Alzheimer’s Supplements Fail Compared With Generic Drugs
Galantamine sold as prescription generic drugs was labeled accurately and free of contamination, but galantamine sold as dietary supplements was not, an analysis showed. Across 10 brands of dietary supplements, the actual quantity of galantamine — a plant alkaloid with anticholinergic effects used to treat Alzheimer’s dementia — was anywhere from 2% to 110% of […]
Biden Administration Announces Moves to Cut Drug Prices
The Biden administration announced several actions Thursday aimed at lowering prescription drug costs, including decreasing some drug copays for Medicare beneficiaries and getting pricing concessions for COVID treatments developed in part with federal funding. “I have no problem with companies making reasonable profits, but not on the backs of seniors and working people,” President Biden […]
Prescription for fruits, vegetables linked to better heart health, food security
People at increased risk for cardiovascular disease who participated in produce prescription programs increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables, which was associated with improved body mass index (BMI), blood sugar and blood pressure levels, as well as a decrease in food insecurity. This new research was published today in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, […]
Treating childhood ADHD with stimulant meds not associated with increased substance use later in life, study finds
Children taking a prescription stimulant to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) do not have more substance use or substance use disorder (SUD) as adolescents or young adults, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Published today in JAMA Psychiatry, the study may provide some […]
MedPAC Considers Reference Pricing and Other Ideas for Cutting Part B Drug Costs
Congress will need to use a multipronged approach to bring down prescription drug costs in the Medicare Part B program, members of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) agreed at their March meeting on Thursday. MedPAC members discussed three draft recommendations being considered for inclusion in the commission’s June report to Congress. The recommendations addressed […]
Fewer Emergency Department Visits End With Opioid Prescriptions
Fewer emergency department (ED) visits end with a prescription for opioids, CDC survey data showed. The percentage of ED visits with an opioid prescribed at discharge fell from 12.2% in 2017-2018 to 8.1% in 2019-2020, reported Loredana Santo, MD, MPH, and Susan Schappert, MA, of the National Center for Health Statistics in Hyattsville, Maryland, in […]
Thumbs Down for Genetic Test for Opioid Use Disorder, FDA Advisors Say
An FDA advisory committee on Thursday voted strongly against AvertD, a prescription genetic risk assessment tool for opioid use disorder (OUD). In an 11-2 decision, the Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Toxicology Devices Advisory Committee said the probable benefits of the AvertD device did not outweigh its probable risks, taking into account risks and benefits of […]
What To Do If You Forget To Bring Your Medication On A Trip
Prescription medications are an essential item on your packing list when you’re traveling. However, bringing them can require a little preparation. Before you head out, contact your physician to make sure you have your meds available for the duration of your trip. You can travel with most medications ― just remember to leave them in […]
$150K Prostate Cancer Drug Draws New Attention to ‘March-In’ Rights
In the ongoing debate about how to address skyrocketing prescription drug prices, experts are at odds over whether the federal government should grant “march-in” rights for patents on the prostate cancer drug enzalutamide (Xtandi). Supporters, including prostate cancer patients who are currently petitioning HHS for a hearing on the matter, say granting march-in rights to […]
Abilify (aripiprazole): Bipolar Disorder Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is Abilify (aripiprazole), and what is it used for? Abilify is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder (manic depression), major depressive disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and Tourette’s disorder. Abilify may be used alone or with other medications. Abilify is an antipsychotic, antimanic agent. It is not […]