Marijuana is getting more popular in America while cocaine declines

Illicit drug use lurks in the shadows one reason its difficult to study. But public health researchers pull together numbers from surveys, overdose records and other sources to look for trends in how much people spend on drugs, numbers of users and frequency of use that can help policy makers fight substance abuse. Now, an analysis released August 20 by the Rand Corporation estimates that people in the United States spent between 121 billion dollars and 146 billion dollars annually on cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine from 2006 and 2016. The analysis puts the drugs’ combined total on the same order as Americans’ annual alcohol tab, based on market research on the alcohol industry.

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Pharmacy Market

How long will the world wait for the next pandemic of antimicrobial resistance before we act?

Article | July 7, 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become an increasingly serious global health problem in recent years. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant infections, and the number is expected to increase in the coming years. How does antimicrobial resistance emerge? Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. It makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease, severe illness, and death. When we use antibiotics, some bacteria die, but resistant bacteria can survive and even multiply. The overuse of antibiotics and substandard antibiotics make resistant bacteria more common. So, the more we use antibiotics, the more chances bacteria have to become resistant to them. The rise in AMR is caused by multiple factors including the misuse and overuse of antibiotics by humans as well as in livestock and agriculture. Although these are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens, the emergence of substandard and falsified antibiotics is another lesser-known, huge contributory factor. Even though AMR is a leading cause of death around the world, it is tracked most closely in clinical high-income settings and developed countries. Unfortunately, this is not the case in low and middle-income countries, where the highest burden is in low-resource settings and low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). These countries are disproportionately affected, in part due to the high burden of communicable diseases. Consequences to human health of AMR AMR poses significant risks to human health, resulting in prolonged and more severe infections, extended hospitalizations, and increased healthcare expenses. It can also lead to an increased risk of death, as an infection may become untreatable. Additionally, it can reduce the effectiveness of medicines and treatments, making it more difficult to manage existing medical conditions. It is even more concerning that it can lead to the emergence of new, more dangerous strains of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. This would mean medical procedures, such as surgery, including caesarean sections or hip replacements, cancer chemotherapy, and organ transplantation, will become riskier. Counterfeit medicines and antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most counterfeited medicines in the world, as they account for 28% of global counterfeit medicines. Substandard and falsified antibiotics are medicines that do not meet the quality standards set by regulatory authorities. Counterfeit antibiotics are estimated at 5% of the global antibiotic market. These medicines are often of inferior quality or contain incorrect ingredients or incorrect amounts of active ingredients. They may also contain toxic contaminants or be expired, posing serious consequences for patients. Sadly, counterfeit antibiotics are mostly found in LMICs due to a lack of regulation and enforcement, as well as a lack of access to quality healthcare. In many of these countries, the demand for antibiotics is higher than the supply, and counterfeit antibiotics are seen as a cheaper and more accessible alternative. Furthermore, there is a lack of awareness around the dangers of taking counterfeit antibiotics, and there is a lack of resources for health authorities to test for the authenticity of these medicines. Why are antibiotics so rife for counterfeit drugs? Counterfeiters of pharmaceuticals succeed in large part by exploiting weaknesses in supply chains, which are often fragmented with poor regulatory frameworks. Antibiotics are often counterfeited because they are in high demand and can be sold for a large profit. To combat the problem of substandard and falsified antibiotics, governments must take a multi-pronged approach. This should encompass enacting laws and regulations to ensure the quality and safety of medicines, conducting surveillance for detecting and removing substandard and falsified products from the market, as well as providing training and education to healthcare professionals and patients regarding the responsible use of antibiotics. In addition, governments must work to strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain. This includes increasing the transparency of the supply chain, improving the quality control systems, and introducing traceability systems to track the movement of medicines from the manufacturer to the patient. Medical investment in low and middle-income countries Another neglected aspect by international NGOs and governments is investment in building local laboratory capacity in LMICs to combat antimicrobial resistance. Localized laboratory facilities can help identify, track, and prevent the spread of antimicrobial-resistant infections, as well as provide early warnings of emerging drug-resistant strains. Localized microbiology, surveillance, and quality control laboratories can also play an important role in developing new treatments and interventions for combating antimicrobial resistance. In addition, having localized laboratory capacity can provide more accurate standardized data on the prevalence of drug-resistant infections, which can help inform policy decisions and public health interventions. Affordable medicines Finally, governments must work to increase access to high-quality, affordable medicines. This includes improving the availability of generic medicines, which are typically cheaper alternatives to brand-name drugs. They also need to increase access to newer, more effective antibiotics.

