BC man shot in Mexico sent home, other victim serious but stable Jan 3, 2009
Speaking to CBC News, Francisco Rocha, a surgeon, said one of the victims, whom he identified simply as Brendhan, had been given antibiotics and painkillers for a bullet wound on his leg. The man was walking when he entered hospital, Rocha said Friday. (CBC.ca)
How night of fun ended in street terror for Ron Barassi Jan 3, 2009
Then another female helped her up and they headed towards the beach," he said. An incensed Barassi took off in the opposite direction after the woman's attacker. Barassi was nursing bruises yesterday and had an arm in a sling because of an aggravated football shoulder injury. He returned from a visit to the doctor on a dose of strong painkillers, but with no regrets. "I am not sorry now that I did it that way, either. I'd probably do it again," he said. But the humble hero played down his... (Melbourne Herald Sun)
Drugs do a vanishing act Jan 3, 2009
MISSING, suspected stolen: 870 cases of missing medication have been reported from NSW hospitals in the last five years - most of them heavy-duty painkillers such as morphine, oxycodone, codeine and the heroin-replacing drug methadone, figures released by NSW Health reveal. The worst record of any hospital is Royal North Shore, which had 70 reported losses or thefts. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Throw away the moral blinkers Jan 2, 2009
In euthanasia it is used to justify alleviating pain by increasing doses of painkillers, even when it is known that this will result in death - the intention is to reduce pain, not to kill. The doctrine of double effect has been discredited in philosophy schools for decades. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
FBI to Review Whether Roger Clemens Lied to Congress Jan 2, 2009
Clemens, 45, testified that McNamee only injected him with vitamin B-12 and the painkiller Lidocaine, and that the trainer was trying to ``save his own skin by making up lies. Clemens told Congress that Pettitte, a longtime friend and training partner and his former teammate with the New York Yankees and Houston Astros, ``misremembers'' a conversation they had about HGH.. (Yahoo News -- Drugs in Sports)
Albright: Back pain turned into a weather prediction (23) Jan 1, 2009
I don't often take medication, but this new development sent me to the medicine cabinet searching for painkillers ... I swallowed two of the painkillers, expecting to immediately drop to the floor, rendered unconscious by side effects. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Additional charges filed in horse abuse case Jan 1, 2009
After it was given painkillers, food and water, the horse was led out to the trailhead the next day, the affidavit says. A Ravalli County sheriff s deputy contacted the Heydons at their camp at the storage units just north of the Super One Store near the Stevensville Wye. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Pricing, regulation squeezed drug industry in 2008 Jan 1, 2009
The worst performer among major drugmakers was Merck & Co. Having just clawed its way back to $58-a-share after settling tens of thousands of lawsuits over withdrawn painkiller Vioxx, the stock lost half its value due to efficacy and safety concerns over cholesterol drugs it sells with partner Schering-Plough Corp. That company's shares ended 2008 down 37 percent. The sector's top two performers saw shares decline only about 6 percent in value: Abbott Laboratories and Britain's AstraZeneca PLC,... (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
U.S. FDA approves Labopharm's pain reliever Jan 1, 2009
MONTREAL Investors in Labopharm Inc. pushed its shares higher after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ryzolt, its once-daily formulation of painkiller tramadol. Shares in the Montreal-area company rose 45 per cent on heavy volume Wednesday morning, gaining 74 cents to $2. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Mass. gets $4.7m in drug settlement Dec 31, 2008
The settlement resolves allegations Cephalon engaged in improper marketing of Actiq, a highly addictive painkiller; the anti-epilepsy drug Gabitril; and the narcolepsy drug Provigil. The money is part of a $248 million national settlement. (Boston Globe)
DA's office is sued over prosecution of drug case Dec 31, 2008
Wall said the evidence shows that Anthony Basile got into Capogreco's car on Oct. 25, 2007, with $7,400 in cash, intent on buying prescription painkillers. But because Basile never consummated the deal before Boston police pulled over the car, there is no legal basis for prosecuting him for drug possession or drug conspiracy. (Boston Globe)
Sobering truths Dec 31, 2008
Popping painkillers before bed will prevent a headache. Not true, Newman said. (Florida Today)
Palin's daughter gives birth to son named Tripp Dec 31, 2008
According to authorities, she sent text messages to two police informants in which she discusses making drug transactions involving OxyContin, a strong prescription painkiller. Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, have five children ranging in age from Trig, 7 months, to Track, 19. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Sarah Palin's daughter gives birth to baby boy, reports say Dec 31, 2008
