Prescription for disaster Dec 6, 2008
According to a recent report released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) based on statistics from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUGH) between 4 and 6 percent of residents in northeastern Wisconsin over the age of 12 have abused prescription pain relievers in the past year and for the first time ever prescription drugs have surpassed marijuana in use by first-time abusers nationwide ... According to a recent report released by the Substance... (Forest Republican, WI)
Falcons pull ahead over Wausaukee in season opener Dec 6, 2008
Online news and information for the Rhinelander region. SEARCH 14-day search. (Forest Republican, WI)
Vt. officials worried by prescription drug abuse Dec 1, 2008
In 13 cases, overdosing on Methadone, a prescription pain reliever often used to treat addiction to another narcotic, was cited as the cause of death. Law enforcement officials say the pain reliever OxyContin and Suboxone, a buprenorphine-based drug used to treat opiate addiction, also are being diverted and abused in large quantities. (WCAX.com, VT)
Pain relief cream maker ALCiS boosted by channel switch Nov 30, 2008
WHAT IT DOES: Manufactures and sell ALCiS Daily Relief Pain Cream, a patented topical pain reliever. CUSTOMERS: Active baby boomers with back pain and sport injuries, and seniors with arthritis. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Lilly Withdraws Application for Additional U.S. Indication for Cymbalta(R) for Chronic Pain Nov 29, 2008
Taking Duloxetine with NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners may increase bleeding risk. Patients should consult with their doctor before stopping Duloxetine or changing the dose and if they are pregnant or nursing. (PR Newswire)
Tainted Baby Teething Drug Kills 25 Children in... Nov 27, 2008
Akunyili said the company's product was normally safe, mixing a pain reliever with a mild antihistamine designed to send the child to sleep. She said investigators were looking at how the diethylene glycol had crept into one batch of the product. (Fox News)
Barbara Bush: Ulcer led to pain 'worse than childbirth' Nov 27, 2008
Antibiotics treat the bacterial infection found in the 1980s to be ulcers' most frequent cause, and antacids manage the other cases, typically caused by chronic use of pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen ... Barbara Bush, who has had two hip replacement surgeries and reportedly battled arthritis, was taking such pain relievers, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (Houston Chronicle)
7 Ways to Avoid Holiday Stress-Induced Acid Reflux Nov 25, 2008
And for headaches, there are pain relievers. Sometimes, however, people don't take enough water with their pills and this may cause heartburn. (Fox News)
Boca Raton teen charged in deadly crash that killed elderly woman Nov 25, 2008
But she tested positive for alprazolam, sold as Xanax, and diphenhydramine, the antihistamine found in such nighttime pain relievers as Advil PM, the highway patrol's report said. Related Subjects. (The Palm Beach Post)
Kids, Drug Abuse, and the Medicine ... Nov 24, 2008
Fifty-three percent of those who abused pain reliever prescription drugs obtained the drugs from a friend or relative. The danger of prescription drugs with these age groups, beyond the age of first use, is addiction to other substances. (Suite101.com)
Equestrian body sets up anti-doping inquiry Nov 21, 2008
In one case from the Beijing Games that caused further confusion, the FEI suspended Germany's Christian Ahlmann for four months because his horse tested positive for capsaicin, a banned pain reliever which has commonly been used during training. The six Beijing cases -- one of which is still being considered -- involved three different medications, with riders claiming not to know how the substances entered their horse's system. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Survey: Teen drug, alcohol, tobacco use down in state Nov 18, 2008
9 percent of high-school students reported using a prescription pain reliever during the past 30 days -- a higher percentage than any other type of drug except marijuana or hashish. More information available at. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Chronicle news quiz Nov 16, 2008
D: So-called idiot pill that contains a medicine chest mix of pain relievers and vitamins. 2A small jet crashed in Mexico City and sent the country into a tizzy. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Gravy or Turkey From the FDA? Nov 15, 2008
Pain-free decisionJohnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is waiting on a Nov. 23 decision on its pain reliever tapentadol. The drug provides relief from pain without the prevalence of strong side effects -- such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation -- that tend to accompany opioids like morphine and oxycodone. (MSNBC -- Business)
