Blood pressure drugs recalled for impurities linked to seven cancers - 'Strong carcinogen'
Blood pressure drugs recalled for impurities linked to seven cancers - 'Strong carcinogen'
Two blood pressure drugs have been recalled over unacceptable levels of cancer-causing chemicals known as nitrosamines. The medication defect is believed to have resulted from manufacturing processes, which have been known to trigger chemical reactions in consumer products. Long-term exposure to high levels of the compound could contribute to the development of several cancers, health bodies have warned.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the voluntary drug recall of the two blood pressure medications last week, after discovering nitrosamines levels exceeded the safety threshold.
The company Aurobindo Pharma USA, withdrew Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets USP in 20 mg and 12.5 mg doses, respectively.
The manufacturer has not yet received any reports of adverse events related to the drug recall, according to the FDA.
It has notified all its distributors to immediately discontinue the distribution of specific lots being recalled.
NHS England are investigating a "potential serious incident" after a "small number" of patients over the age of 65 were given the wrong flu vaccine.
How many people are affected? Find out more HERE.
The drug recall is the latest of several to be issued in recent years over similar concerns.
Other withdrawals have concerned the acid reflux medicine ranitidine and the diabetes drug metformin.
Nitrosamines are a class of organic compounds which are formed by natural chemical reactions.
These chemical reactions can occur in drugs during manufacturing or form naturally after the drug is stored or packaged.
The impurities are believed to increase the likelihood of cancer when people are exposed to above-acceptable levels over long periods of time.
The FDA explains: "Some nitrosamines may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels and over long periods of time.
"People taking drugs that contain [nitrosamines] at or below the acceptable intake limits every day for 70 years are not expected to have an increased risk of cancer."
Nitrosamines can be found in an array of consumer products such as processed meats, alcoholic beverages, cosmetics and cigarette smoke.
It may also naturally form inside the mouth or stomach if a consumer product contains precursors for nitrosamines.
This occurs mainly when the Ph levels in the mouth of the stomach are acidic, which allows the nitrates or nitrite added to food to combine with amines to form nitrosamines.
According to Science Direct: "Nitrosamines are considered to be strong carcinogens that may produce cancer in diverse organs and tissues including lung, brain, liver, bladder, stomach, oesophagus and nasal sinus."
Not all cured meats have detectable levels of the compounds, but fried bacon has consistently been found to contain the carcinogen.
It's known that nitrite and nitrate are often added to cured meats to prevent the formation of toxins.
Some seafood can also contain nitrosamines as a result of preparation methods like cooking or salt drying.
Anyone concerned by the drug recall is advised not to stop taking their prescription medications without consulting their health care provider first.
A doctor will make an informed decision about the safest steps to take if your drug has been recalled.
Aurobindo Pharma USA has been approached for comment.
Reference: Daily Express: Solen Le Net
Clove: Nutrition tips from experts
Clove: Nutrition tips from experts
Quantity recommendation by Madison Shaw
Reference: Faith Seke, Luciana M. Cherubin, Madison Shaw, Felicitas Bouche Ocampo, Mariana Brkic -
‘Lab-grown red blood cells transfused in to person in a world first’
Lab-grown red blood cells transfused in to person in a world first’
Red blood cells grown in a laboratory have been transfused in to a person in a world first clinical trial.
Scientists say that if proved safe and effective, manufactured blood cells could revolutionise treatments for people with blood disorders such as sickle cell and rare blood types.
It can be difficult to find enough well-matched donated blood for some people with these disorders.
This challenging and exciting trial is a huge stepping stone for manufacturing blood from stem cells
But lab-grown red blood cells would mean people who require regular long-term blood transfusions could need fewer transfusions in the future.
Ashley Toye, professor of cell biology at the University of Bristol and Director of the NIHR Blood and Transplant Unit in red cell products, said: “This challenging and exciting trial is a huge stepping stone for manufacturing blood from stem cells.
“This is the first-time lab grown blood from an allogeneic donor has been transfused and we are excited to see how well the cells perform at the end of the clinical trial.”
So far two people have been transfused with the lab grown red cells.
