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.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Summer Safety
In the Summer, a person's fancy turns to thoughts of sand, surf, and barbecue, but for those of you taking prescrptions medications a few safety tips may be in order.
A lot of medications make people sensitive to sunlight. Meds that interrupt your body's ability to regulate its temperature, such as Lasix or Thiazide could make you more susceptible to the heat, for example. And many antibiotics can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which increases your risk of sunburn and sun rash. But these aren't the only culprits. Over-the-counter allergy medications, some arthritis meds, and depression medications may also increase your sensitivity.
For a list of other drugs that may increase your sensitivity click here.
Experts say taking these drugs doesn't mean you're doomed to spend the sunny months indoors, they just require a little more planning. If you're going to be out in the sun, wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above. Plan your outdoor activities early or late in the day, to avoid the direct sunlight, and stay well hydrated.
A lot of medications make people sensitive to sunlight. Meds that interrupt your body's ability to regulate its temperature, such as Lasix or Thiazide could make you more susceptible to the heat, for example. And many antibiotics can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which increases your risk of sunburn and sun rash. But these aren't the only culprits. Over-the-counter allergy medications, some arthritis meds, and depression medications may also increase your sensitivity.
For a list of other drugs that may increase your sensitivity click here.
Experts say taking these drugs doesn't mean you're doomed to spend the sunny months indoors, they just require a little more planning. If you're going to be out in the sun, wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above. Plan your outdoor activities early or late in the day, to avoid the direct sunlight, and stay well hydrated.
Pre-diabetes--are you at risk?
According to some experts, having a disease is a lot like taking a car trip: the road you take determines your final destination. And for the 54 million Americans with impaired glucose tolerance, that road may lead them right into Type 2 diabetes.
There has been a lot of information lately about Pre-diabetes. And experts say that preventing diabetes before it starts is easier than treating it.
But since pre-diabetes has no symptoms, how do you know if you’re at risk?
Here are a few of the most common risk factors for developing Pre-diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes:
- A family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Being obese or overweight, particularly if you carry your weight around the middle (are ‘apple shaped’)
- High triglycerides, high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and low “good” cholesterol.
- Having poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Being a couch potato
If you have any of the above risk factors you should talk to your doctor about having a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Both of these tests can help you determine if you fall into the category defined as pre-diabetic.
For the FPG test, a result that falls between 100 mg/dL - 125 mg/dL is defined as Pre-diabetes. For the OGTT, 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL means you are at risk.
According to research, identifying pre-diabetes and treating the risk factors could lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 60 percent. It may also lower your risk of complications from diabetes, such as kidney and heart problems.
Experts say the best thing you can do if you’re diagnosed with pre-diabetes is lose weight. And that doesn't mean you have to be bikini-ready. Even a 5 to 10 percent drop in your weight could be enough to stabilize your blood sugar. Along with losing weight, exercise, and treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol will also help.
There has been a lot of information lately about Pre-diabetes. And experts say that preventing diabetes before it starts is easier than treating it.
But since pre-diabetes has no symptoms, how do you know if you’re at risk?
Here are a few of the most common risk factors for developing Pre-diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes:
- A family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Being obese or overweight, particularly if you carry your weight around the middle (are ‘apple shaped’)
- High triglycerides, high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and low “good” cholesterol.
- Having poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Being a couch potato
If you have any of the above risk factors you should talk to your doctor about having a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Both of these tests can help you determine if you fall into the category defined as pre-diabetic.
For the FPG test, a result that falls between 100 mg/dL - 125 mg/dL is defined as Pre-diabetes. For the OGTT, 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL means you are at risk.
According to research, identifying pre-diabetes and treating the risk factors could lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 60 percent. It may also lower your risk of complications from diabetes, such as kidney and heart problems.
Experts say the best thing you can do if you’re diagnosed with pre-diabetes is lose weight. And that doesn't mean you have to be bikini-ready. Even a 5 to 10 percent drop in your weight could be enough to stabilize your blood sugar. Along with losing weight, exercise, and treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol will also help.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Alcohol and medications can be a deadly mix
According to ABC-affiliate 49 in Topeka, Kansas,, almost one in five American adults have misused alcohol and prescription medications. In fact, this potentially deadly mixture has become one of the fastest growing medical problems in the United States.