Report: Illegal immigrant minors mistreated by US Nov 14, 2008
After she was transferred to the Border Patrol's custody, the girl said she asked for a pain reliever because she had recently had surgery on her arm and the injury caused by the agent aggravated the wound. But Border Patrol agents refused to give her over-the-counter medication, she said. (Anchorage Daily News)
Long road ahead for Mark Adams Nov 13, 2008
She thought it was due to a rough week Mark had had working his job as a union electrician, gave him a pain reliever, and told him to take a nap before they were to go out. Mark woke up still not feeling well. (Holbrook Sun, MA)
TheraQuest's IND for Abuse Deterrent Strong Opioid (TQ-1015) Accepted by FDA Nov 13, 2008
About SECUREL(R) Recent experience with extended release opioid pain relievers has shown that intentional crushing or extraction of the active ingredient from the dosage form by addicts and recreational drug users can destroy the timed-release mechanism and result in a rapid surge of drug into the bloodstream. Serious side-effects and death have been reported from such misuse. (PR Newswire)
Man gets three years for robbery, assault Nov 13, 2008
According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Adams sold Oxycodone, a pain reliever for which she had a prescription, to another person for profit in June 2006 in Rapid City. The maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a 1 million fine. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Cranberries, Coumadin don't mix Nov 11, 2008
Your vet might be able to prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug such as meloxicam or a pain reliever like tramadol to ease your dog's discomfort. I have a 17-year-old son. (Athens Banner-Herald)
More Topical than Ever: Alternatives to Oral Pain Relievers Nov 10, 2008
"The concept of topical pain relief predates the advent of aspirin and other oral pain relievers by thousands of years," says Phil Mattison, president and founder of Core Products, makers of Ibunex, a topical cream designed for muscles and joints ... Topical pain relievers bypass the digestive system so there is little or no risk of side effects that can potentially damage internal organs like the stomach, liver or even heart ... Topicals do not carry the risk of addiction associated with some... (Pekin Times, IL)
Got the Blues -- or Could It Be Something More? Nov 9, 2008
Aspirin, NSAID pain relievers, or blood thinners because they may increase the risk of bleeding. PRISTIQ may cause or make some conditions worse, so tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions, including if you. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
How Make Your Own Desk-Drawer Emerg... Nov 8, 2008
Buying the stuff you know you will need at least once a year and keeping them in your desk or locker will make it worth it in the long run: Have you seen the price of those travel size pain relievers, as opposed to a full bottle. Compare the cost of a box of granola bars you d buy in the grocery store to the price of a single bar from the corner store, and you know it all adds up. (Suite101.com)
Cipher reports third quarter fiscal 2008 results Nov 7, 2008
In addition, Cipher is developing formulations of the pain reliever tramadol (FDA approvable letter in May 2007) and the acne treatment isotretinoin (FDA approvable letter in April 2007). Cipher is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DND' and has approximately 24 million shares outstanding. (Canada Newswire)
Hansen faces doping hearing to keep Olympic medals Nov 6, 2008
Hansen faces an International Equestrian Federation (FEI) tribunal for the second time to examine why his horse Camiro tested positive for a banned pain reliever after the team jumping competition in August. He was suspended and did not compete in the individual jumping class. (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
Your Health: Psyllium fiber, niacin, other ways could help lower high cholesterol (3) Nov 2, 2008
So can the pain reliever Lortab. If dizziness caused a fall, it could be devastating. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Is your doctor prescribing a placebo? Oct 31, 2008
Even if there is proof, ask if the pain reliever could harm you in any way. Antibiotics. (CNN)
FDA: Bayer marketing two unapproved Aspirin products Oct 29, 2008
In addition to being labeled for use as a pain reliever, both products are labeled for use in reducing the risks of heart disease. Bayer Women's is also labeled for use in "fighting" osteoporosis. (Xinhuanet, China)
Kids need special care to avoid the flu bug Oct 29, 2008
Aspirin-free pain reliever can be used to reduce fever or soreness. Those children with an allergy to eggs, used in developing the vaccine, could have a more serious reaction. (Lenoir News Topic, NC)
