Category: Pharmaceuticals
Common painkiller linked to increased risk of heart problems
The commonly used painkiller diclofenac is associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, compared with no use, paracetamol use, and use of other traditional painkillers, finds a study published by The BMJ […]
Lorcaserin: Weight loss drug found to be safe in obesity
A major study has found promising results for the safety of a weight-loss drug available in the US. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, says adults using the drug lorcaserin lost an average of 4kg (8.8lb) […]
Fish oil supplements do not prevent heart attack or strokes in patients with diabetes
Led by Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK, the ASCEND trial (A Study of Cardiovascular Events iN Diabetes) looked at 15,480 patients over the age of 40 with diabetes but no history of cardiovascular disease. Participants were […]
CDC approves nasal spray influenza vaccine for flu season
Over the past two years, the CDC has advised the public to avoid the nasal spray version of the influenza vaccine, but things changed this year. The agency recently published its 2018 – 2019 flu season advisory, an update over […]
New drug treatment could reduce need for liver transplants
A potential treatment for sudden liver failure could cut the need for transplants, say scientists at the University of Edinburgh. The liver has an incredible natural ability to repair itself, but this can be lost in some injuries including severe […]
FDA expands recall of blood pressure drugs due to cancer risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expanding a recall of drug products containing the ingredient valsartan, which is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. The FDA first issued a voluntary recall in July after results from […]
Obesity vaccine; Scientists link virus to weight gain
It sounds almost too good to be true for those struggling to keep their weight down — a simple jab to prevent unwanted kilos piling up. But the prospect of a vaccine to stop you getting fat is drawing closer […]
Drug to cure recurring malaria approved by FDA
A new drug to treat malaria has been given the green light by authorities in the United States. The medicine is specifically for the recurring form of malaria – caused by the parasite plasmodium vivax- which makes 8.5 million people […]
Cancer “eating” drug
Scientists have designed a special type of drug that helps the body eat and destroy cancerous cells. The treatment boosts the action of white blood cells, called macrophages, that the immune system uses to gobble up unwanted invaders. Tests in […]
FDA approves epidiolex for severe forms of epilepsy
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Epidiolex (cannabidiol) oral solution for treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome for patients age 2 years and older. The rare, genetic Dravet syndrome appears during the first year […]