According to the authorities, she sent text messages to two police informants in which she discussed making drug transactions involving OxyContin, a strong prescription painkiller. . (guardian.co.uk)
Sorry, doc, no Botox shirt for you Dec 31, 2008
" SOURCE: PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH AND MANUFACTURERS OF AMERICA More Home Some skeptics deride the voluntary ban as a superficial measure that does nothing to curb the far larger amounts drug companies spend each year on various other efforts to influence physicians. But proponents welcome it as a step toward ending the barrage of drug brands and logos that surround, and may subliminally influence, doctors and patients."It's not just the pens -- it's the paper on the exam table, the tongue... (News & Observer)
Drug maker pays Nebraska $2.6 million Dec 31, 2008
The drugs are Actiq, a highly addictive painkiller; the anti-seizure drug Gabitril; and the sleep-disorder drug Provigil. The money is part of a 425 million national settlement with state Medicaid programs. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Drugmaker Pays $2.6 Million Over Off-Label Marketing Dec 31, 2008
The drugs are , a highly addictive painkiller; the anti-seizure drug ; and the sleep-disorder drug. The money is. (Law.com)
Ky. collects $2.3 million from legal settlement Dec 31, 2008
The drugs involved are Actiq, a painkiller, the anti-epilepsy drug Gabitril and the narcolepsy drug Provigil. The company agreed in October to pay a $375 million civil settlement, a $40 million criminal fine and $10 million in criminal forfeiture. (MSNBC)
When pills offer no relief Dec 31, 2008
Headache sufferers may be overusing painkillers, making them less effective, says study ... Painkillers can cause headaches and migraines to recur as the brain gets accustomed to having the drug if it is taken frequently ... Over time, when the brain gets used to a certain level of painkillers and when they drop off because they are excreted from the body, the brain will give you a headache to get you to take a painkiller, said Dr Siow. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
No more goodies for U.S. doctors from drug makers Dec 31, 2008
He has made a point of collecting ballpoint pens advertising formerly heavily promoted medications, like the painkiller Vioxx, that were later withdrawn after reports of dangerous side effects. Last year, besides giving away nearly $16 billion in free drug samples to doctors, pharmaceutical companies spent more than $6 billion on "detailing" an industry term for the sales activities of drug representatives including office visits to doctors, meal-time presentations and branded pens and other... (International Herald Tribune)
Kentucky settles with drug maker Dec 31, 2008
-based Cephalon after an investigation found that the company marketed the sleep disorder drug Provigil, the anti-seizure drug Gabitril and the painkiller Actiq for uses not approved by the , said Allison Gardner Martin, communications director for the office of Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway. The investigation, conducted by the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units and the federal government, found that Cephalon had given physicians millions of dollars in educational... (Louisville Business First, KY)
Tuesday Countdown: Cowboys, Cards & Kate Walsh (hubba hubba!) Dec 31, 2008
But this would be a good time for a painkiller and a shot of B-12. In those four games, Brett Favre, Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb and Matt Cassel threw for a combined 15 touchdowns and Arizona had 15 turnovers. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Burned Man Faces Long Recovery Dec 31, 2008
After that will be the long and painful healing process and weaning off painkillers. "They're taking really good care of him," Moody said. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Differences between Common Colds an... Dec 30, 2008
There are no current pharmaceutical treatments for the common cold, except for painkillers, antihistamines, decongestants and other symptom-based treatments. An antiviral drug called pleconaril is effective against several kinds of viruses that can be behind the common cold, but it is still in clinical trials. (Suite101.com)
Levens was 'always laughing,' brother says Dec 30, 2008
The mixed martial arts fighter, who was on a six-month suspension from the circuit for using a banned painkiller, and his wife, were found shot dead inside their Laguna Niguel home by her mother ... com, Levens tested positive for oxymorphone, a painkiller given by injection, when he underwent drug testing for a July 2008 fight that was eventually scrapped. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Back from the brink Dec 30, 2008
She went to two clinics on three occasions and was told it was due to womanly issues, given some painkillers and sent home. One doctor said it was due to hormonal imbalance. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
KV suspends tablet shipments, recalls drug Dec 27, 2008
KV suspends tablet shipments, recalls painkiller - St. Louis Business Journal ... KV suspends tablet shipments, recalls painkiller ... said Tuesday it suspended shipments of all its drugs in tablet form and recalled a painkiller because the tablets are oversized. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