Becnel settles $1 billion suit Oct 25, 2008
Celebrex and Bextra belong to the same class of pain-drugs known as selective Cox-2 inhibitors, which were designed to provide pain relief while minimizing side effects as gastrointestinal problems associated with older pain relievers such as Ibuprofen. But studies began to emerge several years ago that suggest the drugs might increase the risk of heart problems. (L Observateur, LA)
Merck announces big job cuts, as sales and profits fall Oct 24, 2008
Merck, which now has 56,700 employees, eliminated 10,400 jobs as part of a reorganization announced in 2005, after its Vioxx pain reliever was removed from the market because of safety concerns. Merck shares were down 6. (International Herald Tribune)
Mass. to get $2.5m as part of settlement with Pfizer Oct 23, 2008
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley disclosed the state's portion of the settlement, following a five-year investigation to determine whether Pfizer misrepresented the drugs as safer and more effective than traditional pain relievers. Investigators concluded that Pfizer conducted an aggressive, deceptive and unlawful campaign to promote the drugs for uses that had been rejected by the Food and Drug Administration. (Boston Globe)
• Medications, age likely causes of erectile dysfunction Oct 23, 2008
Following that brief time period, topical skin medications, pain relievers, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, narcotics and non-narcotics (or a combination thereof) may be necessary. You don't indicate what your primary care physician has put you on for relief of the pain and discomfort. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Oregon to get $4 million from Pfizer Oct 23, 2008
Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers helped launch the 33-state investigation in 2003 to determine whether Pfizer misrepresented the drugs as safer and more effective than traditional pain relievers ... The drugs were designed to reduce the stomach and gastrointestinal irritation that can accompany traditional pain relievers. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Prescription opiates: One pill can kill Oct 21, 2008
2 million people aged 12 and older used prescription pain relievers for non-medical purposes in 2007, latest figures from the federal Office of Applied Studies showed ... But they're not nearly as common as the potent pain relievers. (MSNBC -- Health)
YOU Docs: Buy supplements verified with USP Oct 21, 2008
Supplements are classified as food products, not medicines, and aren't regulated by the strict standards used for other over-the-counter meds like pain relievers and cold remedies. From brand to brand, quality control is, as we like to say, "eclectic." Buy two bottles of an herb such as saw palmetto from two manufacturers and even if the labels say all the ingredients are identical, they may not be - and there may not even be much saw palmetto in either bottle. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Pfizer 3Q profit triples vs weak year-ago results Oct 21, 2008
In the current quarter, the New York-based company took a charge of $894 million, or $640 million after taxes, for a settlement announced Friday to end most of the lawsuits over its withdrawn painkiller Bextra and another pain reliever still on the market, Celebrex. Today in Business with Reuters. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
To The Point Oct 20, 2008
Pfizer settles pain reliever suits. The drug maker reached an $894 mil deal to end more than 90% of lawsuits brought by people claiming its prescription pain relievers Celebrex and Bextra caused heart attacks, strokes or other problems. (Investors Business Daily)
Heavyweight king puts IBF title on line Dec. 13 Oct 19, 2008
Irish equestrian Denis Lynch was disqualified from the Beijing Olympics because his horse tested positive for a banned pain reliever. The International Equestrian Federation also suspended Lynch from competing for three months. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Pfizer Settles To End Its Pain Oct 18, 2008
Drug giant Pfizer Inc. has reached an $894 million deal to settle the bulk of the lawsuits over its withdrawn pain reliever Bextra, following the lead of rival Merck which is spending five times as much to settle Vioxx suits. Get Quote. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
2nd UPDATE: Pfizer Agrees To Pay $894 Million To Settle Litigation Oct 18, 2008
They were designed to provide effective pain relief while minimizing certain side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, associated with older pain relievers like ibuprofen ... The consumer-fraud cases included those brought by about 30,000 insurers, union health plans and consumers who alleged they paid too much for Bextra, arguing that Pfizer promoted the drug as superior to older pain relievers even though it wasn't, according to plaintiffs attorney Steve Berman of the law firm Hagens... (CNNMoney.com)
