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Generic Version of Transplant Drug Found to Perform as well as Brand

2024-03-28T21:04:55-04:00March 17th, 2016|Categories: eNews, Kidney Transplant, Medication|

A recent study conducted by the University of Cincinnati found that patient outcomes were almost identical for generic and brand-name versions of tacrolimus, a drug used post-transplant to reduce the risk of organ rejection. With more affordable generics now on the market, the study took a closer look at the outcomes of what have often been referred to as narrow therapeutic index medications. The study’s lead investigator Rita Alloway, PharmD (a research professor of medicine and director of transplant clinical research at University of Cincinnati’s Department of Internal Medicine) presented the study findings at the 2015 American Transplant Congress. The Food [...]

Basics of Chronic Kidney Disease

2024-03-28T21:05:11-04:00March 8th, 2016|Categories: Fact Sheet, Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Medication, Peritoneal Dialysis, Symptoms, The Kidney Citizen, What Causes Kidney Disease|

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also called chronic kidney failure, describes the gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then removed from your body in your urine. When CKD reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and waste products can build up in your body and cause you harm. In the early stages of CKD, you may have few signs or symptoms, and may only be diagnosed with a blood and/or urine test. In fact, you may not feel sick from CKD up until most of your kidney function [...]

Drug Candidate Offers Treatment for Chronic Itch Condition Without Side Effects

2024-03-28T21:06:02-04:00October 29th, 2015|Categories: eNews, Medication, News & Events, Treatment|Tags: |

“Chronic irritable itch” is defined as a constant itchy sensation that’s difficult to treat, and is a common medical condition among dialysis patients. A study from the Florida campus of the Scripps Research Institute focused on a medication that could treat the condition without the adverse side effects normally associated with medicating the condition. Researchers tested the compound, a combination of opioids and other chemicals, on mouse models to determine effectiveness. The drug compounds target receptors in the central nervous system that moderate pain perception and stress responses. It was found that the combination was successful in stopping the itch [...]

Drug Trial Focuses on Potential Hepatitis C Cure for ESRD Patients

2024-03-28T21:06:05-04:00October 29th, 2015|Categories: eNews, Medication, News & Events, Treatment|Tags: |

Nearly 8 percent of ESRD patients have Hepatitis C. Medications like Sovaldi have offered a chance to cure Hepatitis C, but are unavailable to ESRD patients due to chemical contents. However, a recent new drug combination has shown potential in curing the Hepatitis C virus in ESRD patients. The drug combination, developed by Merck, was the focus of a recent study involving 224 ESRD patients. The participants were divided into two groups; 116 took a single pill with the two drugs for 12 weeks, while the rest received the placebo. Results showed that 99 percent of the group who took the real [...]

Report Links Hypertension Medication to Increased Likelihood of Fall Injuries

2024-03-28T21:06:09-04:00August 26th, 2015|Categories: eNews, Medication, What Causes Kidney Disease|Tags: |

A recent study finds that elderly patients can have an increased risk of falling after starting a blood pressure medication. Researchers at the University Medical Center in New York studied 90,000 Medicaid patients who experienced fall injuries. Data indicated that patients who began taking hypertension medication had a 36 percent increase in the likelihood of falling within two weeks. Those who were already on blood pressure drugs had a 16 percent chance of falling after starting a new class of medication. The report mirrors another study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, although data in Hypertension contradicts the findings. [...]

FDA Increases Focus on Warning Labels for Everyday Painkillers

2024-03-28T21:06:11-04:00August 26th, 2015|Categories: eNews, Medication, News & Events, Treatment|Tags: |

The Food and Drug Administration is stepping up to improve the warning labels on non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS.  Studies find that using these medications are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The move comes 10 years after warnings were added to prescription pain relievers, but researchers have found that over-the-counter medication also contains risks. Health officials caution patients not to take more than one drug containing NSAIDs at a time and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Patients should contact their physician with any questions about NSAIDs. [...]

Facts About the Flu

2024-03-28T21:06:54-04:00January 4th, 2013|Categories: eNews, Medication|

Flu Facts Flu season usually runs from November through April.  The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and even lead to death. Each year, in the U.S. about 36,000 people die from flu-related illness and there are more than 200,000 people hospitalized. Over 90% of deaths and about 60% of hospitalizations occur in people older than 65. Who is at risk? In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, such as [...]

Questions Patients Should Ask Their Healthcare Providers

2024-03-28T21:07:11-04:00December 17th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Medication|

It is critical to be an active and engaged participant in your own care. Reading this article will help you make sure you are getting the care you need. Any time new medicines or tests are ordered for you, it is important to ask questions. It can be intimidating to ask doctors or nurses these questions, but you are not able to make informed decisions without all of the facts. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ), part of the part of the Department of Health and Human Services, was created to help with this process. The AHRQ has developed [...]

The Medicare “Donut Hole”

2024-03-28T21:07:13-04:00December 17th, 2012|Categories: Costs for Treatment, eNews, Medication|Tags: |

The Coverage Gap The way Medicare Part D was designed there was a planned coverage gap, which has become known as "the donut hole". This gap has caused a great deal of confusion and higher than expected out of pocket costs for medications. When do you reach the gap? The gap begins when a person reaches a predetermined amount during the year based on average retail cost of drugs. In 2011, that amount is set at $2840. Since Medicare drug plans negotiate for a lower price the average retail cost is not what you actually paid out of pocket. Every drug [...]

Medicare and the Part D Donut Hole

2024-03-28T21:07:14-04:00December 17th, 2012|Categories: Costs for Treatment, eNews, Medication|Tags: |

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? This saying, made famous by Benjamin Franklin, is as true today as it was in the 1700's. Preventative care and early treatment can impact the outcome of most diseases. Mammograms and prostate screening are effective tools against cancer Sunscreens and limiting outdoor exposure to direct sunlight are effective methods to lower the risk for skin cancers The proper use of medication can also prevent conditions from forming or stop existing conditions from worsening. A potential growing gap is forming between what the doctor orders and what the patient may or may [...]

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