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Heart attack victims face increased risk of death with Natrecor

In a recent study Jonathan Sackner-Bernstein, a doctor at North Shore University Hospital in New York says that Natrecor, heart failure treatment produced by drug company Johnson & Johnson may be linked to a greater risk of death when compared with standard therapy.

20 Apr 2005

Survey finds four in ten seniors do not take medications as prescribed

Four in 10 seniors told researchers in a recent national survey that they haven’t taken all the drugs their doctors prescribed for them in the past year – either because the costs were too high, because they didn’t think the drugs were helping them, or because they didn’t think they needed them.

19 Apr 2005

Low-Income Subsidies for the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit: The Impact of the Asset Test

An estimated 2.4 million Medicare beneficiaries with incomes low enough to qualify for additional subsidies under the new Medicare drug benefit are expected to be ineligible for these subsidies because they do not meet the asset test required by law, according to a new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

13 Apr 2005

Medicare announces funding for health insurance counseling

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a 50 percent increase in funding for the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs). SHIPs are a key partner in Medicare’s Education and Outreach effort to insure that everyone with Medicare knows they are eligible for prescription drug coverage, that they will have a choice of at least two plans, and that there will be extra assistance for those in need.

12 Apr 2005

Giuliani report calls for moratorium on prescription drug importation

As the nation tightens its borders against possible future terrorist attacks, it risks undermining security and safety by opening them to non-FDA approved prescription drugs from other countries, according to a comprehensive report released today in New York City by Giuliani Partners, headed by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

11 Apr 2005

Three out of every four adults over age 50 use some kind of alternative medicine

This study found that 71 percent of older adults used some form of alternative medicine in 2000. A study done in 2002, found a lower rate -- about 62 percent – among all adults.

10 Apr 2005

Genomics and proteomics to increase the efficiency of drug discovery and development

While the United Sates is still the world leader, Europe is having a good deal of success in the field of advanced genomics and proteomics research. Significant government funding together with the presence of large pharmaceutical companies has made Europe a major competitor in the efforts to deploy genomics and proteomics as vital tools in drug discovery and development.

5 Apr 2005

Calcium crucial to benefits of osteoporosis drugs

Although an increasing number of people are taking powerful new prescription drugs to treat osteoporosis, chances are the majority of patients are not getting the greatest effect from these medicines because they do not have an adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, according to a paper published in the March 2005 issue of The Journal of Women's Health.

23 Mar 2005

Smart tech at Pittsburgh hospital improves patient safety

Pittsburgh's Ohio Valley General Hospital, in an effort to improve patient safety, has implemented an automated system that uses barcoding and "smart" infusion system technology to ensure that patients receive the right intravenous (IV) medication at the appropriate dose and rate.

16 Mar 2005

2004 FDA drug complaints way up high

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received a record number of complaints regarding drug side effects and other related health problems in 2004, according to a published report.

14 Mar 2005

FDA seizes drug orders from overseas

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has seized prescription drug orders shipped from abroad to more than 50 customers of I-Save-R-x, a program launched last year by Governor Rod Blagojevich, to help residents save money on prescription drugs.

10 Mar 2005

Web site offers fast access to drugs

A new web site run by pharmaceutical companies can help direct Indiana residents to prescription drug programs that offer free or discounted medications. Governor Mitch Daniels, a former executive at Eli Lilly and Company, says it's a safer alternative to importing drugs from other countries.

8 Mar 2005

Medical tests in the privacy of your own home

A San Francisco-based testing company is currently offering genetic testing, for a predisposition to cystic fibrosis, blood clotting, iron overload and a heightened risk for lung and liver diseases; prices ranging from $199 to $380.

7 Mar 2005

Battle in the Senate over FDA

In the congressional battle over the safety of America's prescription drugs, two University of Washington experts with opposing views have been enlisted into the fray.

7 Mar 2005

Studies find Aspirin resistance in up to 27% of Aspirin users

While aspirin remains a crucial and cost-effective therapy for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases, research suggests that a significant percentage of the 25 million Americans on a chronic aspirin regimen are "aspirin resistant," or do not achieve sufficient antiplatelet effects from aspirin.

7 Mar 2005