Monday, September 21, 2015
Cholesterol medications: Consider the options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol-medications/art-20050958
Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
Former hedge fund manager raises infant pill price 5500%
A former hedge fund manager has raised the price of a pill used to treat infants from $13.50 to $750 per tablet
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/former-hedge-fund-manager-raises-infant-pill-price-5500/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/former-hedge-fund-manager-raises-infant-pill-price-5500/
Is sex too risky after a heart attack?
New study has some answers for one of heart patients' biggest worries
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-sex-too-risky-after-a-heart-attack/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-sex-too-risky-after-a-heart-attack/
Kids' favorite fruit and the best way to serve it
If you're trying to get your child to eat healthier, start with this popular choice
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kids-favorite-fruit-and-the-best-way-to-serve-it/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kids-favorite-fruit-and-the-best-way-to-serve-it/
Whole fruit beats juice for kids, doctors say
To help get kids to eat more fruit, a new study looks at what kinds they like best
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/whole-fruit-beats-juice-for-kids-doctors-say/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/whole-fruit-beats-juice-for-kids-doctors-say/
Pregnancy complications may signal future heart trouble
Researchers say the risk is especially high for women who've had more than one health problem during pregnancy
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pregnancy-complications-may-signal-heart-trouble-later-in-life/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pregnancy-complications-may-signal-heart-trouble-later-in-life/
FDA experts to review safety of birth control implant
Medical experts to take a closer look at problems reported with the birth control implant called Essure
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-experts-to-review-safety-of-birth-control-implant-essure/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-experts-to-review-safety-of-birth-control-implant-essure/
Generic drug price increases 5,000 percent overnight
What's behind latest in a string of major price increases for "standard of care" generic medications?
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/generic-drug-price-increases-5000-percent-overnight/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/generic-drug-price-increases-5000-percent-overnight/
Little sign of improvement in U.S. obesity rates
New figures show which states have the highest rates of obesity
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/little-sign-of-improvement-in-u-s-obesity-rates/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/little-sign-of-improvement-in-u-s-obesity-rates/
Hair-raising explanation for man's fainting spells
Extra high doses of a popular medication are blamed for a rare side effect
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hair-raising-explanation-for-mans-fainting-spells/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hair-raising-explanation-for-mans-fainting-spells/
Apple Watch a life-saver for teen athlete
A 17-year-old high school football player in Massachusetts is recovering from a serious condition that was first spotted by the heart monitor on his Apple Watch
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/apple-watch-a-life-saver-for-teen-athlete/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/apple-watch-a-life-saver-for-teen-athlete/
Apple Watch helps save teen athlete's life
"I'm just happy to be alive," teen says, after his new Apple Watch sent a life-saving health alert
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-watch-helps-save-teen-athletes-life/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-watch-helps-save-teen-athletes-life/
Chipotle's GMO-free campaign slammed by non-profit group
Non-profit organization Center for Consumer Freedom plans a new round of ads this week attacking Chipotle restaurants
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/chipotles-gmo-free-campaign-slammed-by-non-profit-group/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/chipotles-gmo-free-campaign-slammed-by-non-profit-group/
How bureaucracy, bungling hurt Ebola response
AP investigation: Expired supplies, missing gear and red tape undermined World Health Organization's response to crisis
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bureaucracy-bungling-hurt-ebola-response/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bureaucracy-bungling-hurt-ebola-response/
Is sex too risky after a heart attack?
New study has some answers for one of heart patients' biggest worries
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-sex-too-risky-after-a-heart-attack/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-sex-too-risky-after-a-heart-attack/
Kids' favorite fruit and the best way to serve it
If you're trying to get your child to eat healthier, start with this popular choice
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kids-favorite-fruit-and-the-best-way-to-serve-it/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kids-favorite-fruit-and-the-best-way-to-serve-it/
Pregnancy complications may signal future heart trouble
Researchers say the risk is especially high for women who've had more than one health problem during pregnancy
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pregnancy-complications-may-signal-heart-trouble-later-in-life/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pregnancy-complications-may-signal-heart-trouble-later-in-life/
Pregnancy Complications May Be Linked to Later Heart Disease
Risk was particularly high for women who had more than one health problem during pregnancy, study suggests
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20150921/pregnancy-complications-may-be-linked-to-later-heart-disease?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Whole fruit beats juice for kids, doctors say
To help get kids to eat more fruit, a new study looks at what kinds they like best
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/whole-fruit-beats-juice-for-kids-doctors-say/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/whole-fruit-beats-juice-for-kids-doctors-say/
Psychology vs. Psychiatry
Confused by the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? WebMD explains who does what and how that affects treatment.
