News Tagged ‘heartburn

Participants needed for clinical trial on new GERD treatment

north alabamaResearchers from the North Alabama Research Center based in Athens, Ala., are looking for people to participate in clinical trials for a potential new medication to treat gastrointestinal disease, also known as GERD. Persons age 18 to 70 who are still suffering from symptoms of GERD despite treatment with prescription medications are welcome to participate in the clinical trial. Participants must live within 50 miles of the clinic. Those interested can sign up at the Clinical Connection Web site here.

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Chronic cough may be symptom of GERD

coughing1 150x150 Chronic cough may be symptom of GERDSufferers of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, often experience symptoms such as heartburn and a sour taste in the mouth. But nearly half of all people with GERD have no symptoms except a chronic cough.

Most people dismiss the idea that they even have the acid reflux condition because they have none of the classic symptoms, but many sufferers of chronic cough may find relief when treating themselves for GERD.

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Why did FDA take so long to place black box warning on Reglan?

black box warning Why did FDA take so long to place black box warning on Reglan?In the February 1996 issue of the drug newsletter Worst Pills, Best Pills News, a story was published by the Health Research Group of Public Citizen warning that a drug commonly prescribed for heartburn and slow emptying of the stomach contents, a condition known as gastroparesis, could cause a serious movement disorder known as Tardive Dyskinesia. The condition could cause permanent disability in users, according to the report.

However, it took more than a decade for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to place a on the medication, Reglan. A is the strongest warning issued by the FDA and is placed on drugs that have potentially harmful or deadly side effects. Meanwhile, the drug was dispensed 6.5 million times in 2008 to an estimated 2 million Americans.

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Alzheimer’s drug may treat Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer

stomach esophagus 150x150 Alzheimers drug may treat Barretts esophagus, esophageal cancerA team of researchers renowned for their work in colon cancer believe they may have found a better treatment for Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer based on findings from their colon cancer research, according to Science Daily.

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Long term use of heartburn drugs can be dangerous

heartburn 150x150 Long term use of heartburn drugs can be dangerousMillions of people turn to medication to treat the annoying and painful symptoms of heartburn. But doctors say that people who use medications to treat their symptoms should use them with caution and limit use if at all possible.

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New heartburn medication meets expectations in drug trial

Addex Logo V21 New heartburn medication meets expectations in drug trialSwiss biotech group Addex Pharmaceuticals announced that its lead drug candidate met expectations in a mid-stage clinical trial in heartburn, setting the company up for a lucrative partnership with a bigger drug maker that would provide much-needed funds for the startup company.

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New study may lead to different treatments for GERD

gerd stomach 2Findings from a new study on the causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may lead to new way of treating the condition. According to a team of researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, GERD, which causes painful chest pain and heartburn, may be caused by immune system cells causing inflammation. The study showed that gastroesophageal reflux in rats causes tissue in the esophagus to release immune chemicals called cytokines. Those cytokines attract inflammatory cells that cause the uncomfortable symptoms associated with heartburn and GERD.

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Non-surgical procedure offers hope to patients with GERD

surgical specialistsPatients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often have to give up their favorite foods because of bothersome symptoms, which can include chronic heartburn, acid reflux, difficulty swallowing and constant belching. Medications can help but they sometimes come with irritating side effects. But a new procedure is offering hope for patients who suffer from GERD.

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Woman suffers from movement disorder after getting flu shot

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that can be disabling. Those who suffer from the condition experience muscle contractions that cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The causes are not completely known or understood, but it is believed to be either inherited or caused by factors such as birth-related or physical trauma, infection, poisoning (such as lead poisoning), or reaction to drugs (such as Reglan, also known as metoclopramide, a common medication to treat heartburn, GERD and gastroparesis). For one athletic young woman, the cause was likely due to a seasonal flu shot.

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Women suffering from movement disorder sues Reglan maker Wyeth

judge gavelElizabeth Conte was prescribed Reglan, a brand-name of metoclopramide used to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as heartburn, GERD and gastroparesis. For four years she took the medication, unaware that she was slowly developing a debilitating and incurable movement disorder known as Tardive Dyskinesia. What she soon found out is that her involuntary head jerks and facial twitches were caused by long-term use of .

More and more cases of consumers taking and subsequently developing were reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and by early 2009, the agency had ordered a be placed on the medication. New warnings and precautions were written into the drug’s packaging that included an up to 20 percent risk of patients developing during long-term use of the medication.

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