Health Highlights: May 15, 2008

FDA Approvals

New Laser Approved to Treat Psoriasis
And other skin conditions

Amitiza Treats Irritable Bowel With Constipation
Approved for women 18 and older

Device Approved to Assess Arterial Plaque
Helps doctors evaluate heart attack risk

Relistor Helps Ease Painkiller-Related Constipation
For people who use ongoing opioid therapy

Gloves Made From New Form of Latex Approved
May benefit health workers, patients allergic to traditional latex

Cimzia Sanctioned to Treat Crohn's Disease
For people who haven't responded to standard therapies

FYI

Health Tip: Keeping the Caregiver Healthy
Here are ways to prevent feeling burned out and stressed

Health Tip: Traveling During Pregnancy
You can make your trip safe with a little preparation

Book Reviews Latest Picks & Pans From the editors of Caremark, book reviews on a range of health topics

Weight-Loss Aids Bought on Internet Might Harm Your Heart Pills, supplements have potentially dangerous ingredients, lack warning labels, study finds. >> complete story

Drug Works Well for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis Ustekinumab injections every 3 months a more convenient regimen than current therapies. >> complete story

Heart Device Recipients Often Not Aware of Recalls
Some not clear on risks of problems, two surveys find

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Dry Dog Food
70 people, many of them young children, were sickened after handling the food, CDC says

Statins May Help Older Women Control Irregular Heartbeat
The cholesterol-lowering drugs showed some benefits in preliminary trial

Chemo for Mesothelioma Offers Limited Survival Benefits
Therapy does not appear to help quality of life for lung cancer linked to asbestos

New Guidelines Issued for Implanted Heart Devices
Prevention is as important as intervention, specialists say

CDC Recommends Shingles Vaccine for Those Over 60
ZOSTAVAX could prevent two thirds of shingles cases, expert says

Stroke Patients at High Risk for Falls
After hospital, they're twice as likely to be injured, so prevention strategies are key

Genes Play Part in Prostate Cancer Among Races
Whites at higher risk than Hispanics, but genetics determines who gets it

Hot Flashes Reduced by Neck Injection
Treatment could help breast cancer patients and menopausal women, study finds

Embryonic Pathways Induce Stem Cell Traits
Regenerative ability holds promise for development of target-specific cancer drugs

Biomarkers Predict Heart Deaths
Studies find they might add to traditional risk factors

Clinical Trials Update: May 15, 2008

Lowering Dietary Fat May Help Prevent Prostate Cancer
Findings in mouse model hint of new treatment strategies for the disease

Acne Drug Prevents Tissue Damage From Emphysema
Doxycycline in mice boosts protective protein, too early to see benefit in humans