News for May, 2010

Less common symptoms of GERD can make diagnosis difficult

, or GERD, affects as many as 40 percent of the population. The nagging symptoms of frequent heartburn, upset stomach and an acid taste in the back of the throat can help identify the condition. But some less common symptoms can make the diagnosis more difficult to pinpoint.

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Supreme Court considers whether generic Reglan makers can be sued

The U.S. Supreme Court this week asked the Obama administration to comment on whether it believes generic drug companies can be sued over allegations that they inadequately labeled their products. The question arose after an appeals court reinstated a by a woman who claimed she developed a severe neurological movement disorder after taking generic versions of the heartburn drug Reglan (metoclopramide). The had been previously dismissed by a trial judge.

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More children taking prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions

American children are taking more medications than ever before to treat chronic conditions, according to the 2010 Medco Drug Trend Report, raising the question, “How safe are these drugs for children?”

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Generic Reglan makers released from Tardive Dyskinesia lawsuit

Wyeth, Inc. and Schwarz Pharma Inc. have been dismissed from a filed in involving the drug company’s Reglan (metoclopramide), a medicine used to treat gastrointestinal conditions. The alleged that the drug caused the plaintiff to develop a severe movement disorder known as Tardive Dyskinesia. However, the case will proceed against Activis-Elizabeth, L.L.C., makers of a generic version of metoclopramide that the plaintiff was taking.

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Quality improvements reduce drug usage among neonatal community

A new study has found that quality improvement intervention initiatives such as ongoing education and automated feedback reports of medication usage among low birth weight babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) can significantly reduce use of medications, some of which carry serious adverse effects.

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Aspirin plus Reglan shows promise as migraine treatment

A combination of aspirin and the anti-nausea medication metoclopramide, marketed as Reglan, may help patients with migraines find relief from headaches and within two hours, according to data from 13 clinical trials in which patients published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

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