http://www.newser.com/2008 - Newseren-usNewser Feed GeneratorSun, 07 Sep 2008 8:56:45 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/36414/scientists-still-question-popular-drugs-zetia-vytorin.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSome cholesterol medicines have shown no indication they actually work—but that hasn’t stopped doctors from heavily prescribing them, the New York Times reports. Short trials of Zetia and Vytorin, known generically as ezetimibe, showed no evidence they reduced risk of heart attack or cardiovascular disease, while tests raised the possibility Vytorin is linked to increased cancer risk, exposing problems in the FDA’s approval process.http://www.newser.com/story/36414/scientists-still-question-popular-drugs-zetia-vytorin.html?refid=rss_all_defaultTue, 02 Sep 2008 8:30:12 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/33153/viagra-benefits-women-on-antidepressants-study.html?refid=rss_all_defaultViagra increases sexual performance in women suffering from arousal problems as a result of antidepressant drugs, a study finds. Some 72% of the women in the small study—funded by Pfizer, which makes the pill that has become a blockbuster for men seeking improved sexual function—noted an improvement, compared with 27% of those given a placebo, the Los Angeles Times reports.http://www.newser.com/story/33153/viagra-benefits-women-on-antidepressants-study.html?refid=rss_all_defaultWed, 23 Jul 2008 8:00:19 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/32949/roche-makes-genentech-takeover-bid.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSwiss pharmaceutical company Roche today offered $43.7 billion for the outstanding shares of Genentech, the San Francisco-based biotech firm in which Roche already owns a 55.9% stake, the Wall Street Journal reports. The $89-a-share offer is the latest in a series of big pharma companies, whose new drug development has been lagging, stepping up investment in the more productive biotech sector.http://www.newser.com/story/32949/roche-makes-genentech-takeover-bid.html?refid=rss_all_defaultMon, 21 Jul 2008 6:13:20 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/32385/parkinsons-drugs-trigger-compulsive-behavior.html?refid=rss_all_defaultDrugs for Parkinson's disease can be enormously beneficial, relieving patients' tremors and rigid muscles. But some patients are now complaining of an unusual side effect—extreme compulsive behavior. One woman began taking Mirapex to combat symptoms and suddenly found herself with a $200-a-day scratch-off lottery ticket habit, reports the Chicago Tribune .http://www.newser.com/story/32385/parkinsons-drugs-trigger-compulsive-behavior.html?refid=rss_all_defaultMon, 14 Jul 2008 12:06:07 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/31933/fda-orders-urgent-warning-about-cipro.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThe FDA today mandated urgent “black box” warning labels on Cipro and other antibiotics of the powerful flouroquinolone family of drugs. The antibiotics carry a risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, which could leave patients severely disabled, the AP reports. Particularly vulnerable are those over 60 and patients who have undergone heart, lung, or kidney transplants.http://www.newser.com/story/31933/fda-orders-urgent-warning-about-cipro.html?refid=rss_all_defaultTue, 08 Jul 2008 13:53:57 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/30663/8-meds-docs-wont-take.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSome drugs have such serious drawbacks that even doctors won’t take them, Men’s Health reports. The big eight: Advair: Can actually increase the severity of asthma attacks Avandia: Diabetes drug carries risk of heart attackhttp://www.newser.com/story/30663/8-meds-docs-wont-take.html?refid=rss_all_defaultMon, 23 Jun 2008 16:28:16 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/30361/deal-delays-generic-lipitor-until-2011.html?refid=rss_all_defaultPfizer has struck a deal with an Indian generic drug maker to delay a cheaper version of Lipitor in the US until November 2011. The agreement limiting generic versions of the cholesterol-lowering drug will translate into billions more in profits for Pfizer, the New York Times reports. Lipitor, the world's best-selling medicine, costs about $3 a day; a generic version will likely be less than $1.http://www.newser.com/story/30361/deal-delays-generic-lipitor-until-2011.html?refid=rss_all_defaultWed, 18 Jun 2008 16:41:08 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/30256/alzheimers-drug-shows-some-promise.html?refid=rss_all_defaultA drug currently in experimental trials seems to be effective in battling Alzheimer's disease, the pharmaceutical companies developing it tell the Wall Street Journal . Bapineuzumab—developed by Elan and Wyeth—seems to be helpful in improving cognitive ability in those stricken by the disease, though much more so in patients who don't have a gene that increases risk of the brain disease.http://www.newser.com/story/30256/alzheimers-drug-shows-some-promise.html?refid=rss_all_defaultTue, 17 Jun 2008 16:24:29 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/29877/congress-no-more-scribbled-scrips-doc.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSenators from both sides of the aisle are pushing doctors away from their prescription pads and towards electronic prescribing, the Chicago Tribune reports. Politicians and lobbyists hope the new system will cut down on mis-filled prescriptions and harmful, but avoidable, drug interactions.http://www.newser.com/story/29877/congress-no-more-scribbled-scrips-doc.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThu, 12 Jun 2008 15:23:09 CDT