Health News Tidbits –
December 2004
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Drugs/Meds
Dietary Supplements
Food/Diet
Health Conditions
Therapies
Lifestyle
Public Health
Drugs/Meds -
FDA Whistleblower Drops Bombshell -
Federal drug regulators are "virtually incapable of protecting America" from unsafe drugs, FDA drug reviewer Dr. David
Graham told the Senate Finance Committee. According to Graham, "we are faced with what may be the single greatest drug safety catastrophe in the
history of this country." Graham claims that those who suffered heart attacks or stroke as result of taking Vioxx numbered 88,000 to 139,000 (FDA
said 28,000). As many as forty percent of those died as a result. Dr. Graham also named five drugs now on the market whose safety needs "to be
seriously looked at." Those drugs are anti-cholesterol drug Crestor, the pain pill Bextra, the obesity pill Meridia, the asthma drug Serevent,
and the acne drug Accutane. Dr. Graham has put in more than 20 years of service at the Food and Drug Administration. New York
Times 11/19/2004
FDA Tried to Block Vioxx Article -
Just days before The Lancet Medical Journal was to publish a Food and Drug Administration-sponsored study that raised
concerns about the safety of the arthritis drug Vioxx, an FDA official called the editor to raise questions about the finding's scientific integrity,
USA Today reports. The article was to post the day before whistleblower Dr. David Graham's appearance before the Senate Finance Committee to testify
about the FDA's mishandling of Vioxx. FDA Acting Commissioner Lester Crawford blocked the release because the article was "not exactly a
scientific imperative." USA Today 11/29/2004
Merck Tried to Bury Vioxx Concerns for Years -
Internal documents and emails from Merck & Co. show the company fought for years to keep safety concerns from undermining
Vioxx's commercial prospects. It was reported that as far back as March 9, 2000 Merck recognized that Vioxx was linked to increased heart risk. Wall
Street Journal 11/01/2004
FDA Says Thousands Killed From Vioxx -
Merck's Vioxx painkiller may have contributed to 27,785 heart attacks and deaths from 1999-2003, according to a memo from the Food and Drug
Administration. The memo was dated September 30, 2004, the same day that Merck announced it was pulling Vioxx off the market, but was not released
until November 3rd. fda.gov
Vioxx Should Have Been Pulled in 2000 -
According to Swiss researchers, there was substantial evidence of the dangerous side effects of the drug by the end of 2000, but the data was not
analyzed properly by Vioxx maker Merck & Co. The Lancet, 11/9/2004
Vioxx Maker Ignored Pleas for Internal Study -
Over the course of Vioxx's six year life, there were many warning signs that it had devastating side effects. In every case, Merck ignored or
discounted the warnings presented to them. The FDA sent warning letters, myriad researchers presented studies showing the increased risk of severe
chest pain and heart attack risk. Merck's own Chief Science Technologist urged the powers that be to conduct their own internal study because of the
mounting evidence of danger. In every case, Merck executives rebuked them. No internal study was ever performed. Of course, Merck now states,
"they acted responsibly, voluntarily withdrawing Vioxx as soon as it had clear evidence the drug was harmful." New
York Times, 11/15/2004
COX-2 Inhibitors May Hinder Recovery From Heart Attacks -
Canadian researchers claim that COX-2 Inhibitors, which include Celebrex, Bextra, and the recently pulled Vioxx, may not allow heart attack
patients to recover fully. The researchers have discovered a basic cellular process the body uses to balance pH in cells, critical to recovery
following a heart attack, is compromised by certain COX-2 Inhibitors.
Molecular Membrane Biology, 11/23/2004
Antidepressants Tied to Abnormal Bleeding -
Dutch researchers discovered a relatively higher risk of abnormal bleeding in new users of antidepressants. In 64,700 individuals who had gotten a
first prescription from 1992-2000 found that 196 were admitted to the hospital with a primary diagnosis of bleeding in the uterus, upper
gastrointestinal tract, brain, or other sites.
