract Risk
But link isn't proven and patients shouldn't stop taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, researchers say FRIDAY, Aug. 24 (HealthDay News) -- The millions of adults who currently use prescription statins to control their cholesterol levels may be inadvertently increasing their risk for developing age-related cataracts, new research suggests. The bump in cataract […]
August 20th, 2012
Bone Drug ONJ Triggered by Dental Work
Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD; Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco Take PosttestAction Points -- Dental extraction emerged as the dominant etiologic culprit in bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) among patients with multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. -- Note that the cumulative bisphosphonate dose […]
August 18th, 2012
Thick Cortex Offers Clue to Better Memory
Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN, Nurse Planner Action Points -- This study looked to identify individuals over the age of 80 who seemed immune to age-related memory impairment, and determine if they […]
August 18th, 2012
What would you do if you saw someone collapse?
Take a few minutes to watch this video. It may save your life or a loved one's life. http://www.heartrescuenow.com/
August 17th, 2012
FDA OK’s Generic Actos (pioglitazone)
Published: August 17, 2012 The FDA has approved the first generic version of pioglitazone (Actos) for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Generic manufacturer Mylan Pharmaceuticals was given approval to make 15, 30, and 45 mg tablets, according to a statement from the FDA. Generic pioglitazone will come with the same […]
August 16th, 2012
Gut Bacteria Tied to Metabolic Syndrome
Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD; Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN, Nurse Planner Action Points • Certain bacteria in the gut may be associated with various components of the metabolic syndrome, a study in an Old Order Amish community showed. […]
August 15th, 2012
Azithromycin & Levofloxacin May Increase The Risk of Cardiovascular Death
A study released in May 2012 in The New England Journal of Medicine found that azithromycin (ZITHROMAX, ZMAX) and levofloxacin (LEVAQUIN), two widely used antibiotics, may increase the risk of cardiovascular death. Based on an examination of the medical records of 3.5 million Tennessee Medicaid patients, those who took azithromycin […]
August 12th, 2012
Study: No PSA Tests, Advanced Cancer Triples
By Charles Bankhead, Staff Writer, MedPage Today Published: July 30, 2012 Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD; Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN, Nurse Planner Action Points Elimination of PSA testing would triple the number of men who have advanced prostate […]
August 12th, 2012
Statins and Risk of Treated Incident Diabetes in a Primary Care Population
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 08/01/2012 Clinical Article Zaharan NL et al. – An increased risk of new onset treated diabetes was found in those treated with statins showing significant duration and dose effect. Further study is required to confirm this association. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed using […]
August 12th, 2012
Discontinuation of Statin Therapy Due to Muscular Side Effects
Discontinuation of statin therapy due to muscular side effects: A survey in real life Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, 07/03/2012 Clinical Article Rosenbaum D et al.– Muscular symptoms associated with average dosage statin therapy are more frequent than in clinical trials and have a greater impact on patients' life than […]
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