5 Dangerous Drug Combinations You Need to Avoid Dec 27, 2008
Note to seniors (and anyone else) mixing prescriptions with painkillers and/or their favorite dietary supplements: Don't do it until you check with your doctor to make sure they don't interact to cause you harm. A new study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that 1 in 25 people in their late 50s and older is risking dangerous drug interactions by mixing, for example, the blood thinner warfarin with garlic pills. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
FDA approves Cumberland's new labeling Dec 27, 2008
Acetaminophen is the generic name for over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol. The FDA decision is based on a recent Canadian study that evaluated 4,709 adults and 1,905 children who were treated with Acetadote for acetaminophen overdose. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Economy strains mental health help Dec 27, 2008
She was suffering from the stress of losing a job and was using painkillers for a back problem, neighbors and friends told reporters. Authorities are investigating the Nov. 9 death of Belle Glade's Pioneer Park Elementary Principal Peggy Back-Nelson, 47, who was found lying on the floor in her home. (The Palm Beach Post)
The longest night Dec 26, 2008
Johnson spent the time couch ridden, drugged by painkillers. When the swelling subsided, surgeons drilled out the center of his leg bones and connected them with titanium rods. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Business Highlights Dec 26, 2008
(AP) King Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Friday it will be allowed to buy Alpharma Inc. provided it sells some assets related to Alpharma's painkiller Kadian. King said the Federal Trade Commission has ended a required waiting period for King's buyout of Alpharma, and is provisionally accepting a consent order for public comment. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
King must sell Kadian assets to buy Alpharma Dec 26, 2008
- King Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Friday it will be allowed to buy Alpharma Inc. provided it sells some assets related to Alpharma's painkiller Kadian ... King is developing its own extended-release painkiller, called Remoxy, with Pain Therapeutics Inc. Remoxy is a form of oxycodone, an opioid marketed as OxyContin, that is designed to be abuse-resistant ... King gets about half its revenue from sales of painkillers, but its muscle relaxant Skelaxin will face generic competition in 2012, and... (Anchorage Daily News)
Avoid painkiller-overuse rut with migraines Dec 26, 2008
Overusing painkillers can spin migraine patients into a rut, spurring more headaches that in turn require more pain medication. A very unlucky fraction even get what's called chronic migraine, where they're in pain more days than not, and new research suggests certain prescription painkillers, including narcotics, increase that risk ... And depending on acute painkillers more than a few days a week can signal overuse. (Montana Standard, MT)
A prescription for problems Dec 26, 2008
Acetaminophen is found in many OTC pain relievers, but it's also an ingredient in prescription drugs such as the painkiller Darvocet, which increases the risk of overdose, explained Alan Vogenberg, a retired Langhorne pharmacist and consultant. Even some brand name drugs, such as Benadryl, which is found in allergy medications, are also used in some sleeping pills. (MSNBC)
Why Analgesic Drugs May Be Less Potent In Females Than In Males Dec 26, 2008
25, 2003) A gene associated with red hair and fair skin may also be responsible for how females respond to painkillers, according to a study conducted by lead researcher Jeffrey Mogil, a McGill University. (Apr. (Science Daily)
King must sell Kadian assets to buy Alpharma Dec 26, 2008
King Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Friday it will be allowed to buy Alpharma Inc. provided it sells some assets related to Alpharma's painkiller Kadian ... King is developing its own extended-release painkiller, called Remoxy, with Pain Therapeutics Inc. Remoxy is a form of oxycodone, an opioid marketed as OxyContin, that is designed to be abuse-resistant ... King gets about half its revenue from sales of painkillers, but its muscle relaxant Skelaxin will face generic competition in 2012, and... (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
U.S. teen marijuana use decline faltering: survey Dec 26, 2008
The survey showed a persistent worrisome rate of abuse of prescription medications, including the powerful painkillers Vicodin and Oxycontin, with little change in the past six years. The findings were based on responses from 46,348 students from 386 U.S. schools. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Pushing more doctors to ditch the prescription pad Dec 26, 2008
A bigger barrier: Narcotic painkillers and other controlled substances that account for 20 percent of all prescriptions are banned from electronic prescribing. The Drug Enforcement Administration is working on rules to allow that switch. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
More doctors pushed to ditch the prescription pad Dec 26, 2008
