Tag: drug
Cell Therapeutics withdraws cancer drug application
by on Jan.30, 2012, under Health and Fitness
(Reuters) – Cell Therapeutics Inc said on Monday it has voluntarily withdrawn the marketing application for its cancer drug, sending its shares down 17 percent before the bell. The company said it withdrew the application as it needed additional t…
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BTG’s varicose-vein drug successful in U.S. study
by on Jan.30, 2012, under Health and Fitness
LONDON (Reuters) – British pharmaceutical firm BTG said the first of two U.S. trials of its varicose vein treatment Varisolve had met all its end-points, bringing a launch of the long-delayed product a step closer. Varisolve is a ground-breaking t…
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Infinity stops cancer trial as drug fails to show
by on Jan.28, 2012, under Health and Fitness
(Reuters) – Infinity Pharmaceuticals said it stopped a mid-stage trial of its experimental pancreatic cancer drug following an interim analysis that showed it would not meet its main goal. Data from the preliminary analysis showed that patients re…
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Bipolar Drug May Spur Weight Gain, Thyroid Problems: Review
by on Jan.20, 2012, under Health and Fitness
THURSDAY, Jan. 19 (HealthDay News) — A new medical review finds that lithium, a common treatment for bipolar disorder, can lead to weight gain and causes high rates of abnormalities in the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
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UK cost agency wants more data on Bayer’s anti-clot drug
by on Jan.09, 2012, under Health and Fitness
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain's health costs watchdog is asking Bayer for more information on its anti-clotting drug Xarelto before deciding whether to recommend it for use on the state health service. The National Institute for Health and Clinic…
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EU to set new biosimilar drug rules by mid-year
by on Jan.07, 2012, under Health and Fitness
LONDON (Reuters) – European regulators will detail the requirements for copies of multiple types of biotech drugs by mid-2012, setting the stage for increased generic competition in a multibillion-dollar market that includes products for cancer an…
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Roche melanoma drug wins European green light
by on Dec.16, 2011, under Health and Fitness
LONDON (Reuters) – European regulators have recommended approval of a targeted melanoma drug from Swiss group Roche Holding AG, opening the way to a new treatment option for patients with the deadliest form of skin cancer. The green light for Zelb…
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Tips To Reduce Fosamax Backlash
by on Dec.12, 2011, under Uncategorized
Bisphosphonates are ordered in as many as 30 million prescriptions annually in the United States. One contributing factor is a bisphosphonate that can relieve pain due to bone metastases of prostate cancer, however, a more significant contributor is Fosamax, which is also a bisphosphonate, that is used to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Because of the big population that depends on Fosamax, spreading awareness on how to reduce the occurrence of unwanted Fosamax side effects is very important.
As disclosed by Merck & Co., the company which patented Fosamax, the said drug may yield these severe side effects:
- Esophageal problems
- Hypocalcemia or having serum calcium levels below normal
- Extreme pain on the bones, joints or muscles
- Necrosis (death) of the jaw bone
- Low-impact thigh bone fracture
In order to diminish the risk of dealing with these unfavorable effects it is advisable to remember these notes when you are in Fosamax therapy.
- Do not take a dose higher than what your physician has instructed
- Drug works on an empty stomach do not take anything prior to this drug
- Always remember to take the drug in an upright position and with a full glass of tap water only, do not chew or suck oral forms of Fosamax
- Within the next 30 minutes, do not switch into a reclining position and do not take any food, medication or drink (except plain water)
Furthermore, it is recommended to hold your next dose and immediately inform your health care practitioner once you develop chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or difficulty or pain upon swallowing. This may indicate damage on your esophagus – the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach – which may include irritation, inflammation or ulcerations with possible bleeding.
Likewise, hypocalcemia needs to be referred to your doctor which may include symptoms such as spasms, twitches, or cramps in the muscles, or numbness or tingling sensation in your fingers, toes or around your mouth. In most events, your health care practitioner will include calcium and vitamin D supplements in your therapy, nonetheless, such drugs need prescriptions too.
In rare occasions, people sustain an atypical type of thigh bone fracture after prolonged use. It is therefore imperative for you to discuss to your doctor the duration of the therapy and your risk for that repercussion. Moreover, these reports consequently resulted into a number of Fosamax lawsuits against the manufacturer of the drug. Although undoubtedly beneficial, taking Fosamax requires precautions and responsibilities that every patronizer needs to be aware of.
References:
http://www.bjmp.org/content/oral-bisphosphonates-and-risk-osteonecrosis-jaw
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/f/fosamax/fosamax_mg.pdf
Bill would make drug price gouging a federal crime
by on Dec.06, 2011, under Health and Fitness
Price gouging on prescription drugs already in short supply would become a federal crime under legislation about to be introduced.
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Walgreen, others sue Pfizer over depression drug
by on Dec.02, 2011, under Health and Fitness
Pfizer Inc and Teva Pharmceutical Industries Ltd were sued by Walgreen Co and four other large retailers, accused of violating U.S. antitrust law by conspiring to keep generic versions of a popular antidepressant off the shelves.
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