All articles tagged with #drug safety
Crescent Pharma recalls Ramipril 5 mg capsules (batch GR164099) after a manufacturing error could have led to cartons containing Amlodipine instead of Ramipril. The MHRA urges patients to check packaging and return affected packs; the risk from having taken the wrong drug is low, but dizziness or other side effects should prompt medical advice, and pharmacies should remove the batch from stock.
A sweeping analysis of 59 systematic reviews across more than 50 acute-pain conditions finds opioids provide only modest, short‑term relief for some cases and little or no benefit for others, while raising risks of side effects and misuse; the study calls for safer alternatives and careful, limited prescribing rather than using opioids as the default treatment for acute pain.
The FDA asked manufacturers of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs (Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda) to remove label warnings about suicidal thoughts after reviewing 91 trials with 107,910 patients and finding no evidence of increased suicidal thoughts, behavior, or other psychiatric effects versus placebo, though earlier data could not completely rule out a small risk.
The FDA has issued a low-risk recall for over 11,000 bottles of Ziac, a blood-pressure medication, due to cross-contamination concerns with ezetimibe. Patients should check their bottles' lot numbers and NDC codes, and consult their healthcare providers for guidance. The recall highlights the importance of strict manufacturing practices and vigilant quality control to ensure medication safety.
The FDA has flagged 8 common OTC drugs as high-risk for people over 60 due to age-related changes in drug metabolism, including antihistamines, NSAIDs, PPIs, decongestants, and laxatives, urging seniors to review their medications with healthcare providers to avoid serious side effects and interactions.
Some individuals are using unapproved 'GLP-3' drugs like retatrutide from the black market for dramatic weight loss, risking unknown side effects and contamination, as these drugs are still in clinical trials and not FDA-approved, highlighting concerns over safety and regulation.
ProPublica investigated the FDA's limited testing of generic drugs, revealing irregularities and quality concerns in widely used medications like bupropion and metoprolol, which could compromise their effectiveness and patient safety, highlighting the agency's reliance on manufacturers and sporadic testing practices.
ProPublica launches Rx Inspector, a database revealing the manufacturing origins and FDA inspection histories of generic drugs in the U.S., addressing transparency gaps left by the FDA.
Australia’s drug regulator has issued safety warnings for weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic, highlighting potential risks of suicidal thoughts and mental health issues, especially in vulnerable patients, and advising caution with contraception use due to possible reduced effectiveness. The warnings are based on international signals and adverse event reports, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and awareness during treatment.
Mixing alcohol with certain medications such as anti-anxiety drugs, sleep aids, antihistamines, painkillers, antibiotics, and heart or diabetes medicines can cause serious health risks, including impaired reflexes, liver damage, and dangerous reactions. It is crucial to understand these interactions and consult healthcare professionals before consuming alcohol while on medication.
The FDA's top official for drugs, Dr. George Tidmarsh, resigned amid investigations into his personal conduct and a lawsuit alleging he made false statements and pursued vendettas against a pharmaceutical company's chair, highlighting ongoing leadership instability at the agency.
A large recall of atorvastatin, a widely used cholesterol-lowering drug, was issued due to manufacturing defects that affected drug dissolution, potentially reducing its effectiveness and increasing cardiovascular risk. Patients should check if their medication is affected and consult their healthcare provider before stopping or switching drugs. The recall highlights ongoing concerns about overseas manufacturing oversight and the need for vigilant consumer awareness.
A recent study highlights a significant link between the hair loss drug finasteride and increased risks of mood disorders and suicidal thoughts, criticizing regulatory and manufacturer oversight for underreporting and neglecting these dangers over the past two decades.
Many medications can interact negatively with coffee, especially antidepressants, blood thinners, antipsychotics, and certain asthma and blood pressure drugs. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider about potential interactions and timing of coffee consumption to avoid adverse effects.
The Trump administration is cracking down on misleading pharmaceutical ads by sending cease-and-desist letters to drug companies, increasing transparency requirements, and closing a loophole that allowed companies to hide safety information, aiming to reduce deceptive practices and improve public trust in drug advertising.