Elderly patients were prescribed inappropriate medications at almost 8 percent of doctor visits in 2000, about the same percent as 1995, according to a new study of drug prescribing patterns published in the February 9 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

The study, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) surveys of ambulatory medical care providers, showed that inappropriate medicines were prescribed at almost 8 percent of doctor visits made by patients age 65 and older. Inappropriate medications were defined as those that had a risk of adverse outcomes outweighing the potential benefits for most elderly patients.

(Reuters) February 18, 2004 – The World Health Organisation on Tuesday issued guidelines for ensuring the safety and efficacy of the multi-billion dollar herbal medicines market amid reports that some products are tainted with toxic substances.

The guidelines, intended for national regulatory bodies, lay out the best techniques for growing and harvesting medicinal plants used for various ailments or weight loss, as well as the clear labelling of the contents of any product.

The FDA asked manufacturers of the following antidepressant drugs to include in their labeling a Warning statement that recommends close observation of adult and pediatric patients for worsening depression or the emergence of suicidality when treated with these agents.

By Will Boggs, MD

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – How much radiation do you get from a CT scan?
It’s substantially higher than most patients, and even their doctors,
realize, according to a new report.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Treatment with cholesterol-lowering agents,
particularly “statin” drugs like Lipitor or Zocor, may reduce the risk of
death after major surgery, new research suggests.