Giving two monoclonal antibodies along with antibiotics cut recurrence of Clostridium difficile (c. diff) infection significantly.

When a single injection of the two antibodies against c. difficile toxins was given, 7 percent of patients had their infection return within the next 84 days.  In comparison, patients who got a placebo shot, had a 25 percent recurrence rate.

The antibodies were even more effective in preventing recurrence in patients who had had more than one episode of c. diff. Read the rest of this entry »

A Forum in Washington, DC
Thursday, January 28, 2010, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
The National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC

To RSVP, Please Click Here

Please join C3, Olympus, and leaders from Congress, the Administration, the gastroenterology and colorectal cancer (CRC) communities, and other health experts to discuss current trends in screening and prevention. The Forum will focus on the need to maintain CRC screening and prevention as a national policy priority, as we work to defeat this beatable disease.

Read the rest of this entry »

This week we’re sending you news about SMARxT Disposal of leftover medicine and a new resource from FDA that makes finding information on their website easier.

We’re experimenting with a little different format for the weekly briefs. You’ll find two different blogs — one with research news and another with upcoming events and consumer information. In this way, we hope to include a bit more detail while still keeping the individuals items brief and easy to read.

Watch for Kate Murphy on Twitter this weekend.  She’ll be sending Tweets from the ASCO GI Symposium in Orlando.  Follow C3 news and research updates @FIGHTCRC.   Here’s more information on joining Twitter to follow C3. Read the rest of this entry »

Briefly This Week

• Acupuncture didn’t reduce prolonged post-operative ileus.
• Large numbers of retrieved lymph nodes predict MSI in stage I and II colon cancer.
• Sarcomas found in families with Lynch syndrome.
• Changes in the weekly briefs. Read the rest of this entry »

The FDA has announced that McNeil Consumer Healthcare has expanded its voluntary over-the-counter drug recalls to include additional types of Tylenol, as well as certain formulations of Motrin, Rolaids, Benedryl, Simply Sleep, and St. Joseph’s aspirin.  The recall includes Children’s Tylenol Meltaways and Children’s Motrin caplets and chewables.

A full list of recalled products and the lots has been posted on the FDA site.

Consumers have noticed a moldy, musty, or mildew-like smell when opening the medicines that has sometimes been associated with nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhea.  Effects have been temporary and not serious. Read the rest of this entry »