A bigger barrier: Narcotic painkillers and other controlled substances that account for 20 percent of all prescriptions are banned from electronic prescribing. The Drug Enforcement Administration is working on rules to allow that switch. (North County Times)
Protections could reduce rental hassles Dec 25, 2008
"He ate me out of house and home and stole my painkillers.". While police reports determined there was no evidence of physical abuse or criminal activity, experts in landlord-tenant law said such disputes aren't uncommon, and there are ways to protect yourself no matter which side you are on. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
What Is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Disorder? Dec 25, 2008
In 2005, when he was tried and cleared in California of child molestation charges, he became on morphine and the painkiller Demerol, according to his attorneys. The star's older brother that the singer is not doing well, but on Monday a Jackson rep the alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency reports as "total fabrication.". (Scientific American)
Suspect in Texas roadway killings dies Dec 25, 2008
Texas and Utah authorities said earlier Wednesday that Smith had an addiction to painkillers and a warrant had been issued for his arrest in connection with a recent robbery. Dallas police said Tuesday they think Smith was responsible for at least one death that resulted from the shootings. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Wii gamers warned: you may end up in hospital Dec 25, 2008
Doctors treat the condition with cortisone injections, icing, and anti-inflammatory painkillers. Stretching before playing games on the Wii may prevent injuries, doctors advise. (Ninemsn)
Ex-trooper in road shootings struggled with addiction, Utah ... Dec 25, 2008
Brian Smith was a well-liked and hard-working Utah state trooper with a bright future when an on-duty accident left him with an addiction to painkillers, authorities say. Also Online. (Dallas Morning News)
Ethical debate Dec 23, 2008
Scientist: stem cells could end animal testing - CNN.com. Scientist: stem cells could end animal testing. (CNN -- International)
Too many pain pills can make migraines worse Dec 23, 2008
Overusing painkillers can spin migraine patients into a rut, spurring more headaches that in turn require more pain medication. A very unlucky fraction even get what's called chronic migraine, where they're in pain more days than not, and new research suggests certain prescription painkillers, including narcotics, increase that risk ... And depending on acute painkillers more than a few days a week can signal overuse. (MSNBC -- Health)
Stojakovic's injury not of grave concern Dec 23, 2008
"It's just going to take a few extra days to be precautionary, so I won't have any major setbacks. "I have been taking painkillers, but they were just masking the real situation. Hopefully, I can be pain-free with exercising and everything I do. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Additional charges filed in horse abuse case Dec 23, 2008
After it was given painkillers, food and water, the horse was led out to the trailhead the next day, the affidavit says. A Ravalli County sheriff s deputy contacted the Heydons at their camp at the storage units just north of the Super One Store near the Stevensville Wye. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
State argues for its right to use Limbaugh records Dec 23, 2008
Limbaugh publicly admitted an addiction to prescription painkillers and sought treatment in October, after his former maid told prosecutors and a tabloid newspaper she provided the Palm Beach resident with thousands of illegal pills. Investigators seized his doctors' records after pharmacy records revealed Limbaugh had received more than 2,000 pills in a five-month period. (Yahoo News -- Rush Limbaugh)
King Pharma to acquire Alpharma for about $1.6 billion Dec 23, 2008
It also gives King Alpharma's experimental pain drug Embeda, which, together with its own experimental pain drug Remoxy, could boost its competitiveness in the race to discover painkillers that cannot be abused. "We believe this deal is a no-brainer for King, as it not only provides increased revenue diversification with the animal health cash-cow, but more importantly positions King to be the leading company in the promising abuse-deterrent opioid market," said Corey Davis, an analyst at... (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
U.S. teen marijuana use decline faltering: survey Dec 23, 2008
The survey showed a persistent worrisome rate of abuse of prescription medications, including the powerful painkillers Vicodin and Oxycontin, with little change in the past six years. The findings were based on responses from 46,348 students from 386 U.S. schools. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
King Pharma's $1.6B offer wins over Alpharma Dec 23, 2008
Alpharma gets most of its revenue from animal health products, though the bulk of its pharmaceutical sales come from the morphine painkiller Kadian. It also launched the Flector Patch, a pain treatment, in January. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
FBI to Review Whether Roger Clemens Lied to Congress Dec 23, 2008