Though most prescription medications will include a warning label if they shouldn't be combined with alcohol, experts say many people ignore these labels. But those labels are there for good reason: alcohol affects the way many medications work. Here's a sample of the impact alcohol can have on different kinds of medications:
- Sleep Medications: Alcohol can depress the central nervous system and intesify the effect of some sleep meds.
- Pain Medications: When mixed, the effects of both pain meds and alcohol are intensified, which slows down the brain and the respiratory system.
- Tranquilizers: The combination of alcohol and tranquilizers slows down alertness and inhibits judgment. This can lead to accidents.
- Blood-pressure medications: This is an especially dangerous mix because blood-pressure drugs lower blood pressure, and adding alcohol lowers blood pressure even more, which can lead to dangerously low levels. Because some hypertension meds are time-released, alcohol can lead to accidental overdose.
Jean Holthaus, Program Director of Senior Prevention, Intervention, Counseling, Education (SPICE), an expert on this type of substance abuse, points out that another part of this issue is that alcohol and prescription drug use is often a hidden problem. So how can you tell if a loved one is suffering from this problem? Holthaus says that some signs are obvious: alcohol on the person's breath, for example. But other things she suggests you can look for include:
- a loved one "shopping" doctors for increased prescriptions
- mood changes such as depression or irritability
- memory loss or confusion
- changes in appearance
- frequent accidents or falls
Though most prescription medications will include a warning label if they shouldn't be combined with alcohol, experts say many people ignore these labels. But those labels are there for good reason: alcohol affects the way many medications work. Here's a sample of the impact alcohol can have on different kinds of medications:
- Sleep Medications: Alcohol can depress the central nervous system and intesify the effect of some sleep meds.
- Pain Medications: When mixed, the effects of both pain meds and alcohol are intensified, which slows down the brain and the respiratory system.
- Tranquilizers: The combination of alcohol and tranquilizers slows down alertness and inhibits judgment. This can lead to accidents.
- Blood-pressure medications: This is an especially dangerous mix because blood-pressure drugs lower blood pressure, and adding alcohol lowers blood pressure even more, which can lead to dangerously low levels. Because some hypertension meds are time-released, alcohol can lead to accidental overdose.
Jean Holthaus, Program Director of Senior Prevention, Intervention, Counseling, Education (SPICE), an expert on this type of substance abuse, points out that another part of this issue is that alcohol and prescription drug use is often a hidden problem. So how can you tell if a loved one is suffering from this problem? Holthaus says that some signs are obvious: alcohol on the person's breath, for example. But other things she suggests you can look for include:
- a loved one "shopping" doctors for increased prescriptions
- mood changes such as depression or irritability
- memory loss or confusion
- changes in appearance
- frequent accidents or falls
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Pharma Watch: Merck faces class-action suit over Fosamax
Drugmaker Merck is facing a class-action lawsuit in Canada over the osteoporosis med Fosamax.
The lawfirm Siskinds LLP has launched the suit against Merck Frosst Canada, claiming that Merck failed to adequately warn patients and doctors that Fosamax may increase users' risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), also known as "jaw death." ONJ causes pain, soft-tissue swelling and infection, loosening of teeth and exposed bone in the mouth.
Attorney Michael Peerless says that he hopes the lawsuit forces Merck to disclose what the company knows or has known about Fosamax's link to the jaw condition.
If you're interested in reading more about the link between Fosamax and ONJ, you can read about what some doctors have observed about the connection here. Also, this article summarizes the Mayo Clinic's opinion on the connection between ONJ and osteoporosis meds.
The lawfirm Siskinds LLP has launched the suit against Merck Frosst Canada, claiming that Merck failed to adequately warn patients and doctors that Fosamax may increase users' risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), also known as "jaw death." ONJ causes pain, soft-tissue swelling and infection, loosening of teeth and exposed bone in the mouth.
Attorney Michael Peerless says that he hopes the lawsuit forces Merck to disclose what the company knows or has known about Fosamax's link to the jaw condition.
If you're interested in reading more about the link between Fosamax and ONJ, you can read about what some doctors have observed about the connection here. Also, this article summarizes the Mayo Clinic's opinion on the connection between ONJ and osteoporosis meds.