From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/psychology-vs-psychiatry-which-is-better?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Generic drug price increases 5,000 percent overnight
What's behind latest in a string of major price increases for "standard of care" generic medications?
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/generic-drug-price-increases-5000-percent-overnight/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/generic-drug-price-increases-5000-percent-overnight/
Heart Attack Shouldn't End Your Sex Life
Research shows it equals same level of physical exertion as a brisk walk
From: http://www.webmd.com/sex/news/20150921/heart-attack-shouldnt-end-your-sex-life?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Adult Obesity Rate Tops 30 Percent in Half of States
Highest rates found in the South and Midwest: report
From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/20150921/adult-obesity-rate-tops-30-percent-in-half-of-states?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Eating on the Go With Type 2 Diabetes
WebMD offers tips for eating on the go with type 2 diabetes.
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/diabetes-snack-meal-tips?src=RSS_PUBLIC
FDA experts to review safety of birth control implant
Medical experts to take a closer look at problems reported with the birth control implant called Essure
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-experts-to-review-safety-of-birth-control-implant-essure/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-experts-to-review-safety-of-birth-control-implant-essure/
Little sign of improvement in U.S. obesity rates
New figures show which states have the highest rates of obesity
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/little-sign-of-improvement-in-u-s-obesity-rates/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/little-sign-of-improvement-in-u-s-obesity-rates/
Dr Gianrico Farrugia - 4th annual Individualizing Medicine Conference
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7s7_li29n0
Stop Self-Sabotage: Hurting Your Own Health
WebMD shows how you may be keeping yourself from reaching your health goals.
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/are-you-sabotaging-your-own-health?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Hair-raising explanation for man's fainting spells
Extra high doses of a popular medication are blamed for a rare side effect
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hair-raising-explanation-for-mans-fainting-spells/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hair-raising-explanation-for-mans-fainting-spells/
Apple Watch a life-saver for teen athlete
A 17-year-old high school football player in Massachusetts is recovering from a serious condition that was first spotted by the heart monitor on his Apple Watch
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/apple-watch-a-life-saver-for-teen-athlete/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/apple-watch-a-life-saver-for-teen-athlete/
Apple Watch helps save teen athlete's life
"I'm just happy to be alive," teen says, after his new Apple Watch sent a life-saving health alert
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-watch-helps-save-teen-athletes-life/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-watch-helps-save-teen-athletes-life/
Chipotle's GMO-free campaign slammed by non-profit group
Non-profit organization Center for Consumer Freedom plans a new round of ads this week attacking Chipotle restaurants
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/chipotles-gmo-free-campaign-slammed-by-non-profit-group/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/chipotles-gmo-free-campaign-slammed-by-non-profit-group/
How bureaucracy, bungling hurt Ebola response
AP investigation: Expired supplies, missing gear and red tape undermined World Health Organization's response to crisis
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bureaucracy-bungling-hurt-ebola-response/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bureaucracy-bungling-hurt-ebola-response/
Tonsillectomy for Sleep Apnea Carries Risks for Some Kids: Study
Though the surgery is a primary treatment for sleep disorder, breathing problems can occur afterwards
From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20150921/tonsillectomy-for-sleep-apnea-carries-risks-for-some-kids-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Millions of students to get CPR training
26 states now require high school students to learn CPR, and for some families it's already paid off
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/millions-of-students-to-get-cpr-training/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/millions-of-students-to-get-cpr-training/
Brain disease found in 87 deceased NFL players
Researchers say data provides more evidence of the link between head trauma in football and long-term brain deterioration
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/brain-disease-found-in-87-deceased-nfl-players/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/brain-disease-found-in-87-deceased-nfl-players/
Half of U.S. high school students to learn CPR
New York becomes the latest state to require the life-saving skill for graduation
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/half-of-u-s-high-school-students-will-learn-life-saving-cpr/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/half-of-u-s-high-school-students-will-learn-life-saving-cpr/
Cheeses recalled after listeria death
Karoun Dairies, Inc., recalls several brands of soft cheeses; two dozen illnesses reported
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cheeses-recalled-after-listeria-death/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cheeses-recalled-after-listeria-death/
Bar fined after liquid nitrogen destroyed teen's stomach
18-year-old needed to have her stomach removed after drinking dangerous cocktail
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bar-fined-liquid-nitrogen-destroyed-teens-stomach/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bar-fined-liquid-nitrogen-destroyed-teens-stomach/
