Reuters: Health News

AstraZeneca drug tops Plavix in sickest patients

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:10:48 -0500

ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - Heart attack patients in need of emergency procedures were less likely to suffer further serious cardiovascular events, including deaths, when given AstraZeneca's experimental Brilinta blood clot preventer than those who received used Plavix, according to a study.

Flu infections starting to peak in some areas: WHO

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:22:24 -0500

GENEVA (Reuters) - Flu infections may be peaking in some parts of the northern hemisphere, but are still spreading fast in others, the World Health Organization said on Friday.

Food-borne ills can have lasting consequences: report

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:09:49 -0500

CHICAGO (Reuters) - More than just a bad bout of stomach flu, some food-borne illnesses can cause long-term consequences, especially for young people, a report released on Thursday has found.

FDA killing buzz on alcohol energy drinks

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:12:13 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. health regulators requested information from nearly 30 makers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages on why they believe their products are safe.

Medical workers balk at mandatory flu vaccines

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00:42 -0500

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Even as they are forced to wait like everyone else for swine flu vaccines in short supply, thousands of nurses and other front-line healthcare workers are fighting mandatory flu immunization policies being put in place by some U.S. hospitals.

FDA warns Shire, Eisai on promotions

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:01:41 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. regulators have warned Shire PLC and Eisai Co Ltd about drug promotions that minimized the medicines' risks and overstated benefits, letters released on Friday said.

Cervical cancer vaccine hope for African women

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:18:18 -0500

DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - So crammed is Tanzania's only cancer treatment center that Rukia Kondogoza, wrapped in bright kanga cloth, has to share her bed with another patient.

Many pregnant smokers don't own up to the habit

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:15 -0500

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women who smoke while they are pregnant often don't admit it, which means they're missing out on an opportunity to get help to kick the habit, new research published in BMJ shows.

Better ventilation may ease some asthma symptoms

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:49:11 -0500

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Improved home ventilation that dehumidifies the air may make it easier for people with asthma to breathe at night, hint findings of a small study from the United Kingdom.

Nicotine patches and gum seem safe during pregnancy

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:43:49 -0500

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Nicotine patches and gum seem to be safe and effective in pregnant women, according to a new study.