Monday, May 28, 2007
FDA clamps down on timed-release cold meds
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is clamping down on the production of some timed-release cold medicines. Timed-release meds that contain an expectorant called guaifenesin are not officially approved, the FDA says. In fact, more than 20 companies make timed-release cold and cough meds that contain guaifenesin, including popular prescription medications such as Guaifenex, Crantex and Amibid, but only the over-the-counter meds marketed as Mucinex and Humibid have been approved by the FDA.
Companies making the meds must stop producing them by August 27, the FDA says, and they can be shipped no later than November 25, 2007.
The FDA is requiring that these medications be approved in order to ensure that the active ingredient is effective and is released safely over time, a spokesperson said. And from now on, any timed-release version of an existing medication must be separately approved by the agency.
Prescription and over-the-counter meds that contain guaifenesin in an immediate-release format are not part of the clampdown.
If you’d like more information, or would like to see a list of all medications not approved by the FDA, head here.
Companies making the meds must stop producing them by August 27, the FDA says, and they can be shipped no later than November 25, 2007.
The FDA is requiring that these medications be approved in order to ensure that the active ingredient is effective and is released safely over time, a spokesperson said. And from now on, any timed-release version of an existing medication must be separately approved by the agency.
Prescription and over-the-counter meds that contain guaifenesin in an immediate-release format are not part of the clampdown.
If you’d like more information, or would like to see a list of all medications not approved by the FDA, head here.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Top News: May 21-25
This week's Top News concerns a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the Type 2 diabetes drug Avandia.
The story began this week when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert for Avandia. The FDA cited a study that the Type 2 diabetes medicine increases users' risk for heart attack by 43 percent. But, the FDA stressed, patients taking Avandia should not stop taking the medication but should discuss the cardiovascular risks with their doctor.
Today, new information surfaced that the FDA was first warned about Avandia's risks in 2000. According to MSNBC:
"John Buse, president-elect of the American Diabetes Association and faculty member at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, cited 'a worrisome trend in cardiovascular deaths and severe adverse events' among patients using the drug in a letter to the agency in March 2000."
The FDA responded in July 2001 by sending a letter to the drug's maker, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, asking that the company inform doctors about Avandia's risks. These letters were sent in September 2001, though Glaxo has continued to disagree with the results of the study that first found the increased cardiovascular risks.
You'll probably be hearing a lot about this story in the coming weeks. Remember that both the FDA and medical experts say that if you're taking Avandia, you should not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor and discussing the risks.
The story began this week when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert for Avandia. The FDA cited a study that the Type 2 diabetes medicine increases users' risk for heart attack by 43 percent. But, the FDA stressed, patients taking Avandia should not stop taking the medication but should discuss the cardiovascular risks with their doctor.
Today, new information surfaced that the FDA was first warned about Avandia's risks in 2000. According to MSNBC:
"John Buse, president-elect of the American Diabetes Association and faculty member at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, cited 'a worrisome trend in cardiovascular deaths and severe adverse events' among patients using the drug in a letter to the agency in March 2000."
The FDA responded in July 2001 by sending a letter to the drug's maker, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, asking that the company inform doctors about Avandia's risks. These letters were sent in September 2001, though Glaxo has continued to disagree with the results of the study that first found the increased cardiovascular risks.
You'll probably be hearing a lot about this story in the coming weeks. Remember that both the FDA and medical experts say that if you're taking Avandia, you should not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor and discussing the risks.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Top News: May 14-18
Researchers say that medications used to treat diabetes and obesity may also fight breast cancer.
Some of these diabetes and obesity medications work by blocking the PTP1B enzyme, which has been linked to both diabetes and body fat. Now Canadian researchers say that this same enzyme is also found in breast cancer patients. In their recent study, the researchers found that blocking the enzyme appeared to slow or stop breast cancer tumor growth.
(Source: The Daily Mail)
Some of these diabetes and obesity medications work by blocking the PTP1B enzyme, which has been linked to both diabetes and body fat. Now Canadian researchers say that this same enzyme is also found in breast cancer patients. In their recent study, the researchers found that blocking the enzyme appeared to slow or stop breast cancer tumor growth.
