News in category: Major Medical

Antidepression medication and a high level of depression, resulted in the most impaired drivers, this study finds, while a low dose of medication taken by depressed drivers did not have the same result. Whether its the medication or the driver that causes poor driving remains unknown.

When Merck & Co launched the Advantage study in 1999, it said it was testing the painkiller, Vioxx, alongside its competitor.  Internal company documents now show that the clinical trial was "masquarading as science" and was actually a marketing ploy designed to promote the use of Vioxx among doctors pre-market. Merck denies the allegations in this published study.

The FDA is meeting on September 16 regarding the safety of bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in baby bottles and other household products. A nationwide ban on phthalates is expected to go into effect in early 2009.

People taking the type 2 diabetes drug, Byetta received an FDA warning Monday after it was reported that two people taking the drug died and four others were recovering from pancreatitis. People on the drug with any pancreas problems should stop taking it.  

A new report suggests chronic ear infections in children can be linked to the risk of obesity later on in life. The findings were recently presented by scientists from around the world at the American Psychological Association’s 116th Annual Convention

A new study by Brigham & Woman's Hospital says boys are more likely than girls to outgrow childhood asthma when they hit their teenage years. This study is the first of its kind to examine the natural history of sex differences in asthma incidence.

Disney has revised its blanket prohibition on employees bringing guns to work. Backing off a bit from a new state law that allows employees with a concealed weapons permit to keep guns in their car, Disney will allow those who don't work near explosives.

People who survived the 1918 flu pandemic, who today are in their 90s and 100s, are still producing antibodies to the flu they were first exposed to.  This finding opens up a new area of influenza vaccine research.

Drug maker Wyeth is taking its final appeal of Diana Levine's case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn her $6 million verdict. Jurors agreed that Wyeth should have changed a drug label to make it safer- Wyeth says the label is approved by the FDA. 

While testing a theory that caffeine combined with a common moisturizer could prevent skin cancer in humans, scientists from Rutgers University found the creams helped skin cancer spread and tumors to grow in mice exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

You may not know anything about Diana Levine or federal preemption, but her case could impact millions of Americans who take prescription drugs or use FDA-approved medical devices.  Should the FDA be the final word? Should you lose your right to hold corporations accountable? 

In an ongoing investigation that started in November 2004, The Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) has made 68 arrests and 29 convictions of individuals who have deliberately used unapproved, cheaper injections as a substitute for FDA-approved Botox Cosmetic.

43 percent of teens responding to an annual survey on drug attitudes, say they can get their hands on prescription drugs within an hour, and it's easier than getting beer. The report blames "passive parents" who don't know where their children are, and keep prescription drugs available at home assuming they've been approved so they're safe.

An ethical debate is brewing over just how long someone should be dead before their organs are harvested.  Is brain dead, dead enough?  Or should the brain, heart and lungs have ceased functioning irreversibly for a period of time before organs are taken?  Is 75 seconds enough time? This emotional debate has both sides speaking out.

Starting October 1, 2008 Medicare will no longer pay hospitals for additional care associated with 11 types of hospital-related conditions. Medicare's no-pay list has been updated from eight to eleven types of medical errors and infections.