Search Results for: safe

HIV is infecting men, women and children of all ages

Educating the public about the real risks is a better HIV prevention strategy, says Bradford McIntyre, aHIV+ since 1984, from Positively Positive, Vancouver, Canada. – Not everyone, who becomes infected with HIV, originates from a ‘High Risk’ group. The common usage of the words ‘high risk’, in reference to people, who are most likely to become infected with HIV, has led many to believe misguidedly that they are not at risk. Unfortunately, this belief couldn’t be further from the truth.

GVAX cancer immunotherapy improves prostate cancer survival

Interim analysis supports continuation of Cell Genesys’ VITAL-1 Phase 3 Clinical Trial of GVAX Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer – Cell Genesys, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEGE) announced that the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) for VITAL-1, the first of two ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials of GVAX immunotherapy for prostate cancer, has completed a pre-planned interim analysis and has recommended that the study continue, as GVAX cancer immunotherapy improves prostate cancer patients survival.

Ortho Evra contraceptive transdermal birth control patch label update

Ortho Women?s Health & Urology, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has updated the prescribing information for ORTHO EVRA (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system) to include further epidemiologic data. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved additional changes to the Ortho Evra Contraceptive Transdermal (Skin) Patch label to include the results of a new epidemiology study that found that users of the birth control patch were at higher risk of developing serious blood clots, also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), than women using birth control pills. VTE can lead to pulmonary embolism.

Consumer Healthcare supports FDA over OTC cough and cold medicines withdrawal

FDA Bulletin on Kids’ Oral, Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Reaffirms Industry’s October 2007 Voluntary Withdrawal; Agency announcement reinforces need for increased communication with consumers. – On behalf of the leading makers of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) offered its support for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision against the use of oral OTC cough and cold medicines in children under the age of two.

Fifty per cent increase in organ donation possible in 5 years

Donating an organ is the greatest gift anyone can bestow. Last year around 2,400 people in the UK benefited from an organ transplant, but more than 1000 people die every year waiting for a transplant. – The UK Department of Health announced it would back the recommendations of the Organ Donation Taskforce, which could see a 50 per cent increase in organ donation in the UK within five years – resulting in an additional 1,200 transplants a year and saving thousands of lives.

Use OTC cough and cold products with care

US FDA strongly recommends that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used for infants and children under 2 years of age because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects could occur. – US health agency FDA is recommending that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants and children less than 2 years of age because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur from such use. OTC cough and cold products include decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines, and antitussives (cough suppressants) for the treatment of colds.

Enbrel, etanercept improved psoriasis in children and adolescents

Etanercept (Enbrel) significantly reduces psoriasis disease severity in children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. – A Phase 3 study showed that children and adolescents with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who received treatment with Enbrel experienced significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of their disease psoriasis.

Exercise may benefit older breast cancer survivors

An Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute study will evaluate the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise and resistance training for breast cancer survivors who are at least two years post-treatment with chemotherapy or radiation. – An Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute study is examining different forms of exercise for women older than 65 who have had breast cancer. Different exercises may benefit older breast cancer survivors.

Protein may trigger insulin production in diabetic patients

University of Florida researchers have coaxed liver and pancreatic cells within diabetic mice into churning out insulin by injecting the animals with a naturally occurring protein called Pdx1, opening up a new research avenue that someday could lead to safer treatments for type 1 diabetes. Pdx1 activates the genes controlling the development of the pancreas cells that make and release insulin to maintain safe levels of glucose in the body. – If the human body were a stage, then proteins would rank among the lead actors in the play we call “Life.” These large biological molecules hold many starring roles, and their lines are dictated by information encoded in our genes. They are production powerhouses, regulating the basic processes of living and controlling countless functions. Many are enzymes that produce or use energy. Others regulate genes.

Compstatin – new drug for vision loss, macular degeneration

UF scientists are testing the safety of experimental drug Compstatin for vision loss in macular degeneration patients. – University of Florida UF scientists are testing the safety of experimental drug Compstatin for vision loss in macular degeneration patients. In a first-of-its-kind safety research study, University of Florida researchers have injected an anti-inflammatory compound into the eye of a person with a sight-robbing disease.

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