drug (6do encyclopedia)230512



Introduction:

A drug is a substance that is used to alter the functioning of the body. The term “drug” can refer to a wide range of substances, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, recreational drugs, and traditional remedies. Drugs can be beneficial when used appropriately, but they can also be harmful when they are abused or misused. The use of drugs is controversial, and different communities have different attitudes toward drug use.

Types of drugs:

There are several different types of drugs, which can be categorized based on their intended use, chemical structure, or legal status. Some of the most common types of drugs include:

  1. Prescription drugs: Prescription drugs are medications that are prescribed by a doctor to treat an illness or medical condition. These drugs are typically available only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, and they are regulated by the government to ensure their safety and efficacy. Prescription drugs can be used to treat a range of conditions, including pain, anxiety, depression, and bacterial infections.

  2. Over-the-counter drugs: Over-the-counter drugs are medications that can be purchased without a prescription from a doctor. These drugs are available in pharmacies and drug stores, and they are typically used to treat minor ailments, such as headaches, allergies, or coughs.

  3. Recreational drugs: Recreational drugs are substances that are used for non-medical purposes, such as to achieve a high or alter one’s consciousness. These drugs are often illegal and can be highly addictive and dangerous. Some common recreational drugs include marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.

  4. Traditional remedies: Traditional remedies are natural substances that have been used for centuries to treat various illnesses and ailments. These remedies can include herbs, essential oils, and other natural substances. While some traditional remedies have been shown to be effective, others can be harmful, and their safety and efficacy are not regulated by the government.

Effects of drugs:

The effects of drugs can vary widely depending on the type of drug and the amount used. Some drugs can have beneficial effects, such as relieving pain or reducing anxiety, while others can be highly addictive and dangerous. Some of the common effects of drugs include:

  1. Euphoria: Many drugs can produce a feeling of euphoria or intense pleasure in the user. This feeling can be addictive and can lead to continued drug use.

  2. Sedation: Some drugs can produce a sedative effect, which can be used to treat anxiety or sleep disorders. However, sedative drugs can also be dangerous if they are abused or misused.

  3. Hallucinations: Some drugs can produce hallucinations, or sensory experiences that are not based in reality. These hallucinations can be intense and can lead to dangerous behavior.

  4. Physical dependence: Some drugs can cause physical dependence, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped abruptly. This physical dependence can be highly addictive and can lead to continued drug use.

Addiction:

Drug addiction is a complex disorder that is characterized by compulsive drug use, despite the harmful consequences. Addiction can occur with any type of drug, and it is often characterized by a compulsive need to use the drug, a loss of control over drug use, and continued drug use despite negative consequences.

Addiction can be caused by a range of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and mental health disorders. Treatment for addiction can include therapy, medication, and support groups.

Legal status of drugs:

The legal status of drugs varies widely depending on the type of drug and the country or region in which it is used. Some drugs, such as marijuana, are legal in some countries for medical or recreational use, while they are illegal in others. Other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, are illegal nearly everywhere in the world.

Conclusion:

Drugs are substances that can have a wide range of effects on the body. Some drugs can be highly beneficial when used appropriately, while others can be highly addictive and dangerous. The use of drugs is controversial and is regulated differently in different countries and communities. Addiction is a complex disorder that can be caused by a range of factors and can be difficult to treat. Overall, the use of drugs should be approached with caution, and individuals should be educated about the potential risks and benefits of drug use.


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We’ve educated the public many times. Why can’t we do it for drugs?

