Combination of Severe Depression and Antidepressant Use Impairs Driving Ability

A combination of severe depression and antidepressant use may impair driving ability, new research suggests. In a study presented here at the American Psychological Association 116th Annual Convention, researchers from the University of North Dakota found individuals with severe depression who were taking antidepressants had reduced concentration and slower reaction times behind the wheel than […]

Can Pharmacists Improve the Accuracy of Medication Histories?

Pharmacist- Versus Physician-Obtained Medication HistoriesReeder TA, Mutnick AAm J Health Syst Pharm. 2008;65:857-860 Study SummaryAbout 60% of hospitalized patients have at least 1 error in their medication history that is taken upon admission.[1] The investigators in this study compared medication histories that were obtained by hospital pharmacists with those obtained by physicians. The study was […]

Byetta Linked to Acute Pancreatitis

Six new cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis have been reported in patients using exenatide injection (Byetta, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised healthcare professionals today.

Why Should I Report an Adverse Drug Event?

When I was in charge of the postmarketing drug safety program at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the early 1980s, 1 particular drug report became etched in my memory.

Chewing Gum May Enhance Recovery After Colon Surgery

Several small clinical trials have suggested that chewing gum after surgery to remove a part of the colon can enhance intestinal recovery, and some have suggested that this can result in a shortened hospital stay for the patient. Now, a meta-analysis of 5 clinical trials, involving a total of 158 patients, has found that the […]