(Source: The Daily Mail)
Monday, May 14, 2007
The diabetes, Alzheimer's link
Patients with Type 2 diabetes are threatened by a host of related health conditions, such as blindness, amputation, kidney failure, heart disease, and strokes. But researchers say they may need to add Alzheimer's disease to the list as well.
Research suggests that people with Type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than people without the disease. And with
1 in 5 Americans at risk for developing diabetes, that could lead to a major health crisis.
Diabetes and Alzheimer’s may be linked in many ways, scientists say. It may be that heart risks associated with diabetes prevent blood from getting to the brain. Or it may be that the plaque that forms in Alzheimer’s patients brains is the same type of plaque that forms in the pancreas of diabetes patients.
But whatever the cause, health care experts say that a few simple steps could reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and lower your risk of Alzheimer’s. The most simple and profound way is to lose excess body weight through a healthy diet and increased exercise. In addition to the healthy lifestyle changes, patients with diabetes should manage their condition with a diabetes medication. In fact, some research has shown that diabetes meds such as Actos, Avandia, and others may one day be used to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Research suggests that people with Type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than people without the disease. And with
1 in 5 Americans at risk for developing diabetes, that could lead to a major health crisis.
Diabetes and Alzheimer’s may be linked in many ways, scientists say. It may be that heart risks associated with diabetes prevent blood from getting to the brain. Or it may be that the plaque that forms in Alzheimer’s patients brains is the same type of plaque that forms in the pancreas of diabetes patients.
But whatever the cause, health care experts say that a few simple steps could reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and lower your risk of Alzheimer’s. The most simple and profound way is to lose excess body weight through a healthy diet and increased exercise. In addition to the healthy lifestyle changes, patients with diabetes should manage their condition with a diabetes medication. In fact, some research has shown that diabetes meds such as Actos, Avandia, and others may one day be used to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Top News: May 5-11
This week's Top News story is for people with Heart Disease, especially for those who love to listen to music.
A high school student working with doctors on a research study has found that iPods--the popular MP3 music players made by Apple--may cause heart pacemakers to malfunction.
Jay Thaker, a senior at Okemos High School, found that iPods caused heart pacemakers to malfunction in 50 percent of the study's patients. Because pacemakers store a history of patients' heart rhythms, the malfunctions could cause doctors to believe a patient's heart is beating irregularly. This could lead to incorrect diagnoses and treatments, experts say.
"In addition," Thaker says, "If an iPod stopped a pacemaker from working in a patient who was totally dependent on their pacemaker, it could cause the heart to stop."
Doctors have long known that electronic devices such as cell phones, microwave ovens, and other appliances can interfere with pacemaker function. But because iPods are often worn close to the heart devices--on the arm, at the belt, or around the neck--they could pose a particular risk.
Dr. Edwin Kevin Heist, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, agrees that iPods can be a danger to patients with pacemakers.
Heist said he tells his patients that they can use any household device, including cell phones and iPods, but not to put them over their pacemaker. "Patients with a pacemaker could safely use an iPod, just don't put it over the device," he said.
Source: HealthDay News
A high school student working with doctors on a research study has found that iPods--the popular MP3 music players made by Apple--may cause heart pacemakers to malfunction.
Jay Thaker, a senior at Okemos High School, found that iPods caused heart pacemakers to malfunction in 50 percent of the study's patients. Because pacemakers store a history of patients' heart rhythms, the malfunctions could cause doctors to believe a patient's heart is beating irregularly. This could lead to incorrect diagnoses and treatments, experts say.
"In addition," Thaker says, "If an iPod stopped a pacemaker from working in a patient who was totally dependent on their pacemaker, it could cause the heart to stop."
Doctors have long known that electronic devices such as cell phones, microwave ovens, and other appliances can interfere with pacemaker function. But because iPods are often worn close to the heart devices--on the arm, at the belt, or around the neck--they could pose a particular risk.
Dr. Edwin Kevin Heist, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, agrees that iPods can be a danger to patients with pacemakers.
Heist said he tells his patients that they can use any household device, including cell phones and iPods, but not to put them over their pacemaker. "Patients with a pacemaker could safely use an iPod, just don't put it over the device," he said.
