Medications/Medicines News

Use private sector to roll out meds

The queues at state hospitals and clinics for the provision of medication could be alleviated if the Department of Health entered into a partnership with the private sector.

Fake online drugs a health risk

People who buy prescription medications over the Internet, especially drugs purporting to treat erectile dysfunction, are playing Russian roulette with their lives.

Silent pandemic, drug price rethink

A "silent pandemic" of chronic disease is creeping up on poor countries and will force pharmaceutical firms to take a more tiered approach to pricing some of their medicines.

Painkiller overdoses on the rise

Overdoses from prescription painkillers are increasing in the United States, a new study shows.

Drug price scandal

Prices for hundreds of brand-name drugs have soared since the beginning of the decade, especially those that treat depression, infections and heart disease, according to a report.

Kitchen spoons up dosing errors

New research suggests that you should steer clear of using ordinary spoons when taking or giving liquid medicines, because the practice raises the risk of potentially dangerous dosing mistakes.

Prescription drug abuse growing

The death of Michael Jackson has highlighted the worldwide growing problem of prescription drug abuse. And experts say the medicine cabinets have replaced the street as easy source of medications.

Black market steroids mislabeled

Steroids bought illegally through "underground labs" and over the internet generally aren't what their labels say they are.

Fake drug trade on the rise

The trade in counterfeit medicines in the European Union has exceeded the body's worst fears, the European industry commissioner said.

1 in 2 ICU patients have infections

Half of all patients in intensive care units around the world have infections, and more than 70% are being given antibiotics - a trend that could breed drug-resistant superbugs.