Clemens, 45, testified that McNamee only injected him with vitamin B-12 and the painkiller Lidocaine, and that the trainer was trying to ``save his own skin by making up lies. Clemens told Congress that Pettitte, a longtime friend and training partner and his former teammate with the New York Yankees and Houston Astros, ``misremembers'' a conversation they had about HGH.. (Yahoo News -- Drugs in Sports)
Smith a starter for buoyant Proteas Dec 23, 2008
South Africas players had the day off on Tuesday, but Smith used the break to have his troublesome right elbow assessed and another painkiller administered. Arthur said the opener would have to undergo more painkilling shots between now and the end of the series, but admitted they were only a short-term fix. (The West Australian)
New Year's hangover? Take two eels Dec 23, 2008
The drugs comprised tolfenamic acid, a painkiller; a beta-blocking drug called propranolol and tropisetron, used for nausea and vertigo. The dietary supplements were derived from dried yeast; from a flower called borage (Borago officinalis); the globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus); and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Scientist: stem cells could end animal testing Dec 23, 2008
" Drug development is an incredibly expensive and protracted process. Typically, it costs around $1 billion to bring a new drug to market and the whole process usually takes about ten years. Vital Signs Each month CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings viewers health stories from around the world. Before new drugs can go forward for clinical trials, it's necessary for the chemical compounds which make up a drug to undergo thousands of tests for toxicity before beginning trials on animals -- initially on... (CNN)
Time-wasters use up ambulance resources meant for seriously ill Dec 23, 2008
But when we talk to the patient we discover that they have had it for six months and they have decided at 3am to call an ambulance because they want stronger painkillers. If they have a medical condition and insist on going to hospital, we have to take them. (WalesOnline)
St. Charles makes 31 holiday drug busts Dec 23, 2008
Champagne said most of the arrests centered around distribution of common street drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin, but he said there is an increasing amount of theft and distribution of prescription painkillers, which can also be highly addictive. Champagne said there have also been numerous suspicious reports of prescription drug theft from residents with lengthy arrest records. (L Observateur, LA)
Premature babies have altered sensory responses in later life Dec 23, 2008
"The pain mechanisms in our bodies are plastic that is, injury and nerve activity can alter them, but this is particularly true in early life when the nervous system is still developing. Our research aims to understand how responses to injury change, and how best to treat pain, at different stages of development. We are currently testing different types and doses of analgesics to prevent the long-term changes we have discovered, and this will help doctors to choose the most effective... (EurekAlert!)
* [HEALTH] The search for the cure Dec 22, 2008
The drugs comprised tolfenamic acid, a painkiller; a beta-blocking drug called propranolol and tropisetron, used for nausea and vertigo. The dietary supplements were derived from dried yeast; from a flower called borage (Borago officinalis); the globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus); and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
• Idaho doctors seek treatment for own ailments Dec 22, 2008
Hydrocodone, a narcotic painkiller that goes by brand names including Lortab and Vicodin, is a distant second, with 10 doctors entering treatment because of it. The group didn't give statistics for nurses who may struggle with drugs or other problems. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Some Hawaii islands short on physicians Dec 22, 2008
Kim, 69, began experiencing pain Nov. 26 but waited until after Thanksgiving to seek treatment at Hilo Medical Center, where he was given painkillers and underwent an MRI scan. The county's lone neurologist was off island at the time, and Kim couldn't get a neurology appointment until Dec. 23 in Honolulu. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Women Whine More Than Men When Sick Dec 22, 2008
This usually occurs when men desire more sympathy at in the name of illness and wish for their partners to chase them with tissues, painkillers and hot water bottles. But lately the poll conducted proved that women accept exaggerating their illness condition for attention or a day off from work. (Oneindia)
Hangover Cures Dec 22, 2008
" But whatever the language and wherever it takes place, a hangover is the same: headache, nausea, shaking, blurred vision, biliousness, dry mouth... the list of evils is long. Just as lengthy is the roster of remedies for alcohol abuse that have been touted over the centuries. In Roman times, Pliny the Elder swore by raw owls' eggs. In Elizabethan England, a pair of eels suffocated in wine was touted as the trick. Green frogs were an acceptable substitute for those who were out of eels. In the... (Channelnewsasia.com)
