New safety recommendations for high dose 80 mg simvastatin

FDA announces new safety recommendations for high-dose simvastatin — Increased risk of muscle injury cited – Patients taking simvastatin 80 mg daily had an increased risk of muscle injury. The risk of muscle injury is highest during the first year of treatment with the 80 mg dose of simvastatin, and is frequently associated with a genetic predisposition for simvastatin-related muscle injury or myopathy.

Half of all children with autism wander and bolt from safe places

Interactive Autism Network releases findings on critical safety issue, launches new research survey on pregnancy – The Interactive Autism Network (IAN), reveals the preliminary results of the first major survey on wandering and elopement among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and announces the launch of a new research survey on the association between pregnancy factors and ASD.

Discussing patient safety in radiation therapy

Miami meeting on radiation therapy targets patient safety — Gathering brings clinicians, manufacturers, regulators, hospital administrators and public interest groups together to discuss new ways of avoiding errors – A meeting in Miami this week will bring together some of the world’s leading experts from inside and outside the clinic to discuss safety in radiation therapy — a critical method for treating cancer.

Safely reduce BP in patients with diabetes and heart disease

UF researcher urges caution in reducing blood pressure in patients with diabetes, coronary disease – New study revealed that there is an increased risk of heart attack and stroke for patients having blood pressure either too high or too low. Systolic blood pressure above 120 in patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease is safer. Levels between 130 and 140 appear to be the most healthful.

Safety concern for HIV drug combination

FDA Announces Possible Safety Concern for HIV Drug Combination – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced preliminary data suggesting that Invirase (saquinavir) in combination with Norvir (ritonavir) may have potentially important adverse effects on the heart.

FDA reviewing Avandia, rosiglitazone and cardiovascular safety

FDA Drug Safety Communication: Ongoing review of Avandia (rosiglitazone) and cardiovascular safety – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing data, submitted in August 2009, from a large, long-term clinical study on possible risks with the diabetes drug, Avandia (rosiglitazone).

New safety controls for asthma drugs, US

FDA Announces New Safety Controls for Long-Acting Beta Agonists, Medications Used to Treat Asthma – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that drugs in the class of long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) should never be used alone in the treatment of asthma in children or adults.

New safety plan for agents used to treat chemotherapy related anemia

FDA Announces New Safety Plan for Agents Used to Treat Chemotherapy-Related Anemia – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a risk management program to inform healthcare providers and their patients about the risks of a class of drugs called Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs).

Metformin safe for patients with heart failure and diabetes

UCLA study shows metformin is safe for patients with advanced heart failure and diabetes mellitus — Drug may improve survival rates for these patients – A new study has shown that metformin, a drug often used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, is safe for use in treating patients who have both diabetes and advanced heart failure.

Airport full body scanners are safe, says ACR

American College of Radiology (ACR) statement on airport full-body scanners and radiation – Amid concerns regarding terrorists targeting airliners using weapons less detectable by traditional means, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is ramping up deployment of whole body scanners at security checkpoints in U.S. airports.

Health Newstrack