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-12 01:52


Australia’s war on drugs has failed and instead of throwing millions of dollars at law enforcement, education and rehabilitation should be the new methods of choice, columnist Andrew Rule wrote in the Australian Herald Sun. His comments follow reports that illegal drug sales in Australia are set to reach $10.3bn, up from $8.9bn in 2015-16, while tobacco is now a shrinking market of approximately $13bn. Banishing something doesn’t make it disappear, as illegal substances have grown despite the risks involved, noted the author. Rule recommended investment in education, something which worked with sexual health messaging during the 1980s AIDS crisis, while the only way to suppress the community’s appetite for illegal drugs was through societal change.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/we-ve-educated-the-public-many-times-why-can-t-we-do-it-for-drugs-20230510-p5d77j.html
Philippine court acquits top critic of ex-president's 'war on drugs'

Reuters

23-05-12 01:39


Former senator Leila De Lima has been acquitted of ethics violations by a Philippine court. De Lima, a critic of former president Rodrigo Duterte, was accused of receiving corrupt money from drug dealers whilst serving as a cabinet minister. Despite her acquittal, she is unlikely to be released from detention due to another charge pending in court. De Lima was charged in 2017, shortly after launching an investigation into Duterte’s “war on drugs”, in which thousands were killed by police and dealers. The politician has been celebrated by human rights groups and considered by many to be a political prisoner.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippine-court-acquits-top-duterte-critic-after-6-years-detention-2023-05-12/
Philip­pine court dis­miss­es drugs charge against Leila de Lima

Al Jazeera

23-05-12 01:32


One of two remaining drugs charges against the Philippines’ outspoken former senator, Leila de Lima, has been dropped by a court. She was originally arrested in 2017, accused of taking drug money shortly after a probe into now former president Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs”, which activists claim resulted in the deaths of thousands, largely young, poor men. Key witnesses retracted testimony against de Lima as Duterte’s term concluded. She is seeking further release from detention. The “drug war” is currently subject to an International Criminal Court investigation.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/12/philippine-court-dismisses-drugs-charge-against-leila-de-lima
Eisai, Biogen Alzheimer's drug Leqembi would cost US Medicare up to $5 bln a year, study finds

Reuters

23-05-11 19:42


A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that Leqembi may cost the US Medicare health plan between $2bn and $5bn annually if required therapy were to be given to most individuals living with Alzheimer’s. The drug, approved earlier this year, shows a 27% reduction in cognitive decline compared to placebo in early disease patients, reducing the build-up of plaque in the brain. Given that Medicare covers most of the estimated six million Americans living with Alzheimer's, costs could be considerable as, at present, it only covers Leqembi for patients enrolled in clinical trials.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/eisai-biogen-alzheimers-drug-leqembi-would-cost-us-medicare-up-5-bln-year-study-2023-05-11/
Pfizer CEO calls US drug price law 'negotiation with a gun to your head'

Reuters

23-05-11 17:52


Pfizer CEO, Albert Bourla, has called the US government's plans to negotiate drug prices for its Medicare healthcare program "price setting" and a "negotiation with a gun to your head." The drug pricing reforms, announced as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, are designed to save $25bn for Americans who pay more for medicines relative to any other country. The pharmaceutical industry has said the law will lead to a loss of profits and would cause drugmakers to retreat from developing new treatments. Pfizer's focus is currently shifting from COVID-19 vaccines and treatments to battling cancer through acquisitions and deals.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/pfizer-pouring-covid-profits-into-cancer-battle-ceo-bourla-says-2023-05-11/
Global executions at highest rate for five years

BBC

23-05-16 07:30


The global number of executions in 2022 was the highest in five years, according to Amnesty International figures. The 883 recorded executions in 20 countries marked a rise of 53% compared to 2021, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt accounting for 90% of these executions. The figure does not include China, which is thought to run into thousands each year, with Amnesty saying impaired reporting authority due to China's data classification. Cases of execution were also recorded for North Korea, Vietnam, Syria and Afghanistan, but data was insufficient to provide an accurate figure.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-65599922
Amnesty: Executions worldwide increased by 53% in 2022, rose in Iran, Saudi Arabia

