A new study suggests that the diabetes meds Actos and Avandia may double patients' risk of heart failure. The study, published in Diabetes Care, included data from more than 78,000 patients. Researchers say the medications not only doubled the risk of heart failure, but the risk was the same for patients taking a low dose of the medication as those who took a higher dose.
A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee voted Monday to keep the diabetes med Avandia on the market despite links to heart problems. But the panel did recommend that drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline strengthen Avandia's warning label to warn against the med's use by people with heart problems such as congestive heart failure.
Source: HealthDay News, Medical News Today
Monday, August 6, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
In-Depth: How do clinical trials work?
Clinical trials are a vital part of the testing of new medications and treatments. You may have seen announcements for these studies and wondered what it would be like to participate in the testing of these new treatments.
In this article in the Manchester Evening News, Dr. John Robinson explains what participants in clinical trials can expect. He also talks about the purpose behind these studies and how they fit into the process of getting new medications and treatments approved for general use.
In this article in the Manchester Evening News, Dr. John Robinson explains what participants in clinical trials can expect. He also talks about the purpose behind these studies and how they fit into the process of getting new medications and treatments approved for general use.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
In-Depth: Veterans' Health
As soldiers return from Afghanistan and Iraq, several studies are uncovering patterns of mental and physical condition that are affecting these veterans.
For example, physical symptoms such as migraine headaches are prevalent in some returning vets, and these headaches may signal a higher risk of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans.
PTSD, a psychological condition common in people who've experienced extreme stress, is also taking its toll on returning soldiers. New research has found the youngest returning veterans -- ages 18 years to 24 years old -- are are showing the highest incidence of PTSD and other mental health problems.
And PTSD may carry physical risks as well -- a study of veterans since World War II has found a link between PTSD and increased risk of heart attack and arthritis.
But awareness of these combat-related health issues is having an effect. For example, the U.S. military, doctors, and other healthcare experts are making moves to better care for this new generation of veterans, including making new guidelines for managing the medications and treatment of Afghan and Iraq veterans, both those who return home and those still fighting in the Middle East. Hopefully moves such as this one will help returning soldiers transition more easily back into their everyday lives.
For example, physical symptoms such as migraine headaches are prevalent in some returning vets, and these headaches may signal a higher risk of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans.
PTSD, a psychological condition common in people who've experienced extreme stress, is also taking its toll on returning soldiers. New research has found the youngest returning veterans -- ages 18 years to 24 years old -- are are showing the highest incidence of PTSD and other mental health problems.
And PTSD may carry physical risks as well -- a study of veterans since World War II has found a link between PTSD and increased risk of heart attack and arthritis.
But awareness of these combat-related health issues is having an effect. For example, the U.S. military, doctors, and other healthcare experts are making moves to better care for this new generation of veterans, including making new guidelines for managing the medications and treatment of Afghan and Iraq veterans, both those who return home and those still fighting in the Middle East. Hopefully moves such as this one will help returning soldiers transition more easily back into their everyday lives.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Top News: Hormone Replacement Therapy and Heart Risks
New research has confirmed that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should not be used by older women to help reduce their risk of heart disease. The authors of a new study say that in older women, HRT increased study participants' risk of cardiovascular problems and blood clots. However, the study did suggest that HRT appears safe and effective for use by younger women.
This is the second piece of bad news about heart risks and HRT this year. In May, researchers found that some painkillers interfered with the cardiovascular protection that's long been associated with HRT. The study found that women who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex, ibuprofen, and naproxen along with HRT may lose the therapy's protective effects.
This is the second piece of bad news about heart risks and HRT this year. In May, researchers found that some painkillers interfered with the cardiovascular protection that's long been associated with HRT. The study found that women who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex, ibuprofen, and naproxen along with HRT may lose the therapy's protective effects.
Monday, July 16, 2007
News roundup July 9-13
If you missed the newsletters for the past week here are some of the top stories by condition:
Asthma/Allergy
-A diet rich in fish, fruit may help fight teen asthma
Alzheimer's
-The FDA approved the Exelon skin patch
Cancer
-A diet full of meat and sweets dramatically raises the risk of breast cancer
-The Swiss approved the first brain-cancer vaccine
Crohn's
-Researchers have found a new gene they believe may be responsible for ulcerative colitis
Chronic Pain
-Doctors are working on new treatments for pain-med addiction, which is now at the highest rates ever in the U.S.
-More evidence that fibromyalgia is a real medical condition has been published.
Digestion
-Probiotics ease diarrhea caused by antibiotics
Heart Disease
-Generic Plavix has been, unsurprisingly, blocked again.
