Linzess – Think IBS with Constipation

Linzess is felt to act as a guanylate cyclase-C agonist. An agonist increases the activity of a process, the opposite of an antagonist. Linzess seems to act locally on the surface of the inside of the intestinal lining cells and by activation of guanylate cyclase-C increases levels of intracellular cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) which results in increased levels of chloride and bicarbonate in the intestinal lumen and speeds up gastrointestinal transit.

via Does Linzess have a role in IBS with constipation?.

Mirapex (pramipexole) Possible Risk of Heart Failure

ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare profesionals about a possible increased risk of heart failure with Mirapex (pramipexole). Results of recent studies suggest a potential risk of heart failure that needs further review of available data. Because of the study limitations, FDA is not able to determine whether Mirapex increases the risk of heart failure. FDA is continuing to work with the manufacturer to clarify further the risk of heart failure with Mirapex and will update the public when more information is available.

via Safety Alerts for Human Medical Products > Mirapex (pramipexole): Drug Safety Communication – Ongoing Safety Review, Possible Risk of Heart Failure.

Reumofan Plus – Why You Should Not Buy Nor Use This Supplement

BACKGROUND: Reumofan Plus is marketed as a natural dietary supplement for pain relief. Reumofan Plus is labeled in Spanish and promoted for treating arthritis, muscle pain, osteoporosis, bone cancer, and other conditions. The product is manufactured in Mexico by Riger Naturals and sold in some retail outlets, at flea markets, and on various internet sites. FDA has worked closely with the Mexican government on this matter. The Mexican Ministry of Health has issued a health warning to the public and ordered Riger Naturals to recall the product.

Since June 1, 2012, when FDA first warned the public about the dangers of these supplements, the agency has received reports of fatalities, stroke, severe bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, dizziness, insomnia, high blood sugar levels and problems with liver and kidney functions,as well as corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome

via Safety Alerts for Human Medical Products > Reumofan Plus: Recall – Undeclared Drug Ingredient.

Ampyra (dalfampridine) – Seizure Risk for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

BACKGROUND: Ampyra was approved to improve walking in patients with MS. Seizures are a known side effect of Ampyra, and seizure risk increases with higher blood levels of the drug. Ampyra is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, and patients with kidney impairment may develop higher blood levels of the drug, thereby increasing their seizure risk.

via Safety Alerts for Human Medical Products > Ampyra dalfampridine: Drug Safety Communication – Seizure Risk for Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

ADHD Drugs Top Rx for Kids

Prescription drug use in the pediatric population fell from 2002 to 2010, but the use of birth control and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications rose, the FDA reported.

Outpatient contraceptive prescriptions jumped 93% from 2002 to 2010 among kids 17 and younger, Grace Chai, PharmD, of the agency’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research in Silver Spring, Md., and colleagues found.

ADHD drug scripts rose 46% over the same period in the national analysis of prescription databases reported in the July issue of Pediatrics.

via Medical News: FDA: ADHD Drugs Top Rx for Kids – in Pediatrics, General Pediatrics from MedPage Today.

Birth control and chronic sedation have replaced traditional parenting.