Dental diseases cost billions of dollars a year
Researchers calculated the direct and indirect costs associated with dental problems
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dental-diseases-cost-billions-of-dollars-a-year-worldwide/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dental-diseases-cost-billions-of-dollars-a-year-worldwide/
Apple Watch a life-saver for teen athlete
A 17-year-old high school football player in Massachusetts is recovering from a serious condition that was first spotted by the heart monitor on his Apple Watch
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/apple-watch-a-life-saver-for-teen-athlete/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/apple-watch-a-life-saver-for-teen-athlete/
Apple Watch helps save teen athlete's life
"I'm just happy to be alive," teen says, after his new Apple Watch sent a life-saving health alert
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-watch-helps-save-teen-athletes-life/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-watch-helps-save-teen-athletes-life/
Mayo Clinic Minute - Thyroid Cancer, Hurricanes, Flu Vaccines
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw_JmsHijUM
Mayo Clinic Minute - Blood Pressure, Food Portions and Diet Drinks
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExG7JduXSpc
Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Overview
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPvekSwLNjs
WHO: Treating and defeating epilepsy in Ghana
From: World Health Organization http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFxnbNO02ok
Chipotle's GMO-free campaign slammed by non-profit group
Non-profit organization Center for Consumer Freedom plans a new round of ads this week attacking Chipotle restaurants
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/chipotles-gmo-free-campaign-slammed-by-non-profit-group/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/chipotles-gmo-free-campaign-slammed-by-non-profit-group/
Turning to drugs and treatments before they are “ready for prime time”
It’s not a situation any of us would wish for. What if you had a terminal illness like cancer or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), or a rare, debilitating disease, and knew there was treatment that might help you, but was not yet approved by the FDA? Fortunately, there is a way to gain access to experimental treatments or drugs. Your doctor can request their use through the FDA’s “expanded access” or “compassionate use” programs.
But some patients and doctors seeking treatment through these programs have felt the process was just too long. And when time is short, delays of any kind are intolerable. Since 2014, 21 states have enacted legislation to help speed up this process. These laws, called “right-to-try” laws, enable patients to bypass the cumbersome FDA process and allow doctors to request certain medications (which have already been FDA-tested for safety, but are not yet on the market) directly from the drug companies that manufacture them.
This may sound good in theory, but getting medications before they are available to everyone is risky — even for those with “nothing to lose.” Drugs that haven’t been thoroughly tested may cause side effects that obliterate any potential benefits, making the precious time left to these people far more miserable than it need be. And doctors who want to weigh the risks and benefits of such treatments are effectively in the dark; they have no way to access the information that would help them counsel patients well.
These laws also raise broad ethical issues. Asking your doctor to ask to prescribe a drug that’s still under development requires that you know this is even possible. It is likely that these requests will perpetuate already significant inequalities in healthcare and favor those with access, resources, and money.
There are also concerns about the unintended consequences of bypassing the usual FDA process. If providing a drug to a very small number of people interferes with the usual testing of a promising medication, then the benefits for all are trumped by the needs of the very few.
In an effort to tackle some of these issues, one pharmaceutical company is working with New York University School of Medicine’s Division of Medical Ethics to address patients’ requests for its medications. A committee that includes medical experts, bioethicists, and patient representatives meets to consider each medication request. The goal is to consider each request in a thoughtful, fair, and consistent way.
The rapid emergence of right-to-try legislation opens the door to broader choices for patients, but they are no guarantee that patients’ requests will actually be granted. These laws do not force pharmaceutical companies to provide experimental drugs, or health insurance companies to pay for them. In fact, for example, Colorado right-to-try laws explicitly allow insurance companies to deny coverage altogether — not just for the experimental medication — to patients who use investigational drugs. So right-to-try laws may, in reality, do little to improve access.
The shortcomings of right-to-try laws are disheartening. However, in February of this year, the FDA proposed a revised and “faster” process for expanded access to investigational treatments. This may be a way to address two powerful competing needs: getting help swiftly to those whose time is short and making sure that the medications we offer are distributed in an equitable and safe way.
Related Posts:
The post Turning to drugs and treatments before they are “ready for prime time” appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Amy Ship, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/turning-to-drugs-and-treatments-before-they-are-ready-for-prime-time-201509218324
How bureaucracy, bungling hurt Ebola response
AP investigation: Expired supplies, missing gear and red tape undermined World Health Organization's response to crisis
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bureaucracy-bungling-hurt-ebola-response/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bureaucracy-bungling-hurt-ebola-response/
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