The corticosteroid dexamethasone doesn’t alleviate sore throat symptoms in patients in a 24-hour time period. Of 565 randomized participants, 288 received dexamethasone and 277 received a placebo. Researchers found that those who received dexamethasone did not experience relief within 24 hours. Although more patients taking the steroid reported feeling relief after 48 hours, there is now uncertainty about whether steroids should serve as a key remedy for a sore throat. Posted April 18, 2017. Via JAMA.
The FDA declined to approve baricitinib, a once-daily oral medication for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The agency said that additional clinical data is needed to determine the most appropriate doses and allay safety concerns. The drug was approved in the European Union in February. It is also under investigation for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, lupus and psoriatic arthritis. Posted April 14, 2017. Via PR Newswire.
The FDA is alerting consumers to a nationwide recall of all Hyland’s Baby Teething Tablets and Hyland’s Baby Nighttime Teething Tablets. The agency confirmed that homeopathic teething tablets containing belladonna pose a hazard to infants and children. The FDA urges consumers to stop using these products and dispose of them immediately. Consumers should seek medical care immediately if their child experiences seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating or agitation after using homeopathic teething products. Posted April 13, 2017. Via FDA.