Pfizer Reaches $894M Painkiller Settlement Oct 18, 2008
(AP) Drug giant Pfizer Inc. has reached an $894 million deal to end most of the lawsuits over its two prescription pain relievers, the popular Celebrex and a similar drug, Bextra, no longer on the market. The world's biggest drugmaker said Friday it has agreements in principle to end more than 90 percent of personal injury lawsuits brought by people claiming the pills caused heart attacks, strokes or other harm. (CBS News)
$894 million deal ends Pfizers lawsuits Oct 18, 2008
Drug giant reaches an agreement over its pain relievers Celebrex, Bextra ... TRENTON, N.J. - Drug giant Pfizer Inc. has reached an $894 million deal to end most of the lawsuits over its two prescription pain relievers, the popular Celebrex and a similar drug, Bextra, no longer on the market. (MSNBC -- Business)
County's pot appeal denied Oct 17, 2008
Marijuana remains illegal under federal drug statutes despite laws in at least 11 states permitting qualified patients to use it as a pain reliever. The county's suit was rejected in Superior Court in 2006. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
J&J Recalls Narcotic Pain System Sold in Europe Oct 17, 2008
The three-part device, slightly smaller than a credit card, has a top layer with electronics, a tiny battery and a button to activate it; a middle layer containing the narcotic pain reliever fentanyl, and an adhesive patch that adheres to the patient's chest or upper arm. The design allows patients to avoid an IV and move around a bit more, and it eliminates the danger of needlestick injuries. (ABC News -- Wire)
• Prevention is still the best medicine for a common cold Oct 17, 2008
When taken in excess over extended periods of time, the acetaminophen in pain relievers can cause liver damage. The chronic, extended use of decongestants can result in inflammation of mucous membranes. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Study finds contaminants in bottled water Oct 16, 2008
The study's lab tests on the 10 brands detected bacteria and 38 chemicals including caffeine, the pain reliever acetaminophen, fertilizer, solvents, plastic ingredients and the radioactive element strontium. The International Bottled Water Assn. called the findings "alarmist.". (Los Angeles Times)
Mich. Dems question claims on Bayer product Oct 16, 2008
WASHINGTON - Two Democratic lawmakers from Michigan want to know why Bayer defied recommendations from federal health regulators and added dietary health claims to its over-the-counter pain reliever aspirin. Reps. (Lansing State Journal)
Doctor Accused Of Trading Drugs For Sex Has License Suspended Oct 16, 2008
The board alleged in September that Haque gave prescriptions for Percocet and other narcotic pain relievers to a patient in exchange for sex. The board also alleged that Haque wasn't qualified to prescribe the drugs. (WTKR.com, VA)
Vioxx's Heart Risk Lingered Long After Use Ended Oct 15, 2008
Some danger may come with other NSAID pain relievers, experts say. HealthDay. (MEDLINEplus)
J&J Feels Little Pain From Expired Patents Oct 14, 2008
The maker of Tylenol pain reliever, Band-Aid bandages and anemia drug Procrit also raised its 2008 earnings forecast. The company reported net income of $3. (SmartMoney)
Aspirin, ibuprofen may cut breast cancer risk Oct 10, 2008
Expert: Over-the-counter pain relievers shouldn't be used for cancer prevention ... While it might be tempting to try to reduce your own risk by popping these over-the-counter pain relievers, known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the researchers sound a note of caution: The pills can cause bleeding in your digestive tract. (CNN -- Health)
Next generation topical pain reliever Voltaren Emulgel(TM) now available in Canada without a prescription Oct 8, 2008
16%) is the first and only nonprescription topical pain reliever containing the medicinal ingredient diclofenac ... The number one topical pain reliever in the world, Voltaren Emulgel(TM) has been proven safe and effective in a number of clinical studies ... "Stretching, massages, and rest help to relax muscles and joints and reduce pain, but in some cases medical treatment can be the most effective way to relieve pain. A scientifically proven pain reliever, particularly a non-prescription... (Canada Newswire)
Hospital Fixes Cut Opiate Errors in Kids Oct 8, 2008
The study, a yearlong collaboration between 14 U.S. children's hospitals, documented a 67 percent decrease in "harmful events" caused by the pain relievers under these new procedures. The side effects of opiates in the morphine family -- which are widely used to relieve serious pain in children -- range from minor, such as constipation and itching, to rare instances of serious harm, such as a decreased urge to breathe. (MEDLINEplus)