High Cholesterol
-High-dose statins may benefit older patients
-WelChol may help Type 2 diabetics control both cholesterol and diabetes
Mental Health
-Suicide rates drop with treatment with either therapy or antidepressants, contrary to the studies that have linked antidepressant use to a higher rate of suicide attempts.
-As co-pays rise for medications, use of medications drops. This is a particular problem for people with chronic conditions such as schizophrenia, heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Osteoarthritis
-Three new meds are moving forward in clinical trials: Diclofenac cream, hylastan (an injectable med), and NicOx. These are all non-systemic meds for OA (i.e. they're topical or injected), significant because systemic meds like Celebrex have been linked with so many side effects. So this appears to be a trend in OA treatment.
-Aldea is giving good results for OA. It's another injectable med.
Osteoporosis
-Diet and exercise won't help osteoporosis once it starts; people need medications to do that.
Rheumatoid Arthritis/Inflammatory Arthritis
-A new experimental med CP-690,550 (CP) is making strides at improving RA remission rates in trials. (Pfizer med)
-Actemra continues to show good results as an add-on treatment for RA (with methotrexate)
Asthma/Allergy
-A diet rich in fish, fruit may help fight teen asthma
Alzheimer's
-The FDA approved the Exelon skin patch
Cancer
-A diet full of meat and sweets dramatically raises the risk of breast cancer
-The Swiss approved the first brain-cancer vaccine
Crohn's
-Researchers have found a new gene they believe may be responsible for ulcerative colitis
Chronic Pain
-Doctors are working on new treatments for pain-med addiction, which is now at the highest rates ever in the U.S.
-More evidence that fibromyalgia is a real medical condition has been published.
Digestion
-Probiotics ease diarrhea caused by antibiotics
Heart Disease
-Generic Plavix has been, unsurprisingly, blocked again.
High Cholesterol
-High-dose statins may benefit older patients
-WelChol may help Type 2 diabetics control both cholesterol and diabetes
Mental Health
-Suicide rates drop with treatment with either therapy or antidepressants, contrary to the studies that have linked antidepressant use to a higher rate of suicide attempts.
-As co-pays rise for medications, use of medications drops. This is a particular problem for people with chronic conditions such as schizophrenia, heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Osteoarthritis
-Three new meds are moving forward in clinical trials: Diclofenac cream, hylastan (an injectable med), and NicOx. These are all non-systemic meds for OA (i.e. they're topical or injected), significant because systemic meds like Celebrex have been linked with so many side effects. So this appears to be a trend in OA treatment.
-Aldea is giving good results for OA. It's another injectable med.
Osteoporosis
-Diet and exercise won't help osteoporosis once it starts; people need medications to do that.
Rheumatoid Arthritis/Inflammatory Arthritis
-A new experimental med CP-690,550 (CP) is making strides at improving RA remission rates in trials. (Pfizer med)
-Actemra continues to show good results as an add-on treatment for RA (with methotrexate)
Thursday, July 12, 2007
In-Depth: Antidepressants and Birth Defects
HealthDay News reported last week on new research that suggests women who use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants may not be putting their babies at risk for birth defects. The authors of two new studies say that though SSRIs such as Paxil and Zoloft may increase the risk for certain defects, the medications' absolute risk for birth defects is "extremely small."
This new research comes in the wake of previous studies that suggested the antidepressant Paxil caused heart defects in babies born to women who took the drug while pregnant. News of this link has even spawned lawsuits by people who feel taking Paxil has adversely affected their babies' health.
The two studies reported in HealthDay News don't mark the first time the link between SSRIs and birth defects has been questioned. In June 2006, German researchers reported doubts about the risks of antidepressants for babies born to women who used the drugs.
Clearly, there's much disagreement on the risks SSRI antidepressants pose to unborn babies. But one thing experts can agree on that women who take antidepressants while pregnant (or who are considering becoming pregnant) should talk to their doctors about their use of these meds. Depression can be dangerous for both mothers and their babies too, and discussing the risks associated with both medication use and the conditions they treat with medical professionals is always the safest route for patients to take.
This new research comes in the wake of previous studies that suggested the antidepressant Paxil caused heart defects in babies born to women who took the drug while pregnant. News of this link has even spawned lawsuits by people who feel taking Paxil has adversely affected their babies' health.
The two studies reported in HealthDay News don't mark the first time the link between SSRIs and birth defects has been questioned. In June 2006, German researchers reported doubts about the risks of antidepressants for babies born to women who used the drugs.
