Stimulants May Have Detrimental Effects on Muscle Control
Researchers have found that current or past use of methamphetamine or other stimulants may lead to psychomotor control deficits, or a reduced ability to control physical movement.
Inhaled Steroids May Increase Pneumonia Risk in People with Asthma
Use of inhaled corticosteroids was linked with an increased risk of pneumonia in a study of individuals with asthma. In the study of 152,412 asthma patients (of whom 1928 had a pneumonia event during follow-up), current use of inhaled corticosteroids was associated with an 83%…
Survey finds patients uncertain about how to best manage their cholesterol
People who have high cholesterol may understand they need to manage their condition, but many aren’t sure how to do that, nor do they feel confident they can, according to a new survey from the American Heart Association.
For Atrial Fibrillation Ablation, Dabigatran Reduces Major Bleeds
Uninterrupted treatment with dabigatran, a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOACs), before, during and after ablation to treat atrial fibrillation significantly reduced the incidence of major bleeding events compared with uninterrupted use of the more established anticoagulant warfarin, according to research presented at the American…
Rivaroxaban Reduces VTE Recurrence Compared with Aspirin
In patients at elevated risk for a recurrence of potentially life-threatening blood clots, a low dose of the oral blood-thinning medication rivaroxaban reduced recurrences more than three-fold compared with aspirin, with no significant increase in bleeding side effects, according to research presented at the American…
Study suggests evolucamab alongside statins can significantly cut cholesterol
A new class of cholesterol-lowering drug has been found to help patients cut their risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart attack.In a trial of more than 27,000 patients, researchers found that taking monthly or twice-monthly injections of the medication, called evolocumab, on top of…
Denosumab Found Safe in Long-Term Trial
A new study provides reassuring information about the short-term and long-term safety of denosumab, a monoclonal antibody that is used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.Adverse events that had been noted in a pivotal clinical trial in women age 60 to 90 years old treated for 3…
NSAIDs associated with increased risk of cardiac arrest
Researchers advise avoiding diclofenac and limiting ibuprofen to 1200 mg per day
Scientists show cognitive enhancing drugs can improve chess play
The first study to both show and measure the effects of cognitive-enhancing drugs such as modafinil, methylphenidate (best known under the trade name Ritalin), and caffeine, on chess play is being published in the March edition of the peer-reviewed journal European Neuropsychopharmacology. This shows significant…
Salicylic acid promotes nasal mucosa colonization by Staphylococcus aureus
Salicylic acid is a plant hormone best known for its use as a key ingredient in pain relievers, anti-acne preparations and medications for skin conditions. We also consume mild doses of salicylic acid when we eat fruits and vegetables. An international team of researchers, including…
Very Low Levels of Bad Cholesterol Well-Tolerated in Heart Disease Patients
Heart disease patients taking PCSK9 inhibitors to achieve very low levels of cholesterol do not experience an increase in adverse events, including memory impairment or nervous system disorders, but may have an increased risk of cataracts, according to a study today in the Journal of…
Benzodiazepines and related drugs increase stroke risk among persons with Alzheimer’s disease
The use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like drugs was associated with a 20 per cent increased risk of stroke among persons with Alzheimer’s disease, shows a recent study from the University of Eastern Finland. Benzodiazepines were associated with a similar risk of stroke as benzodiazepine-like drugs.