Arch Int Med, 11/22/2004
FDA Revises Accutane Risk Assessment -
The Food and Drug Administration will require all prescribers, pharmacies, and patients to register with them as well as require mandatory linkage
of negative pregnancy testing to prescription dispensing for female patients of childbearing potential by July, 2005. The Agency is responding to
increased pressure of Joint Advisory Committees to be more vigilant in monitoring Accutane, the acne medication that has been linked to birth defects.
fda.gov 11/24/04
Cholesterol Drugs May Not Reduce Risk of Dementia -
Counter to earlier reports that cholesterol-lowering medication may reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, new study findings suggest
they do not reduce the risks. The authors of the study believe the discrepancy may have to do with how the data were analyzed. Neurology
11/9/2004
DHA Essential During Pregnancy -
During pregnancy, there is a high demand for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is needed for formation of the fetal brain. Women who do not
consume marine foods must synthesize DHA from fatty acid precursors in vegetable foods (such as flax). While many humans have difficulty converting
vegetable foods to DHA because of genetic predisposition, women have an easier time of it because they have more estrogen in their bodies. Researchers
claim that estrogens causes higher DHA concentrations in women than men.
Am J Clin Nutr, Vol. 80, No. 5, 1167-1174
Fish Oil Helps Crohn's Symptoms -
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) reduces disease activity in patients with CD with raised laboratory markers of inflammation (CRP and ESR, in particular). The
subjects of the randomized placebo-controlled trial received 2.7 grams of EPA/DHA fish oil with vitamins A, C, E, and selenium or placebo. The results
showed marked improvement in laboratory markers and inflammatory-related symptoms of the fish oil subjects as opposed to no change in the placebo
group. Am J Clin Nutr, Vol. 80, No. 5, 1137-1144
Vitamin E May Help Some Diabetics -
According to Israeli researchers, 40% of diabetic patients can reduce their risk of heart attacks and of dying from heart disease by taking 400IU
of vitamin E daily. The belief that diabetics with a particular form of a blood protein called haptoglobin (40% have 2-2 as opposed to 1-1 or 2-1
forms) had as much as a 500% increased risk of developing heart disease. In 2,000 2-2 haptoglobin subjects, those taking 400IU of vitamin E daily
reduced their risk of heart attack by 43%, and their risk of dying of heart disease by 55% as opposed to those taking the placebo. Diabetes Care, November 2004
Effect of DHEA in Metabolic Syndrome -
Based on a three year randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 56 elderly persons were randomly assigned 50mg of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) or
matching placebo for six months. Those treated with DHEA induced significant decreases in visceral fat in the abdominal area and subcutanoeus fat, as
well as a significant decrease in insulin levels as opposed to the placebo. Researchers conclude DHEA replacement could play a role in prevention and
treatment of the metabolic syndrome associated with abdominal obesity. JAMA, Vol. 292, No. 18, 11/10/ 2004
Carb Intake, Not Saturated Fat, Increases Heart Disease Risk in Women -
Based upon a study done on postmenopausal women with low to normal dietary fat intake, a greater saturated fat intake is associated with less
progression of coronary atherosclerosis, whereas carbohydrate intake is associated with a greater progression.
Am J Clin Nutr, Vol. 80, No. 5, 1175-1184
Chocolate Ingredient May Help Persistent Cough -
Theobromine, a derivative found in cocoa, is nearly a third more effective in stopping persistent cough when compared with codeine, currently the best
cough medicine. While the study only had ten volunteers and more research is needed, the findings are exciting for the mere fact that there were no
side effects discovered. When patients take codeine, people using heavy machinery or who are driving are advised not take codeine.
FASEB Journal 11/22/04
Poor Diet Linked to Kids' Bad Behavior -
University of Southern California researchers found that in development of 1,000 children over 14 years on the island of Mauritius, a lack of iron,
zinc, B-vitamins, and protein in the first three years caused bad behavior later on. They concluded that poor nutrition leads to low IQ, which leads
to bad behavior. At eight years old, children fed poorly were more likely to be irritable and pick fights than those fed healthy. Aged 11, they
swore, cheated and got into fights, and at age 17, they stole, bullied others, and took drugs. Am J Psy,
11/22/2004
Quercetin in Apple May Fight Alzheimer's -
Rat brain cells exposed to the antioxidant quercetin, found predominately in the skin of apples and other fruits and vegetables, resisted cell
damage much better than those not treated according to a Cornell University research team. Specifically, the cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide
to mimic the type of oxidative cell damage that is believed to occur with Alzheimer's disease. The quercetin soaked cells resisted damage even better
than those soaked with vitamin C.
