News in category: Major Medical

Under a proposal by the governor of Illinois, children with insurance, would have to be covered for the treatment of autism up to $36,000 a year, helping families already devastated by a diagnosis of the mind altering disease.

New research suggests that some cases of autism arise from defects in genes that can be turned on or off by mental activity. The findings bring renewed hope to the devastating disorder and may eventually lead to future treatments.

Cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, have surged by 50 percent among young women, according to a recent study by the National Institute of Cancer.

Instead of a baby shower, infant twins will be buried in the same casket. The Texas twins were the victims of an overdose of Heparin, the blood-thinner routinely used to flush IV tubes. No one knows if the dose was fatal and unconfirmed reports say the little boy died of a bacterial infection. 

Naming drugs is a very profitable business. If the right sound and image can be evoked in a name- the sky's the limit in sales. But consumers should be aware that the art and science of naming products such as "Frutopia" are being used to get you to feel good about your prescription drugs. 

More than 1,000 people across the United States have been struck with salmonella in an outbreak that has U.S. health official investigating raw tomatoes, jalapenos and serrano peppers and cilantro used in salsa, the Food and Drug Administration said.

While anti-seizure medications do carry an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and ideation in some patients, a U.S. advisory panel says studies do not show a high-enough risk to justify the agency's toughest warning.

The twin sister of a newborn who died at a Corpus Christi, Texas hospital has died following a suspected overdose of the blood-thinner Heparin.  Twins, Kay Lynn and Keith Garcia, born one month premature, were among 14 babies receiving a dosage up to 100 times the recommended level of the anti-coagulant while in the neonatal intensive care unit. Whether the drug led to their death is unclear at this time. 

Not to scare off investors- the FDA will send kinder, gentler letters to drug makers who submit a new drug for approval.

A Medicare bill opposed by the White House won final congressional approval on Wednesday, with the help of Sen. Edward Kennedy who returned to the Senate for the first time since having brain surgery.

The American Association for Justice names the Top Ten Worst  Insurers who try to avoid paying when you need them most. Tactics include using a "boxing glove" strategy against policyholders while the industry enjoys record profits.  

The CEO of a Corpus Christi hospital is apologizing for a medication error that may have caused the death of an infant. Another is in critical condition. Meanwhile, caps on damages in Texas mean that many medical malpractice lawsuits will never be filed.

The FDA has requested a "black box" warning, the FDA's most urgent warning, on Cipro and other like antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class of drugs stating a risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture associated with use.

Fourteen babies in the neonatal intensive care unit of Christus Spohn Hospital South were given overdoses of the pediatric version of the blood thinner Heparin, according to hospital officials. And one baby has died.

A Washington D.C. based public interest group has compiled the FDA's adverse reports on Gardasil, and they're a must-read for any parent wanting to research the controversial HPV drug. At last count at least 18 young teen girls have unexpectedly died of blood clots and heart irregularities shortly after being vaccinated.