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 13:13


Executions worldwide rose by 53% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with a sharp increase in Iran and Saudi Arabia, according to a report from Amnesty International. The number of executions in Iran rose by 83% to 576, while in Saudi Arabia, the number tripled to 196. The report, which records executions in 20 countries, also criticised Indonesia, which has “one of the highest numbers of new death sentences in Asia”, for sentencing an unsustainable 112 new people to death, 94% of which were related to drug offences. China, North Korea and Vietnam all failed to reveal data on the death penalty.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/asia/2023/05/16/amnesty-executions-worldwide-increased-by-53-in-2022-rose-in-iran-saudi-arabia.html
US FDA staff say safety data favorable for Pfizer's RSV vaccine to protect newborns

Reuters

23-05-16 12:50


The safety data for Pfizer’s experimental respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in pregnant women appears to be favorable, according to US Food and Drug Administration staff reviewers. The comments were made in advance of a meeting of the regulator’s outside advisers scheduled for Thursday. The vaccine is designed to protect newborns from RSV.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-staff-say-safety-data-favorable-pfizers-rsv-vaccine-protect-newborns-2023-05-16/
Malaysia moves to decriminalise drug possession in major shift

The Independent

23-05-16 12:04


The government of Malaysia is seeking to introduce a bill which would decriminalise possession and small-scale use of illegal drugs in an effort to tackle overcrowding in the country's prisons and soften capital punishment for drug offences. While some southeast Asian nations take a hard stance on drug use and penalties, the Malaysian government has already made steps towards criminal justice reform under prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. Officials said the new "Drugs and Substance Abuse Act" would focus on rehabilitating smaller drug offenders, rather than sending them to jail.

https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/southeast-asia/malaysia-decriminalise-drug-possession-law-b2339767.html
AstraZeneca to leave leading U.S. drug lobby group

Reuters

23-05-16 11:38


AstraZeneca has decided to leave the US lobby group, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), to pursue other ways of engaging in advocacy at a state and federal level. This follows similar moves by AbbVie and Teva. AstraZeneca will redirect the funds previously used for its PhRMA membership to continue to support its US advocacy efforts with state and federal policymakers, it said.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/astrazeneca-leave-leading-us-drug-lobby-group-2023-05-16/
As US debates abortion pill ban, Argentina expands its use

Reuters

23-05-16 11:09


Argentina has become the latest country in Latin America to allow the sale of mifepristone, an abortion drug that is now under threat of being banned in the US. Proponents of the two-pill regimen believe that it could improve the quality of care for women, reduce the likelihood of riskier surgical abortions being required, and minimise side-effects associated with taking the single misoprostol treatment. By end-2023, the Argentine government hopes to provide all medical abortions using the mifepristone-misoprostol combination.

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-debates-abortion-pill-ban-argentina-expands-its-use-2023-05-16/
Muddy Waters takes short position in drugmaker Chinook - report

Reuters

23-05-16 14:16


Shortseller Muddy Waters has taken a short position in the stock of pharmaceutical firm Chinook Therapeutics due to concerns over the regulatory approval of its chronic kidney disease treatment, atrasentan, according to a report from the firm.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/muddy-waters-takes-short-position-drugmaker-chinook-report-2023-05-16/
Viking Therapeutics's NASH drug succeeds in mid-stage trial, shares jump

Reuters

23-05-16 13:37


Viking Therapeutics' experimental drug VK2809 has achieved its primary goal of reducing liver fat content in a mid-stage trial for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The Californian firm said that up to 85% of patients receiving the drug had a relative reduction of at least 30% in liver fat content. No treatments have yet been approved for NASH, and Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk and Akero Therapeutics are also working on treatments for the disease, which is predicted to be a multibillion-dollar market in the US. The results have boosted the company's position ahead of potential acquisitions or partnerships.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/viking-therapeuticss-nash-drug-succeeds-mid-stage-trial-shares-jump-2023-05-16/
New Washington law keeps drugs illegal, boosts resources for housing and treatment