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Pharma Tech

Tips for Managing Chronic Pain Beyond Prescription Painkillers

Article | July 13, 2022

Painkillers like Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin, have been prescribed by primary physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other healthcare providers to patients suffering from varying levels of pain. Though these medications have proven to be an effective source of pain relief, they have also proven to be highly addictive. In fact, it has even been reported that there are more cases of a drug overdose and deaths from prescription painkillers than heroin or cocaine. While there are a number of factors that play into this opioid epidemic, educating doctors and patients on alternative solutions to managing chronic pain is a great place to start combatting this nationwide crisis.

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Pharma Tech

What are the advantages of PCD Pharma Company?

Article | July 12, 2022

PCD Pharma stands for propaganda distribution. A PCD company gives brand name and support to its franchises. They also provide distribution rights and monopoly rights within a particular region. If a person wants to establish their business, it is a must for them to know the pros and cons of the business to make a sound decision. Needless to mention that PCD company has a lot to contribute in the medical filed. Worldwide in a medical field, A PCD Pharma Company is playing an essential and crucial role in the rapid growth. The pharma industry is progressing t a fast pace. The company uses the latest technologies for each brand which ensures the safety of products and accepts the responsibility of human health & life by providing better outcomes. To have a drug license number and company registration, the cost to establish the company is quite cost-effective that is15000-20000rs. So this gives people a brilliant opportunity to have their unit without digging a big hole in their bank balance. Indian produces exquisite quality products, which make pharma companies a considerable success.

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WALGREEN’S IN HOT WATER OVER PHONY PHARMACIST

Article | February 11, 2020

The drugstore chain agreed to pay $7.5 million in fines after an unlicensed pharmacist at several San Francisco Bay locations illegally filled more than 700,000 prescriptions over a ten-year period. According to California prosecutors, Kim Thien Le stole license numbers from other pharmacists to fill prescriptions for Fentanyl, morphine, and other painkillers. Le pleaded guilty to multiple felony impersonation counts. Walgreen’s agreed to the settlement to avoid being charged with consumer fraud in Alameda and Santa Anna Counties. Prosecutors alleged that Walgreen’s failed to verify Le’s license and did not conduct a thorough background check. The company insisted it has taken remedial measures.

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When Marijuana is Legal, Teens See Cannabis Ads

LabRoots | November 25, 2019

Despite federal policies in place to restrict marijuana marketing to individuals under 21 years old, an overwhelming majority of teenagers are still exposed to such campaigns, a new study shows. The survey’s results suggest that restrictive policies need to tighten up in order to reduce the exposure of marijuana marketing to vulnerable populations. Researchers recently conducted an online survey of 469 teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 in four states where recreational marijuana is legal: California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington. They asked the participants about their social media use, marijuana use, and exposure to marijuana marketing. Almost all (94%) of survey respondents reported seeing marijuana marketing in some shape or form. Not surprisingly, teens who completed the survey were more likely to have been exposed to marijuana marketing via social media than via billboards. However, exposure to both was high; 73% saw marijuana advertisements on billboards and 79% on social media, specifically Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. While apparently not very effective, restrictions do exist on paid advertising for cannabis on social media. Recreational marijuana may be legal in certain states under state law, but the drug is still illegal on a federal level. Federal regulations prevent cannabis companies from running marijuana marketing campaigns regardless of the state’s specific policies on the use of the drug.

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Frequent Marijuana Use Linked with Stroke and Arrhythmia

LabRoots | November 18, 2019

Research from two new preliminary studies presented at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) annual Scientific Sessions this week warned of the health risks associated with excessive cannabis use. The two studies listed increased risk of stroke and arrhythmia likelihood as associated health consequences. "As these products become increasingly used across the country, getting clearer, scientifically rigorous data is going to be important as we try to understand the overall health effects of cannabis," explained AHA president Robert Harrington, MD. The observational study included 43,000 adults between the ages of 18 and 44, with 14% reporting cannabis use within the past 30 days. The data was obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) nationally representative cross-sectional survey, the behavioral risk factor surveillance system (2016-2017). The second study reported that individuals diagnosed with “cannabis use disorder” were 50% more likely to be hospitalized for heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia). Cannabis use disorder is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) as “nine pathological patterns classified under impaired control, social impairment, risky behavior or physiological adaptation.”