Source: HealthDay News
Pharma Watch: OxyContin's maker will pay $600 million for misleading doctors, patients
Purdue Pharma LP, the maker of OxyContin, has agreed to pay $600 million as part of a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department over a felony charge that the company misled and defrauded doctors and consumers about the addiction dangers of the painkiller. Three executives in the company, including its CEO, have also agreed to pay $34.5 million in penalties.
Purdue has acknowledged that it illegally marketed and promoted OxyContin by claiming that the narcotic pain medication was less addictive, less subject to abuse, and less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms in users than other painkillers.
U.S. Attorney John Brownlee had this to say about the settlement:
"With its OxyContin, Purdue unleashed a highly abusable, addictive and potentially dangerous drug on an unsuspecting and unknowing public. For these misrepresentations and crimes, Purdue and its executives have been brought to justice."
Source: CNNMoney
Purdue has acknowledged that it illegally marketed and promoted OxyContin by claiming that the narcotic pain medication was less addictive, less subject to abuse, and less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms in users than other painkillers.
U.S. Attorney John Brownlee had this to say about the settlement:
"With its OxyContin, Purdue unleashed a highly abusable, addictive and potentially dangerous drug on an unsuspecting and unknowing public. For these misrepresentations and crimes, Purdue and its executives have been brought to justice."
Source: CNNMoney
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Is your medication going generic in 2007?
There's no doubt about it -- generic formulas of medications can save users a lot of money. And while some medicines such as Lipitor aren't "going generic" this year, there are some other commonly used meds that are.
Here's a list of some of the brandname medicines that will be available in generic formulas this year along with the conditions they treat and the approximate time they'll be available.
Toprol® XL
Generic name: metoprolol extended release
Treats high blood pressure (second quarter)
Ambien®
Generic name: zolpidem
Treats insomnia (second quarter)
Paxil® CR
Generic name: paroxetine controlled release
Treats depression (third quarter)
Prilosec® 40mg
Generic name: meprazole 40mg delayed release
Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (fourth quarter)
Coreg®
Generic name: carvedilol
Treats high blood pressure (fourth quarter)
Norvasc®
Generic name: amlodipine
Treats high blood pressure (fourth quarter)
Precose®
Generic name: acarbose
Treats Type 2 diabetes (fourth quarter)
Source: Premera Blue Cross
Here's a list of some of the brandname medicines that will be available in generic formulas this year along with the conditions they treat and the approximate time they'll be available.
Toprol® XL
Generic name: metoprolol extended release
Treats high blood pressure (second quarter)
Ambien®
Generic name: zolpidem
Treats insomnia (second quarter)
Paxil® CR
Generic name: paroxetine controlled release
Treats depression (third quarter)
Prilosec® 40mg
Generic name: meprazole 40mg delayed release
Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (fourth quarter)
Coreg®
Generic name: carvedilol
Treats high blood pressure (fourth quarter)
Norvasc®
Generic name: amlodipine
Treats high blood pressure (fourth quarter)
Precose®
Generic name: acarbose
Treats Type 2 diabetes (fourth quarter)
Source: Premera Blue Cross
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Just the Facts: How do COX-2 painkillers increase heart risks?
With all the talk about COX-2 painkillers in the news, you might be wondering why drugs such as Vioxx, Celebrex, and the newest COX-2 med Arcoxia increase cardiovascular risks while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen don't.
Well, first it's important to know that COX-2s are NSAIDs, in the same general class of drugs as ibuprofen or naproxen. They're just a newer kind of NSAID. And research has shown that all NSAIDs--not just the COX-2 painkillers--raise heart risks to some degree.
The key to why COX-2 inhibitors such as Celebrex cause more of a heart risk is in the way both kinds of NSAIDs work in your body.
As MedicineNet.com explains in this overview, both older NSAIDs and COX-2s work by blocking enzymes--called COX-1 and COX-2--that are present both in your stomach and in places in your body where there's inflammation that's causing pain. Older NSAIDs block both COX-1 and COX-2, while COX-2 inhibitors block only the COX-2 enzyme, as their name suggests.
But here's a big difference between these two enzymes: COX-1 is in the stomach and in the whole body, and COX-2 is only in other parts of the body--not in the stomach.