The Independent

23-05-16 23:39


Washington lawmakers have passed a new drug policy which retains criminal penalties for drug possession while providing resources to help people struggling with addiction. The law, signed by Governor Jay Inslee, also encourages police and prosecutors to divert cases for treatment or other services, and provides additional funding for diversion programs and short-term housing. The legislation was passed ahead of a self-imposed deadline, as a temporary law that makes intentional drug possession illegal was due to expire on July 1. The only other state that has tried decriminalising drug possession is neighbouring Oregon.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/republican-ap-washington-jay-inslee-olympia-b2340210.html
Baby dead, 23 people missing after hippo hits boat in Malawi

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 23:09


A baby has died and 23 people are missing after a canoe containing 37 people collided with a hippopotamus on the 400-km Shire River in Malawi. The boat, which capsized, was traversing the river, Malawi's largest, which is notorious for hippopotami. Thirteen people were rescued while one body was recovered by the army and local fishing boats. Reports suggest the people were travelling from Nsanje to the district of Chikwawa for a funeral. Boat accidents are fairly common on Malawi’s rivers and lakes, partly due to the lack of regulations around boat travel.

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3220799/baby-dead-23-people-missing-after-hippo-hits-boat-malawi
Pierre Poilievre accuses Justin Trudeau’s drug policies of killing people, while addictions minister snaps back

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 23:04


The leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, has accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government of killing people by allowing “safe supplies” of opioids to be prescribed, which some allege are being diverted to the black market. Poilievre called for the money to be spent instead on addiction treatment. The Conservatives argue that safe supply policies perpetuate addiction, but the Liberal government have expanded access to places where pre-obtained drugs can be consumed and been critical of Persussionist Poilievre’s approach to evidence-based handling of the crisis, which kills an average of six people a day in British Columbia.

https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2023/05/16/pierre-poilievre-accuses-justin-trudeaus-drug-policies-of-killing-people-while-addictions-minister-snaps-back.html
Abortion pill case moves to appeals court, on track for Supreme Court

The Independent

23-05-17 04:14


A case challenging the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to approve a medication used for medical abortions over two decades ago will move to a federal appeals court in New Orleans. The case concerns mifepristone and relates to the FDA's initial approval in 2000, as well as actions to make the drug more accessible. It comes nearly a year after the US Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade ruling establishing abortion rights. It is expected that the case will reach the Supreme Court, with judges nominated by Donald Trump set to play a significant role.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/supreme-court-ap-food-and-drug-administration-new-orleans-donald-trump-b2340268.html
Drug Shortages Near an All-Time High, Leading to Rationing

NY Times

23-05-17 07:00


The United States is facing record levels of drug shortages, with the issue forcing the closure of some drug manufacturers, causing hospitals to scour pharmacy shelves on a never-ending quest to access life-saving cancer treatments, and increasingly narrowing the options of doctors. Dr. Amanda Fader from Johns Hopkins said, “This is in my opinion, a public health emergency because of the breadth of the individuals it affects and the number of chemotherapy agents that are in shortage right now.” The Biden administration has been working to find long-term solutions and has set up a team to determine a path forward for the pharmaceutical supply chain, which remains overly reliant on medicine from China and India. Measures that have been discussed include tax incentives for manufacturing in America, greater transparency around generic drug quality, and greater investment in potential alternatives to supply core pharmaceutical ingredients. The problem is leading to pressure from Congress and the White House to try to fix the situation urgently.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/17/health/drug-shortages-cancer.html?searchResultPosition=1
Roche says new MS drug shown to reduce brain lesions

Reuters

23-05-17 06:49


Roche has reported that its experimental pill for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly reduced brain lesions when compared to a placebo, according to the results of a phase II trial. Furthermore, no new safety concerns emerged with fenebrutinib, which is part of a class of compounds known as BTK inhibitors, that selectively block the cells that drive the harmful autoimmune reaction behind MS. Rival pharmaceutical giants Merck KGaA and Sanofi have previously reported issues with their respective drugs treating MS. Roche's phase III trials continue.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/roche-says-new-ms-drug-shown-reduce-brain-lesions-2023-05-17/