Earlier this week the FDA approved Multaq tablets (dronedarone) in the treatment of heart arrhythmias. The irregular heart rhythms include atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
In a multinational clinical trial with more than 4,600 patients, Multaq reduced cardiovascular hospitalization or death from any cause by 24 percent, when compared with an inactive pill (placebo). Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter cause the heart to beat abnormally fast. This excessive rate often prevents blood from being properly pumped out of the heart.
A new study shows that children who are overweight can suffer from depression and loneliness. A new study from University of Missouri shows that girls especially are affected, beginning as early as kindergarten. As obesity rates climb, researchers try to uncover the negative consequences of being overweight in childhood.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) announced that a Butler County male in his 40s, who was infected with H1N1 influenza, died June 29. This is the first Ohio death linked to the pandemic strain of influenza. The patient had underlying health problems that may have contributed to his death.
The H1N1 infection was confirmed at the ODH laboratory today. ODH is unable to provide further details about the patient to protect confidentially. Patient contacts are being identified to determine whether public health interventions are necessary.
The FDA notified the public that the use of two prescription medicines used to help smoking cessation, Chantix (varenicline) manufactured by Pfizer Inc or Zyban(bupropionhydrochloride) manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, has been associated with reports of behavior changes including hostility, agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts or actions. The FDA is requiring the manufacturers of these products, including generic versions of Zyban (bupropion), to add a new Boxed Warning to the product labeling to alert healthcare professionals to this important new safety information.
Have you tried to quit smoking? Good for you. If you have been using any of the smoking cessation drugs (Chantix, Zyban, Wellbutrin), then the FDA has a warning for you and your doctors.
No one knows who gave Diprivan (propofol) to Michael Jackson. The powerful sedative, used to induce anesthesia, is supposed to be strictly regulated. Diprivan does put people to sleep, and is only used in a hospital or clinical setting. It is given intravenously, How Michael Jackson obtained Diprivan, and why he even thought to use the drug is under close scrutiny.
Children undergoing surgery naturally experience anxiety. Waking up from anesthesia can cause behavior changes that occur in twenty percent of children, known as emergence delirium. Researchers have found that giving children melatonin before surgery can significantly reduce post surgery anxiety and behavioral changes in children. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates circadian rhythm, and is produced in the brain.
In anticipation of the warm summer months, the Massachusetts Departments of Children and Families (DCF) and Public Health (DPH) would like to remind families and caregivers with young children of useful summertime safety tips.
Infants, toddlers and young children (ages 0-5 years) depend on adults for their safety. Children this age like to explore, but are not aware of dangers. Three hazards in warmer weather involve falls from windows, water safety, especially around pools, and safety around and in cars. Simple safety steps can prevent injury.
As a result GPs will now diagnose cases on the basis of clinical observation rather than laboratory testing. Everyone who has flu-like symptoms will be assessed by a doctor and may be given antivirals to manage their illness. Routine swabbing of suspected cases will now stop, and the Health Protection Agency will no longer trace close contacts and provide antivirals to limit spread.
Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disease, thought to be caused by the interaction of both genetic and environmental factors. Because there is no biochemical test that can identify the disorder, physicians rely upon the recognition of its symptoms ? which can include auditory hallucinations and paranoia ? in order to make their diagnosis.
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