Personal Health

Examining Antipsychotic Drug Use Among Minnesota Nursing Home Residents

ruzik_tuzik — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:12:55 -0600

The St. Paul Pioneer Press on Saturday as part of an ongoing series about long-term care in Minnesota examined the controversy over the use of antipsychotics among nursing home residents with dementia. According to the Pioneer Press, antipsychotics are widely prescribed off-label to treat aggressive behavior associated with dementia in elderly patients.

Fewer Patients Using Health Care Provider Quality Ratings Web Sites

ruzik_tuzik — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:08:49 -0600

Fewer U.S. residents use Web sites that rate health services when selecting insurance plans, hospitals or physicians, according to state and national studies, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. According to the Press-Enterprise, independent quality ratings organizations, such as HealthGrades, typically analyze data submitted by health care providers to CMS and other regulatory agencies.

Actavis Receives Approval Of Generic Wellbutrin XL

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:47:51 -0600

Actavis Group, the international generic pharmaceuticals company, today announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to market Bupropion Hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) 150mg. Distribution of the product has commenced.

Bupropion Hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), available in 150 & 300mg strength, are the generic equivalent of Wellbutrin XL for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Partnership For Safe Medicines Arms Public Against Counterfeit Drugs

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:34:14 -0600

A collection of online educational materials are now available for free to consumers to help fend off the dangers of contaminated or counterfeit drugs. Unveiled today by the Partnership for Safe Medicines, "Consumer Resources" is designed to help consumers ensure the safety of their prescription drugs and includes guides on safely purchasing medicines online and how to save money without compromising drug safety.

Unauthorized Kwan Loong Medicated Oil May Cause Adverse Health Effects

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:01:38 -0600

Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the unauthorized product, Kwan Loong Medicated Oil, as it contains chloroform. Sale of chloroform for human use is prohibited under the Food and Drug Regulations.

Experimental TB Drug Explodes Bacteria From Inside Out

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:42:22 -0600

An international team of biochemists has discovered how an experimental drug unleashes its destructive force inside the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). The finding could help scientists develop ways to treat dormant TB infections, and suggests a strategy for drug development against other bacteria as well.

Examining No-Cost Prescription Drug Samples

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:35:48 -0600

USA Today on Monday examined how no-cost prescription drug samples can influence physicians' prescribing habits and how health systems across the U.S. are beginning to ban or limit the samples.

Seniors Review Your Medicare For Prescription Drug Coverage

hareyan — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:05:21 -0600

This is the time of the year when most seniors and Medicare beneficiaries review their Medicare insurance coverage. The end of open Medicare program enrollment for this season is coming to conclusion soon and the senior citizens are urged to review their drug coverages. Medicare does not cover everything and all drugs.

Baby boomers, children and doctors can have their elderly parents and grandparents to review what their Medicare covers and what it does not.

Caring For Spouses And Others May Help Us Live Longer

Kathleen Blanchard RN — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 08:50:08 -0600

A new study from the University of Michigan shows that caring for spouses, and others may help us live longer. The research shows there may be genuine health benefits associated with altruistic behavior.

Barcode Chip from Caltech Revolutionizes Blood Testing

Kathleen Blanchard RN — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:20:11 -0600

Researchers at Caltech have developed a rapid, inexpensive means of screening for diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The device is expected to revolutionize blood testing by eliminating time and expense.

The Integrated Blood-Barcode Chip, or IBBC, was developed by lead researcher James R. Heath, the Elizabeth W. Gilloon Professor and professor of chemistry, in conjunction with Rong Fan, a postdoctoral professor, and graduate student Ophir Vermesh, and Leroy Hood, Institute Systems Biology president in Seattle Washington.