Clearly, there's much disagreement on the risks SSRI antidepressants pose to unborn babies. But one thing experts can agree on that women who take antidepressants while pregnant (or who are considering becoming pregnant) should talk to their doctors about their use of these meds. Depression can be dangerous for both mothers and their babies too, and discussing the risks associated with both medication use and the conditions they treat with medical professionals is always the safest route for patients to take.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Weekly Newsletter Review
If you've missed out on the news in the past two weeks, here's your chance to catch up. This is a look at the top news in each newsletter category. As usual, if you'd like to read about these in greater depth you can view the newsletters at www.medtrackalert.com.
Asthma/Allergy
- Antibiotics may increase an infant's asthma risk
- Cats affect breathing in people with allergies, even if that person is not specifically allergic to felines.
High Cholesterol
- Generic statins work for about 63 percent of the people who take them. The rest need the more potent statins like Crestor and Lipitor.
- Statins, heart meds like ACE inhibitors may help Alzheimer's.
- Two new studies on Vytorin (Zetia/Zocor combo med) show it works better for people with Type 2 diabetes than Lipitor and reduces heart risks better than Crestor.
- Four hours of non-stop seated travel doubles the risk of DVT -- and it doesn't matter whether it's a plane, bus, or car.
Inflammatory Arthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis
- A couple of new studies have rated the new RA meds, with Orencia, Rheumatrex, continuing to come out on top.
- Enbrel may reduce disability in RA patients.
- RA meds are generally given to men earlier in the disease because doctors fail to take women's complaints of subjective symptoms like pain as seriously. This was a big study because women tend to do far worse with RA and get treatment much later, and this might help explain why.
- Vitamin A derivatives may help RA.
- Remicade is showing promise as an ankylosing spondylitis treatment. This is a severe form of arthritis in the spine.
- Steroids may cut the lymphoma risk associated with RA.
- Humira improves productivity in RA patients and may help them stay at work longer before they're disabled.
Chronic Pain
- Lyrica became the first medication ever approved for fibromyalgia.
- There's a new double-opioid painkiller in trials that combines OxyContin and morphine into a pill. Because it doubles them up at half the strength each, the med is less addictive and more effective against pain. It's still in clinical trials in Australia.
Osteoporosis
- COPD (emphysema) has been linked to bone loss.
- Bone-loss meds, including estrogen and bisphosphonates, do actually reduce fracture risks, a new study shows.
Osteoarthritis
- The narcotic drug Avinza improves sleep in OA patients.
- Prexige is better for OA patients who have high blood pressure because it doesn't boost the BP every time it's used.
- In the never-ending debate about glucosamine for OA, a new study says that the huge variations in the positive results in the trials for this supplement are pointing to industry bias ("cooking the books") to say the stuff works. Experts say it doesn't work at all. Other experts read this and accused these experts of "cooking the books." So the jury's still out.
- European regulators wants all medications that contain piroxicam to be restricted because it can cause GI problems and severe skin reactions. This includes the painkiller Feldene.
Heart Disease
- Latairis may help with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a serious form of heart failure.
- Exforge (Diovan/Norvasc combo) was finally approved by the FDA; Novartis will be selling it in the U.S.
- Rasilez was okayed by the agency that advises European regulators who approve new drugs. It's a new hypertension med.
- Lipitor helps cuts heart risks in Type 2 diabetics.
- Obesity may help people NOT die from a heart attack, but it does help give them the heart attack in the first place.
Mental Health
- Psychiatrists at the AMA want video game addiction added to the list of "formal disorders" like compulsive gambling. The AMA voted and said they need to do more research before they officially call it an addiction.
- Children are increasingly being given antipsychotics, even though they're not approved for children.
- Risperdal is being considered for approval for use in teens and children.
- Adding a second depression med or mood stabilizer to an elderly patient's regimen of Paxil improves their recovery rates.
- Mother's antidepressant use apparently only puts their babies at a slightly increased risk.
- People who have insomnia often have mental health problems too.
Crohn's disease
- IBD has grown tenfold in the past 50 years and researchers don't know the exact cause.
Diabetes
- Byetta may lower heart risks for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
- Pre-diabetes increases heart risks.
- Avandia has been linked to increased fracture risk in men. This follows a 2006 study that suggested that Avandia increased fracture risk in women.
Cancer
- Some sunscreens may be dangerous for women recovering from breast cancer
- A new medication to treat head and neck cancer has been granted priority review by the FDA.
- Cancer patients who take IV bisphosphonates are putting themselves at
risk for jawbone and facial infections.
Weight
- An FDA panel recommended against approval for the diet-drug Acomplia. As a result drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis pulled their FDA new drug application.
- Childhood obesity has skyrocketed and may one day overwhelm the health care industry.