COX-1 protects your stomach by making sure there's enough protective mucous in the stomach lining to keep the organ from being damaged. Because older NSAIDs block both COX-1 and COX-2, they stop this COX-1 in the stomach from producing that protective mucous. This can lead to ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems.
That's what's so helpful about COX-2 inhibitors. Because they only block COX-2 (which isn't in the stomach), Celebrex and other COX-2 painkillers only block the enzymes that are causing pain in your body. They don't bother the COX-1 that's protecting your stomach.
Sounds great, right? Well, unfortunately blocking only COX-2 in the body causes other risks.
As Dr. Joseph Mercola says on his Web site, COX-1 has another job besides making the stomach's protective mucous. It also controls how "sticky" your blood platelets are and it makes your blood vessels constrict or become more narrow. COX-2 balances these COX-1 effects. It keeps blood platelets from clumping together and causing clots, and it keeps blood vessels more open so blood can flow more freely.
Take away only COX-2 and you can guess what happens. Your body has too much COX-1, which means your blood could be thick and more prone to clots. And your blood vessels could be too closed, which could trap those clots. And these are major risk factors for cardiac problems such as stroke and heart attack.
Well, first it's important to know that COX-2s are NSAIDs, in the same general class of drugs as ibuprofen or naproxen. They're just a newer kind of NSAID. And research has shown that all NSAIDs--not just the COX-2 painkillers--raise heart risks to some degree.
The key to why COX-2 inhibitors such as Celebrex cause more of a heart risk is in the way both kinds of NSAIDs work in your body.
As MedicineNet.com explains in this overview, both older NSAIDs and COX-2s work by blocking enzymes--called COX-1 and COX-2--that are present both in your stomach and in places in your body where there's inflammation that's causing pain. Older NSAIDs block both COX-1 and COX-2, while COX-2 inhibitors block only the COX-2 enzyme, as their name suggests.
But here's a big difference between these two enzymes: COX-1 is in the stomach and in the whole body, and COX-2 is only in other parts of the body--not in the stomach.
COX-1 protects your stomach by making sure there's enough protective mucous in the stomach lining to keep the organ from being damaged. Because older NSAIDs block both COX-1 and COX-2, they stop this COX-1 in the stomach from producing that protective mucous. This can lead to ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems.
That's what's so helpful about COX-2 inhibitors. Because they only block COX-2 (which isn't in the stomach), Celebrex and other COX-2 painkillers only block the enzymes that are causing pain in your body. They don't bother the COX-1 that's protecting your stomach.
Sounds great, right? Well, unfortunately blocking only COX-2 in the body causes other risks.
As Dr. Joseph Mercola says on his Web site, COX-1 has another job besides making the stomach's protective mucous. It also controls how "sticky" your blood platelets are and it makes your blood vessels constrict or become more narrow. COX-2 balances these COX-1 effects. It keeps blood platelets from clumping together and causing clots, and it keeps blood vessels more open so blood can flow more freely.
Take away only COX-2 and you can guess what happens. Your body has too much COX-1, which means your blood could be thick and more prone to clots. And your blood vessels could be too closed, which could trap those clots. And these are major risk factors for cardiac problems such as stroke and heart attack.
Top News: April 19-26
This week's Top News is for people with arthritis --and it's not good news for arthritis sufferers looking for new ways to manage their pain.
First, researchers say that a new study has shown that arthritis supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin don't actually relieve arthritis pain any better than a placebo. But the study's authors say that the supplements don't harm patients either, so patients who are finding relief from the supplement combo can keep using them without fear of adverse effects.
The other piece of Top News for the week is that the outside panel that advises the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about new drugs' safety has recommended that the FDA not approve Arcoxia, a new COX-2 inhibitor for treating arthritis pain. The advisory panel says that Arcoxia--a drug in the same class of medicines as Vioxx, Bextra, and Celebrex--has shown the same increased cardiovascular risks as these other COX-2 medicines. Celebrex is currently the only COX-2 inhibitor still on sale in the United States.
First, researchers say that a new study has shown that arthritis supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin don't actually relieve arthritis pain any better than a placebo. But the study's authors say that the supplements don't harm patients either, so patients who are finding relief from the supplement combo can keep using them without fear of adverse effects.