Local girl died of overdose at music festival Oct 8, 2008
Toxicology results for Ashley Marie McCoy, 17, revealed she accidentally overdosed on oxycodone, a pain reliever she was prescribed after a recent surgery, and methadone, a synthetic narcotic used to treat heroin withdrawal, said Becker County (Minn. Sheriff Tim Gordon. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Letter from Europe Oct 8, 2008
Acetic anhydride is used in dyes and perfumes, for metal buffing and by the pharmaceutical industry for such products as aspirin and the pain reliever paracetamol. It is produced in 21 nations and has long been under international controls. (International Herald Tribune)
Acetaminophen warning issued for babies Oct 8, 2008
(Acetaminophen is sold worldwide under brand names like Tylenol and Panadol, and is an ingredient in many other pain relievers). The study, published in the Sept. 20 issue of The Lancet, included data from more than 190,000 6- and 7-year-old children in 28 countries whose parents had responded to questionnaires. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Children: Acetaminophen in Babies May Raise Risks Oct 7, 2008
Acetaminophen is sold in the United States under the brand name Tylenol and as an ingredient in many other pain relievers. The study, published in the Sept. 20 issue of The Lancet, included data from more than 190,000 6- and 7-year-old children in 28 countries whose parents had responded to questionnaires about various health and diet practices. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Major study of opiate use in children's hospitals provides simple steps to alleviate harm Oct 6, 2008
The study, a yearlong collaboration between 14 U.S. children's hospitals, documented a 67 percent drop in harmful events caused by the pain relievers when these procedures were implemented. "Our collaborative aim was to decrease adverse drug event rates by 50 percent," Sharek said. (EurekAlert!)
Prescription drug abuse input sought Oct 5, 2008
According to the agency, an average of one person each month has died in those counties as a result of unintentional overdose of prescription pain relievers in the past four years ... Specifically, the health department is trying to gauge the community s attitudes and perceptions toward prescription pain relievers, how available they are to people, whether laws about sharing prescription drugs are understood, and what education is being received when residents are given prescription drugs. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Smart Slime, Ovulating Strippers Among 2008 Ig Nobels Oct 4, 2008
The "expensive" pills were found to be more effective pain relievers than the "cheap" ones. The study could have implications for patients given generic, instead of brand-name, medications. (National Geographic)
DOPING: Courtney King and U.S. Olympic dressage team disqualified Oct 3, 2008
The medication is used as an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. The FEI said the disqualification was automatic, despite a plea from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) on behalf of King's teammates Steffen Peters, who rode Ravel, and Debbie McDonald on Brentina. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Doctors Urge Regulators to Seek Withdrawal of Children's Cold Medications Oct 3, 2008
Treatment options include providing plenty of fluids, saline nose drops, humid air and age-appropriate pain relievers, doctors say. With each passing month we see more unnecessary cases of child poisoning from these products,'' Alejandro Necochea, a health research associate with the Washington consumer group , told FDA officials today. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Florida sues Merck to recover money spent on Vioxx Oct 3, 2008
The Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based company said in a statement that Vioxx was an effective pain reliever and that the company carefully studied the drug and consistently made results of its studies available to U.S. regulators and the medical community. We intend to defend ourselves against the complaint, Rogers said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Help for Migraines and Tension Head... Sep 25, 2008
Tension headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, or Excedrin. Modifying bad habits such as straining the eyes, slouching, or sitting in the same spot for too long can also help. (Suite101.com)
Your Health: Advair contains steroid that may cause bruising, wounds to users (32) Sep 25, 2008
A:Allergy medicine such as Benadryl and nighttime pain relievers like Advil PM, Excedrin PM and Tylenol PM all contain the antihistamine diphenhydramine. This drug may cause memory problems, confusion or delirium in the elderly (Archives of Internal Medicine, Sept. 24, 2001). (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
