Health Highlights: Nov. 20, 2009

FDA Approvals

Qutenza Approved for Post-Shingles Nerve Pain
Active ingredient is found in chili peppers

Lysteda Approved for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Designed to help blood to clot

Another Swine Flu Vaccine Approved for Children
CSL's shot now for ages 6 months and older

Istodax Approved for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
It's a disfiguring cancer affecting the skin

Arzerra Approved for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Affects some 16,000 people annually

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Approved for Children
Fluarix sanctioned for kids aged 3 to 17

FYI

Health Tip: Managing Gestational Diabetes
Here's what you can do

Health Tip: Determining Migraines in Children
Is it a migraine, or another type of headache?

Swine Flu Declining in Some Parts of U.S. But, flu activity remains high and is expected to continue, CDC says. >> complete story

Swine Flu May Hit Kids With Asthma Harder Canadian study finds more severe cases than with seasonal flu. >> complete story

New Pap Test Guidelines: Start Later, Have Fewer
Experts urge first screen at 21, then once every 2 years or more, not annually

No Immediate Changes Expected in Mammogram Coverage
Health plans say routine screening is an individual decision

Task Force Member Defends Mammography Guidelines
Meanwhile, three doctors weigh in on what women should do about the new recommendations

Three-Month Supply Lowers Drug Costs
Consumers save up to one-third buying 90-day supply, study finds

Athletes Seeking Doping Agents Can Still Find Them Online
Banned products are readily available, researchers say

Formaldehyde May Endanger Funeral Workers
Leukemia risk is found to increase with longer exposure to embalming fluids

'Hobbits' Were a Distinct Species, Study Concludes
Skeletal analysis shows Homo floresiensis anatomy differed from modern-day humans

Blood Test Could Boost Clarity of Breast MRI Results for Some
Taking menstrual cycle into account when booking exam may cut need for repeat scans, study suggests

Discovery Boosts Boys' Prospects for Post-Cancer Fertility
Testicular cells could be preserved for later use, study suggests

Unraveling the 'Mad Cow' Mystery
Key molecule identified by researchers

Even Smokers Support Bans at Work
Employees in India strongly favor no-smoking rules, Germans less keen: survey

Using Cell Phones, Internet to Battle Eating Disorders
Online and text messages might be more helpful than therapy for some, researchers suggest

Clinical Trials Update: Nov. 20, 2009

Appalachia, Southeast Hit Hardest by Obesity and Diabetes
CDC county-by-county analysis finds some areas with 1 in 10 adults already diabetic

New 'Skin' From Stem Cells
Technique used in mice may offer hope to burn patients awaiting grafts

Asthma Combo Seems Less Influenced by Genes
Findings may not apply to blacks, researchers note

Kidney Transplant, Sleep Disorder May Add Up to Trouble
Heart disease, stroke more likely for organ recipients with sleep apnea, study finds

Moderate Drinking Guards the Heart
But protective effect can wear off at higher levels in men, study finds