The other piece of Top News for the week is that the outside panel that advises the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about new drugs' safety has recommended that the FDA not approve Arcoxia, a new COX-2 inhibitor for treating arthritis pain. The advisory panel says that Arcoxia--a drug in the same class of medicines as Vioxx, Bextra, and Celebrex--has shown the same increased cardiovascular risks as these other COX-2 medicines. Celebrex is currently the only COX-2 inhibitor still on sale in the United States.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Zelnorm's been pulled--now what?
If you’ve been taking Zelnorm, you may be wondering what to do now that the drug has been taken off the market in the United States. Drugmaker Novartis recently pulled the medication after the FDA expressed concern that it increased the chances of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. But even the FDA said that the risks were “quite small.” (Thirteen cases of heart attacks and stroke in 11,600 patients.)
Of course the truth is that no one wants to take a medication that may be dangerous. But Zelnorm was one of the only drugs approved to treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and it was an effective remedy for many women. So what are your options now that Zelnorm is unavailable?
First, talk to your doctor about other treatments. Some patients have found relief using the med Amitiza. Still others have turned to probiotic treatments and other forms of natural constipation relief. In our newsletters recently we’ve reported on natural remedies for constipation such as gingersnaps, bran, and applesauce.
And, if none of those work you may not be entirely out of luck. The FDA says that it may continue to allow doctors to prescribe Zelnorm if a patient’s disease does not respond to other treatments, or if the benefits outweigh the heart risks.
Of course the truth is that no one wants to take a medication that may be dangerous. But Zelnorm was one of the only drugs approved to treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and it was an effective remedy for many women. So what are your options now that Zelnorm is unavailable?
First, talk to your doctor about other treatments. Some patients have found relief using the med Amitiza. Still others have turned to probiotic treatments and other forms of natural constipation relief. In our newsletters recently we’ve reported on natural remedies for constipation such as gingersnaps, bran, and applesauce.
And, if none of those work you may not be entirely out of luck. The FDA says that it may continue to allow doctors to prescribe Zelnorm if a patient’s disease does not respond to other treatments, or if the benefits outweigh the heart risks.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Just the Facts: Cholesterol
With all the talk about good cholesterol, you might be wondering what's so good about it and why researchers are so interested in boosting its numbers in people at risk for heart disease. You might also be wondering what all those numbers of your own cholesterol-level lab reports mean and if you're in the category of people whose levels are putting them at increased cardiovascular risk.
Knowing the differences in the kinds of cholesterol is an important first step. Experts at MSNBC have this to say about the differences in the types of cholesterol:
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the “bad” cholesterol. LDL is mostly fat with only a small amount of protein. It can clog your arteries. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor will want you to lower your LDL.
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are the “good” cholesterol. HDL is more protein than fat. It helps clear the bad cholesterol from your blood so it does not clog your arteries. A high level of HDL can protect you from a heart attack.
- Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood that can affect your health. If you have high triglycerides and high LDL, your chances of having a heart attack are higher.
And just what should the levels of these kinds of cholesterol be? Well, according to these same MSNBC experts:
- LDL ("bad" cholesterol) should be less than 100. LDL increases your risk of heart problems, so the lower your LDL, the better. A level of 160 or above is high.
- HDL ("good" cholesterol) should be more than 40. HDL over 60 helps protect against a heart attack. HDL below 40 increases your risk of heart problems. The higher your HDL, the better. A high HDL number can help offset a high LDL number.
- Triglycerides should be less than 150. A level above 150 may increase your risk for heart problems.
Source: MSN. Read this whole story here.
Knowing the differences in the kinds of cholesterol is an important first step. Experts at MSNBC have this to say about the differences in the types of cholesterol:
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the “bad” cholesterol. LDL is mostly fat with only a small amount of protein. It can clog your arteries. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor will want you to lower your LDL.
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are the “good” cholesterol. HDL is more protein than fat. It helps clear the bad cholesterol from your blood so it does not clog your arteries. A high level of HDL can protect you from a heart attack.
- Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood that can affect your health. If you have high triglycerides and high LDL, your chances of having a heart attack are higher.
And just what should the levels of these kinds of cholesterol be? Well, according to these same MSNBC experts:
- LDL ("bad" cholesterol) should be less than 100. LDL increases your risk of heart problems, so the lower your LDL, the better. A level of 160 or above is high.