- High carbohydrate diets have been linked to an increase in total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Alzheimer's
- A dulled sense of smell may be an early indicator of memory loss.
- Keeping the brain active with activities such as reading, working puzzles, and taking up new hobbies may help keep Alzheimer's at bay.
Asthma/Allergy
- Antibiotics may increase an infant's asthma risk
- Cats affect breathing in people with allergies, even if that person is not specifically allergic to felines.
High Cholesterol
- Generic statins work for about 63 percent of the people who take them. The rest need the more potent statins like Crestor and Lipitor.
- Statins, heart meds like ACE inhibitors may help Alzheimer's.
- Two new studies on Vytorin (Zetia/Zocor combo med) show it works better for people with Type 2 diabetes than Lipitor and reduces heart risks better than Crestor.
- Four hours of non-stop seated travel doubles the risk of DVT -- and it doesn't matter whether it's a plane, bus, or car.
Inflammatory Arthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis
- A couple of new studies have rated the new RA meds, with Orencia, Rheumatrex, continuing to come out on top.
- Enbrel may reduce disability in RA patients.
- RA meds are generally given to men earlier in the disease because doctors fail to take women's complaints of subjective symptoms like pain as seriously. This was a big study because women tend to do far worse with RA and get treatment much later, and this might help explain why.
- Vitamin A derivatives may help RA.
- Remicade is showing promise as an ankylosing spondylitis treatment. This is a severe form of arthritis in the spine.
- Steroids may cut the lymphoma risk associated with RA.
- Humira improves productivity in RA patients and may help them stay at work longer before they're disabled.
Chronic Pain
- Lyrica became the first medication ever approved for fibromyalgia.
- There's a new double-opioid painkiller in trials that combines OxyContin and morphine into a pill. Because it doubles them up at half the strength each, the med is less addictive and more effective against pain. It's still in clinical trials in Australia.
Osteoporosis
- COPD (emphysema) has been linked to bone loss.
- Bone-loss meds, including estrogen and bisphosphonates, do actually reduce fracture risks, a new study shows.
Osteoarthritis
- The narcotic drug Avinza improves sleep in OA patients.
- Prexige is better for OA patients who have high blood pressure because it doesn't boost the BP every time it's used.
- In the never-ending debate about glucosamine for OA, a new study says that the huge variations in the positive results in the trials for this supplement are pointing to industry bias ("cooking the books") to say the stuff works. Experts say it doesn't work at all. Other experts read this and accused these experts of "cooking the books." So the jury's still out.
- European regulators wants all medications that contain piroxicam to be restricted because it can cause GI problems and severe skin reactions. This includes the painkiller Feldene.
Heart Disease
- Latairis may help with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a serious form of heart failure.
- Exforge (Diovan/Norvasc combo) was finally approved by the FDA; Novartis will be selling it in the U.S.
- Rasilez was okayed by the agency that advises European regulators who approve new drugs. It's a new hypertension med.
- Lipitor helps cuts heart risks in Type 2 diabetics.
- Obesity may help people NOT die from a heart attack, but it does help give them the heart attack in the first place.
Mental Health
- Psychiatrists at the AMA want video game addiction added to the list of "formal disorders" like compulsive gambling. The AMA voted and said they need to do more research before they officially call it an addiction.
- Children are increasingly being given antipsychotics, even though they're not approved for children.
- Risperdal is being considered for approval for use in teens and children.
- Adding a second depression med or mood stabilizer to an elderly patient's regimen of Paxil improves their recovery rates.
- Mother's antidepressant use apparently only puts their babies at a slightly increased risk.
- People who have insomnia often have mental health problems too.
Crohn's disease
- IBD has grown tenfold in the past 50 years and researchers don't know the exact cause.
Diabetes
- Byetta may lower heart risks for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
- Pre-diabetes increases heart risks.
- Avandia has been linked to increased fracture risk in men. This follows a 2006 study that suggested that Avandia increased fracture risk in women.
Cancer
- Some sunscreens may be dangerous for women recovering from breast cancer
- A new medication to treat head and neck cancer has been granted priority review by the FDA.
- Cancer patients who take IV bisphosphonates are putting themselves at
risk for jawbone and facial infections.
Weight
- An FDA panel recommended against approval for the diet-drug Acomplia. As a result drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis pulled their FDA new drug application.
- Childhood obesity has skyrocketed and may one day overwhelm the health care industry.
- High carbohydrate diets have been linked to an increase in total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Alzheimer's
- A dulled sense of smell may be an early indicator of memory loss.
- Keeping the brain active with activities such as reading, working puzzles, and taking up new hobbies may help keep Alzheimer's at bay.