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Medical Marijuana Allowed in California K-12 Schools

LabRoots | October 11, 2019

Gavin Newson, the governor of California and the leading 2016 proponent of the recreational pot legalization initiative Proposition 64, signed a bill on Wednesday that will allow parents of students in some California school districts to bring cannabis to their children at K-12 campuses. The bill states that medical cannabis can be administered to students by parents on campus if approved by their school board. However, the law indicates that cannabis cannot be administered through vaping or smoking form. Senator Jerry Hill of San Mateo, California, emphasized the importance of the bill in allowing hundreds of students who suffer from illnesses, including epilepsy, to access their prescribed dosages of cannabis oils, pills, and creams. He also explained that for many of these youth, medical marijuana is the only medication that works. This bill will allow them to receive these cannabis products with as little disruption as possible during the school day. Parents will be required to obtain a doctor's note to administer to their students on campus. There is push back as to whether this bill will be beneficial or harmful to school-aged youth, as well as if it's even necessary to allow administration in the school environment. Scott Chipman of American Against Legalizing Marijuana called the bill "an unnecessary stunt." He notes that the FDA has approved a drug for epilepsy that is administered in the morning and evening. He argues that daily dosages can be taken in the hours before and after school.

Read More

When Marijuana is Legal, Teens See Cannabis Ads

LabRoots | November 25, 2019

Despite federal policies in place to restrict marijuana marketing to individuals under 21 years old, an overwhelming majority of teenagers are still exposed to such campaigns, a new study shows. The survey’s results suggest that restrictive policies need to tighten up in order to reduce the exposure of marijuana marketing to vulnerable populations. Researchers recently conducted an online survey of 469 teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 in four states where recreational marijuana is legal: California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington. They asked the participants about their social media use, marijuana use, and exposure to marijuana marketing. Almost all (94%) of survey respondents reported seeing marijuana marketing in some shape or form. Not surprisingly, teens who completed the survey were more likely to have been exposed to marijuana marketing via social media than via billboards. However, exposure to both was high; 73% saw marijuana advertisements on billboards and 79% on social media, specifically Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. While apparently not very effective, restrictions do exist on paid advertising for cannabis on social media. Recreational marijuana may be legal in certain states under state law, but the drug is still illegal on a federal level. Federal regulations prevent cannabis companies from running marijuana marketing campaigns regardless of the state’s specific policies on the use of the drug.

Read More

Frequent Marijuana Use Linked with Stroke and Arrhythmia

LabRoots | November 18, 2019

Research from two new preliminary studies presented at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) annual Scientific Sessions this week warned of the health risks associated with excessive cannabis use. The two studies listed increased risk of stroke and arrhythmia likelihood as associated health consequences. "As these products become increasingly used across the country, getting clearer, scientifically rigorous data is going to be important as we try to understand the overall health effects of cannabis," explained AHA president Robert Harrington, MD. The observational study included 43,000 adults between the ages of 18 and 44, with 14% reporting cannabis use within the past 30 days. The data was obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) nationally representative cross-sectional survey, the behavioral risk factor surveillance system (2016-2017). The second study reported that individuals diagnosed with “cannabis use disorder” were 50% more likely to be hospitalized for heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia). Cannabis use disorder is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) as “nine pathological patterns classified under impaired control, social impairment, risky behavior or physiological adaptation.”

Read More

Medical Marijuana Allowed in California K-12 Schools

LabRoots | October 11, 2019

Gavin Newson, the governor of California and the leading 2016 proponent of the recreational pot legalization initiative Proposition 64, signed a bill on Wednesday that will allow parents of students in some California school districts to bring cannabis to their children at K-12 campuses. The bill states that medical cannabis can be administered to students by parents on campus if approved by their school board. However, the law indicates that cannabis cannot be administered through vaping or smoking form. Senator Jerry Hill of San Mateo, California, emphasized the importance of the bill in allowing hundreds of students who suffer from illnesses, including epilepsy, to access their prescribed dosages of cannabis oils, pills, and creams. He also explained that for many of these youth, medical marijuana is the only medication that works. This bill will allow them to receive these cannabis products with as little disruption as possible during the school day. Parents will be required to obtain a doctor's note to administer to their students on campus. There is push back as to whether this bill will be beneficial or harmful to school-aged youth, as well as if it's even necessary to allow administration in the school environment. Scott Chipman of American Against Legalizing Marijuana called the bill "an unnecessary stunt." He notes that the FDA has approved a drug for epilepsy that is administered in the morning and evening. He argues that daily dosages can be taken in the hours before and after school.

Read More

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