Gene Behind Serious Statin Risk (8/20/2008):  Researchers found evidence as to which gene puts patients at a greater risk for myopathy when taking cholesterol-altering “statin” drugs, specifically simvastatin.  People who have this gene and are taking a statin drug are at an increased risk of experiencing myopathy and possibly muscle breakdown.  The researchers suggest that patients might benefit from the genetic testing before starting on a high-dose statin regimen.http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20080820/gene-behind-serious-statin-risk

 Inhalers Slow COPD Lung Function Loss (8/15/2008): A major study sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline recently showed that breathing therapy inhalers may slow the loss of lung function in COPD patients.  Up until the study, the only way to slow the loss of lung function in patients with COPD was to quit smoking.  The discovery of this may eventually change COPD treatment guidelines.  http://www.webmd.com/news/20080815/inhalers-slow-copd-lung-function-loss  

All Probiotics May Not Be Equally Effective in Children With Acute Diarrhea (8/18/2008):Although oral rehydration fluids are standard protocol for children with acute diarrhea, certain probiotics may be beneficial as adjunctive therapy as well.  According to a recently published clinical trial in BMJ that compared 5 different probiotics, some are more effective than others in treating children with acute diarrhea.  The results suggest that physicians should base treatment options upon effectiveness data.  http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/561478

 FDA Approves First Drug for Treatment of Chorea in Huntington’s Disease (8/15/2008):  The FDA has approved the drug Xenazine (tetrabenazine) used to treat chorea, involuntary movements exhibited by people with Huntington’s disease.  Xenazine is the first drug to be approved in the U.S. in managing any type of symptoms caused by Huntington’s disease.  Xenazine will not only help patients with Huntington’s disease improve their quality of life, but it will also serve as their hope in medical therapy. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01874.html

 Vitamin K Supplementation May Reduce Progression of Insulin Resistance in Older Men (8/15/2008):

FDA: Some cholesterol and heart drugs don’t mix (8/08/08): The FDA is urging doctors to use extra caution when prescribing patients Zocor (Simvastatin) who are also taking Amiodarone. There is an increased risk for muscle injury to these patients. The risk for patients is increased when prescribed Zocor over 20 milligrams a day. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/08/AR2008080802250.html

Soy protein doesn’t lower cholesterol (8/08/08):  New studies fail to support the previous claim that eating foods with 25 milligrams or more of soy protein can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol.  There are still other beneficial health effects of soy protein such as having high levels of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/08/AR2008080802039.html

Vitamin D levels may affect chronic pain in women (8/12/08):  A study in England, Scotland, and Wales has shown that women with Vitamin D levels between 75-99mmol/L have the lowest rate of chronic pain.  A Vitamin D level of <25 mmol/L was associated with the highest rate of chronic pain. http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100212991

 Lower Vitamin D, higher risk of death (8/12/08): A study at John Hopkins University showed that low levels of vitamin D may increase a person’s risk of premature death. In the study, patients with low Vitamin D levels, 17.8 ng/mL or lower, were 26% more likely to be dead at the end of the study than those with higher vitamin D levels. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-08-11-vitamin-D-death_N.htm

 Sun Pharma gets USFDA approval for generic Depakote Delayed Release Tablet (8/14/04):  The USFDA has granted final approval for Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for generic Depakote, divalproex sodium delayed release tablets. Divalproex sodium delayed release tablets are indicated for monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for complex partial seizures, simple and complex absence seizures, for the treatment of the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorders, and for prophylaxis of migraine headaches. http://www.pharmacyonesource.com/members/work/daily_news/article.asp?category_id=all&record_id=281224

Most Medicated States (07/23/08)Chances are if you live in the South you are popping more pills than the rest of America.  Data collected from retail pharmacies, third-party payers, and other data providers was used to rank West Virginia, Missouri, and Tennessee first, second, and third, respectively, in the top consumers of medications in the United States.  A variety of reasons to blame include obesity trends, race, and prescribing trends.http://www.forbes.com/health/2008/07/23/most-medicated-states-forbeslife-cx_avd_0723health.html

Drugs as good as stents for many heart patients (8/14/08):Rather than spending $40,000 on angioplasty, new drugs are being touted as possible short-term solutions for infrequent, non-severe chest pain suffers.  Pain relief from angina following an angioplasty begins to fade within 6 months and vanishes after 3 years according to one study. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-08-13-579130904_x.htm

MSG Use Linked To Obesity (08/14/08):MSG use as a flavor enhancer also seems to have an effect on weight.  A recent study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health has correlated higher consumption rates of MSG with obesity.  The study looked at villagers in North and South China and the amounts of MSG used to prepare meals and then at how it corresponded with the study groups’ weight. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118202.php

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