Researchers have found that a substance discovered in breast milk can kill cancer cells. Called HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumour cells), the substance is a combination of a protein and a fatty acid and was discovered by chance a few years ago when researchers were studying the antibacterial properties of breast milk. Previous laboratory experiments have shown that HAMLET kills 40 different types of cancer. But not until now has it been tested in humans. Recently, a soon-to-be published study in humans demonstrated that introduction of HAMLET into the bladders of patients with bladder cancer decreased the size of tumors, as well as delaying tumor development. Patients who were treated with the substance were found to excrete dead cancer cells in their urine after each treatment. This certainly raises the hope for another possible alternative to cancer therapy. Research is currently assessing the effects of HAMLET on skin and brain cancers.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Magnevist
Magnevist
Generic Name: gadopentetate dimeglumine (gad oh PEN te tate dye MEG loo meen)
Brand Names: Magnevist
What is Magnevist?
Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine) is a contrast agent that produces magnetic effects. Magnevist is used in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to allow blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues to be seen more clearly on the MRI.
Magnevist is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the heart, brain, blood vessels, and spinal tissues.
Magnevist may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Magnevist
Akten
Akten
Generic Name: lidocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel
Date of Approval: October 7, 2008
Company: Akorn, Inc.
Treatment for: Ocular Anesthesia
FDA Approves Akten
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Akten (lidocaine hydrochloride) Ophthalmic Gel 3.5%, a topical, ocular anesthetic formulation.
Akten is a novel, unit dose, preservative free lidocaine gel product, stored at room temperature and intended to be used in any ocular procedure that requires a topical anesthetic agent including cataract surgery, refractive surgery, Lasik surgery, and intravitreal injection.
Highlights of Akten Prescribing Information
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Pancreaze
Pancreaze
Generic Name: pancrelipase
Date of Approval: April 12, 2010
Company: Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Treatment for: Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction
FDA Approves Pancreaze
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Pancreaze Delayed Release Capsules, a pancreatic enzyme product (PEP).
Pancreatic enzyme products improve food digestion in patients whose bodies do not produce enough pancreatic enzymes. This includes people who have conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic tumors, or removal of all or a part of the pancreas.
Unapproved versions of pancreatic enzyme products have been available for many years. In October 2007, FDA established a date of April 28, 2010 for the makers of unapproved pancreatic enzyme products to stop manufacturing and distributing unapproved products.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Rotarix
Rotarix
Generic Name: rotavirus vaccine, live (oral) (ROE ta vye ris VAX een)
Brand Names: Rotarix, RotaTeq
What is Rotarix?
Rotarix (rotavirus oral vaccine) contains up to five strains of rotavirus. It is made from both human and animal sources.
Infection with rotavirus can affect the digestive system of babies and young children, causing severe stomach or intestinal illness.
Rotarix is used to help prevent this disease in children.
Rotarix works by exposing your child to a small dose of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Vioxx
Vioxx
Generic Name: rofecoxib (oral) (row feh COCK sib)
Brand Names: Vioxx
What is the most important information I should know about Vioxx?
Vioxx was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2004.
The manufacturer of Vioxx has announced a voluntary withdrawal of the drug from the U.S. and worldwide market. This withdrawal is due to safety concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients taking Vioxx.
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; nausea; blood in your vomit; bloody, black, or tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention; fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of your skin or eyes;"flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or bleeding. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Wilate
Wilate
Generic Name: von Willebrand Factor/Coagulation Factor VIII Complex (Human)
Date of Approval: December 4, 2009
Company: Octapharma USA
Treatment for: von Willebrand's Disease
FDA Approves Wilate
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Wilate for the treatment of spontaneous and trauma-induced bleeding episodes in patients with all types of von Willebrand disease (VWD).
Highlights of Prescribing Information
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Wilate safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for Wilate.
Wilate Indications and Usage
Wilate is a von Willebrand Factor/Coagulation Factor VIII Complex (Human) indicated for the treatment of spontaneous and trauma-induced bleeding episodes in patients with severe von Willebrand disease (VWD) as well as patients with mild or moderate VWD in whom the use of desmopressin is known or suspected to be ineffective or contraindicated.