J Agri &Food Chem, 12/1/2004
FDA Says Olive Oil May Boost Heart Health -
The Food and Drug Administration will allow claims on food labels that monounsaturated fat in olive oil may reduce the chances of suffering
coronary heart disease. fda.gov 11/1/2004
Good Fats Decrease Heart Disease Risk Factors -
Participants of a six week study with consuming a normal diet in addition to walnuts, walnut oil, and a teaspoon of flaxseed oil showed lower
total cholesterol by 11%, LDL cholesterol by 11-12%, triglycerides by 18%, and dramatic reduction in CRP (C-Reactive Protein).
J Nutr 11/2004
Microwaved Veggies Lose Nutrients -
According to Portuguese researchers, broccoli zapped in the microwave with a little water lost up to 97% of some of the antioxidant chemicals it
contains. By comparison, steamed broccoli lost between 11% or fewer of its antioxidants. J Sci Food & Agr 11/2004
Battling Kid's Allergies -
Researchers believe improved hygiene, antibiotics and immunizations may contribute to the fact that allergies are the fastest growing chronic disease
in childhood, says pediatrician Marianne Neifert in the November Baby Talk. Food Allergy
& Anaphylaxis Network, November 2004
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Confusing Diagnosis -
According to Allen Douma, MD, there is no specific diagnosis for IBS. If abdominal cramping and changes in bowel movement activity suggest IBS to
a clinician, the next step is to rule out or exclude other disorders with similar symptoms, the two most common being celiac disease and lactose
intolerance. Both are best diagnosed by using a food dairy and eliminating gluten and lactose for several weeks. Other cause are found in only one percent or people with classic IBS
symptoms.
Chicago Tribune
11/13/2004
Breastfeeding May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis -
According to the Harvard School of Medicine, of 11,674 women participating in the 120,000 women Nurse's health Study, those who breast-fed for
more than 24 months reduced the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by 50 percent compared to women who elected not to nurse their children. Arthritis & Rheumatism 11/2004
Acupuncture Helps Treat Knee Pain -
According to Spanish researchers, acupuncture, used as a complementary therapy to drugs, is a more effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis
than medication alone. Those who received acupuncture and medication had a greater reduction of pain and stiffness an improved functioning and quality
of life compared to the patients who received dummy acupuncture and medication. BMJ, 11/19/2004
Acupuncture Instead of Botox? -
Suburban New York women are leading a groundswell of support for acupuncture instead of cosmetic surgery or Botox to rid their face of wrinkles. A
treatment is supposed to last six months as opposed to Botox which lasts three months. Acupuncture is less expensive than Botox or surgery as well. Reuters, 11/4/2004
Stress Linked to More Eating and Smoking -
According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, customer satisfaction for individual companies like candy makers Hershey and Mars and the
tobacco industry are up. These rising numbers in the past have indicated in the past that Americans turn to comfort food and tobacco to help them deal
with times of major stress. University of Michigan 11/17/2004
Stress & Lack of Progesterone Linked to Miscarriages -
According to the University of Berlin, giving at-risk women extra doses of the hormone progesterone could protect pregnancies. The Miscarriage
Association called the findings "interesting and possibly very important." Of 864 women monitored, 55 of those who miscarried were more
likely to have reported stress than women whose pregnancies continued. Researchers found stress hormones such as cortisol are raised in the
bloodstream, suppressing the production of progesterone - a hormone crucial to the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. Falling levels of progesterone
could lead the immune system to reject the fetus, while in healthy levels, the fetus is tolerated. New Scientist 11/11/2004
Most Can Skip the Flu Shot -
According to public health officials, most of us getting a flu shot is not a life-or-death matter. The flu vaccine will not necessarily prevent
you from experiencing the flu symptoms. In most years, its effectiveness can range from 52 to 90 percent. Although, 2003 was a disaster, with CDC
officials declaring the flu vaccine was "virtually useless." According to gerontology researcher Catharine Kopac of Georgetown University,
"Right now the entire country runs on fear and we don't need to live like that. We somehow think that we should be disease-free all the time. If
you're leading a healthy life and you get sick with the flu, you're probably going to get through it." ABCNews.com 11/15/2004
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