Scientists get closer to finding out why statins cause muscle pain Chemical conversion of statins could disrupt muscle mitochondria function, leading to pain and weakness.…
Researchers boost hypertension treatment using unconventional approach Using approved drugs in unconventional ways could help improve compliance in patients with hypertension, according to a study in The Journal of Clinical Hypertension.…
Actinic keratosis gel linked with allergic reactions and shingles Picato gel, used to treat actinic keratosis, has been linked with shingles, severe allergic reactions, eye injuries and skin reactions when used incorrectly, the FDA warns.…
Heart risks with newer hepatitis C drugs and amiodarone The EMA has warned against the use of antiarrhythmic amiodarone in combination with newer hepatitis C infection treatments after reports of heart problems.…
Breast cancer patients worry about effects of tamoxifen on fertility Tamoxifen has had a major impact on reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrences, but many younger women are either not starting treatment or are discontinuing it early.…
First drug to improve sexual desire in women approved in the United States Addyi (flibanserin), a drug dubbed the ‘female Viagra’, has been approved for the treatment of acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women by the FDA.…
E-cigarettes are at least 95% safer than smoking tobacco cigarettes, says Public Health England Public Health England has suggested that pharmacists encourage the use of e-cigarettes as an aid to stop smoking, but the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has concerns because the products are not regulated.…
FDA approves opioid Oxycontin for adolescents The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the opioid OxyContin (oxycodone) for children aged 11–16 years whose pain is severe enough to require daily around-the-clock long-term treatment for which alternative options are inadequate.…
SSRI antidepressants linked with lower risk of preterm birth Pregnant women who take SSRIs to treat their depression have a lower risk of giving birth prematurely or having a caesarean section than pregnant women with depression who do not take medication, a study finds.…
Defence for hospital pharmacists who make an inadvertent dispensing error comes closer Proposals to introduce a defence for hospital pharmacists if they inadvertently make a dispensing error are being referred to ministers for approval.…