- HDL ("good" cholesterol) should be more than 40. HDL over 60 helps protect against a heart attack. HDL below 40 increases your risk of heart problems. The higher your HDL, the better. A high HDL number can help offset a high LDL number.
- Triglycerides should be less than 150. A level above 150 may increase your risk for heart problems.
Source: MSN. Read this whole story here.
Failed drug puts good cholesterol in the news
You've probably noticed a lot of news about raising so-called "good" (HDL) cholesterol in the news lately. Some of the reason for this upshoot in news about HDL cholesterol is because of the the failure of an experimental drug called torcetrapib in clinical trials. People in the trials were showing an increased risk of heart problems and even death after taking the drug, so its manufacturer--Pfizer--stopped the trials.
There was even more bad news about torcetrapib this week, when researchers found that in addition to showing these increased cardiovascular risks, torcetrapib also didn't appear to slow the buildup of artery plaque as the drug's makers hoped.
Torcetrapib wasn't the answer, it seems. But researchers won't stop trying to find a drug that will work for you--you can count on that. To keep up with this story, subscribe to High Cholesterol Rx News and/or Heart Disease Rx News at MedTrackAlert. We'll do our best to keep you informed on the latest "good" cholesterol news!
There was even more bad news about torcetrapib this week, when researchers found that in addition to showing these increased cardiovascular risks, torcetrapib also didn't appear to slow the buildup of artery plaque as the drug's makers hoped.
Torcetrapib wasn't the answer, it seems. But researchers won't stop trying to find a drug that will work for you--you can count on that. To keep up with this story, subscribe to High Cholesterol Rx News and/or Heart Disease Rx News at MedTrackAlert. We'll do our best to keep you informed on the latest "good" cholesterol news!
Monday, April 2, 2007
Welcome to the MedTrackAlert blog
Hello and welcome to Take As Directed, a blog designed by a few editors from MedTrackAlert. Those of you who receive newsletters from MedTrackAlert are probably already familiar with the focus of our company—to bring you the latest and most important information regarding your prescription medications. And for those of you who don’t receive our newsletters, what are you waiting for? Head on over to www.medtrackalert.com and sign up to receive important medication and condition-related news directly into your email inbox!
Reading prescription news day after day, week after week has made us newsletter editors feel like unintentional experts on several topics. We’re routinely stopped in the grocery store by friends and made to sit down with our grandmothers to discuss the finer points of their prescriptions with them. And though we would never claim to be doctors or pharmacists, we do often know the latest information about many prescription medications and the conditions they treat.
Most of the information we find as part of our work never makes it into your newsletters. After all, nobody needs a six-hundred word email! But of course news is never static. Studies, clinical trials, and other research goes on every day, and often what is “news” today is contradicted two weeks from now with even newer "news." Which is why we hope this blog becomes a place where you can see the larger picture. We’ll do our best to summarize the most important aspects of ongoing research and give you a chance to take charge of your health armed with the most up-to-date information possible.
Be sure to bookmark this blog and to come back for weekly roundups of news on conditions like heart disease, cancer, asthma, ADHD, diabetes, mental health, migraines, Alzheimer’s and many more.
-The MTA editorial team
Reading prescription news day after day, week after week has made us newsletter editors feel like unintentional experts on several topics. We’re routinely stopped in the grocery store by friends and made to sit down with our grandmothers to discuss the finer points of their prescriptions with them. And though we would never claim to be doctors or pharmacists, we do often know the latest information about many prescription medications and the conditions they treat.
Most of the information we find as part of our work never makes it into your newsletters. After all, nobody needs a six-hundred word email! But of course news is never static. Studies, clinical trials, and other research goes on every day, and often what is “news” today is contradicted two weeks from now with even newer "news." Which is why we hope this blog becomes a place where you can see the larger picture. We’ll do our best to summarize the most important aspects of ongoing research and give you a chance to take charge of your health armed with the most up-to-date information possible.
Be sure to bookmark this blog and to come back for weekly roundups of news on conditions like heart disease, cancer, asthma, ADHD, diabetes, mental health, migraines, Alzheimer’s and many more.
-The MTA editorial team