They were closely monitored, no untoward side effects were reported, and the patients – who have not been named – are well and healthy, researchers say.
The amount of lab grown cells being infused varies but is around 5-10mls – about one to two teaspoons.
The manufactured blood cells were grown from stem cells from donors, and then transfused into volunteers in the Restore randomised controlled clinical trial.
The trial is looking at the lifespan of the lab grown cells compared with infusions of standard red blood cells from the same donor.
Because the lab-grown blood cells are all fresh, researchers expect them to perform better than a similar transfusion of standard donated red cells, which contains cells of varying ages.
If manufactured cells last longer in the body, patients who regularly need blood may not need transfusions as often.
Researchers say this would reduce iron overload from frequent blood transfusions, which can lead to serious complications.
If our trial, the first such in the world, is successful, it will mean that patients who currently require regular long-term blood transfusions will need fewer transfusions in future, helping transform their care
Cedric Ghevaert, professor in transfusion medicine and consultant haematologist the University of Cambridge and NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We hope our lab grown red blood cells will last longer than those that come from blood donors.
“If our trial, the first such in the world, is successful, it will mean that patients who currently require regular long-term blood transfusions will need fewer transfusions in future, helping transform their care.”
Donors from NHSBT’s blood donor base donated blood to the trial and stem cells were separated out from their blood.
These stem cells were then grown to produce red blood cells in a laboratory at NHS Blood and Transplant’s Advanced Therapies Unit in Bristol.
The recipients of the blood were recruited from healthy members of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) BioResource.
A minimum of 10 people will receive two mini transfusions at least four months apart, one of standard donated red cells and one of lab grown red cells.
This will allow scientists to find out if the young red blood cells made in the laboratory last longer than cells made in the body.
Dr Farrukh Shah, medical director of transfusion for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Patients who need regular or intermittent blood transfusions may develop antibodies against minor blood groups which makes it harder to find donor blood which can be transfused without the risk of a potentially life-threatening reaction.
“This world leading research lays the groundwork for the manufacture of red blood cells that can safely be used to transfuse people with disorders like sickle cell.
“The need for normal blood donations to provide the vast majority of blood will remain.
“But the potential for this work to benefit hard to transfuse patients is very significant.”
Further trials are needed before clinical use, but scientists say this research marks a significant step in using lab grown red blood cells to improve treatment for patients with rare blood types or people with complex transfusion needs.
Reference: The Independent: Nina Massey
Date palm: Experts weigh in on health benefits, nutrition facts, and more
Date palm: Experts weigh in on health benefits, nutrition facts, and more
Date palm image© Provided by Getty Images
Perspective from Leticia Soares
Benefits
- Date fruit may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The fruit improves blood triglyceride levels, reduces cholesterol oxidation and arteriosclerosis development, which is an important cause of heart attacks and stroke.
- Dates can help normalize digestive function. The fruit is a source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which promote regular bowel movements, preventing constipation or diarrhea.
- Dates have antioxidants properties. Data is rich in zinc, B-complex vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acid, which are substances that help to boost the body defences.
- Dates consumption during pregnancy can help promote natural labor. There are scientific studies indicating that the consumption of dates during the last few weeks of pregnancy can help shorten the time to labor.
- Dates may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases. The date fruit is rich in substances that improve memory and cognitive ability such as flavonoids and zinc.
Possible Side Effects
- Dates fruit can lead to weight gain when consumed in excess. Thus, diabetic patients should consult with their healthcare practitioner before increasing their date intake.
Perspective from Christos Sittas
Benefits
- Palm date contains the highest amounts of antioxidants across other dried fruits. These antioxidants act as free radical scavengers that reduce inflammation and in animal models date palm's extracts show anticancer properties (Rahmani et al. 2014).
Possible Side Effects
- Some individuals may be allergic to date palm's pollen and suffer from symptoms that mainly include allergic rhinitis and asthma (Radwan et al. 2006, Serhane, 2017).
Reference: Leticia Soares, Postgraduate Degree in Public and Family Health/Bachelor Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and Christos Sittas, MSc in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences - 25 Sept
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