Infections, Antibiotics, MRSA
NRC and Patient, Consumer, and Public Health Coalition comments to FDA: Don’t need a new pathway for antibiotics for limited populations!
The FDA considered a new way to approve drugs for use in small patient populations. NRC warn that such a pathway would put patients at risk of harm by giving them poorly studied drugs without knowing if the drugs provide any benefit. Read More
Bacteria: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
by Jennifer Yttri, PhD January 2013 Bacteria are everywhere, including your entire body. The bacteria in our body weighs as much as our brain–3 lbs! Bacteria can be harmful, but some species of bacteria are needed to keep us healthy. … Read More
When new drugs are harmful: Telavancin (VIBATIV) for skin infections
Warning about an antibiotic for serious skin infections. It is important to know the risks when getting a prescription for a new drug. In some cases, new drugs are more dangerous than old ones and should only be used as a last resort. Read More
A New TB Drug May be Less Likely to Save Lives
The FDA approved the first antibiotic treatment for tuberculosis in 40 years. However, the drug has a high risk of death and may not be useful for curing patients. Will it be useful in tackling multi-drug resistant TB? Read More
Testimony of Dr. Jennifer Yttri to the Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA on Bedaquiline
Dr. Yttri testifies to the FDA Committee that the data on bedaquiline indicate that the benefit to patients with multi drug resistant tuberculosis is questionable. The FDA’s responsibility is to approve drugs that will help, not harm, consumers. Treatments exist for patients with multi drug resistant tuberculosis that are safer without the addition of bedaquiline. Read More
Testimony of Dr. Jennifer Yttri to the Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA on telavancin (VIBATIV)
Dr. Yttri testifies to the FDA that there is not sufficient evidence to support telavancin as a safe and effective treatment for nosocomial pneumonia. The data raise questions about a high morality rate associated with telavancin. Read More
Statement from Dr. Jennifer Yttri, senior fellow, at the FDA Public Hearing Establishing a List of Qualifying Pathogens for the GAIN Act
Dr. Yttri testifies to the FDA that the growing risk of antibiotic resistant pathogens and need for development and responsible use of new antibiotics are critical public health concerns that need to be addressed. Read More
Pancreatic Cancer: Could Bacteria in our Mouth Help us Detect this Deadly Cancer Sooner?
Pancreatic cancer has an extremely low survival rate because it is difficult to detect at early stages. A method for earlier diagnosis would greatly improve patients’ chances of survival. New research suggests that a specific type of oral bacteria might serve as a warning sign for pancreatic cancer. Read More
Some Antibiotics Are Riskier Than Others: What You Should Know About Quinolones
Even when there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics should be chosen with care to ensure that patients receive the antibiotic that is most effective for their specific condition and comes with the fewest risks. Just as penicillins are best for syphilis and macrolides for tonsillitis, quinolones are only preferred for treating certain types of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and some skin infections. Even for patients over 60 with any of these conditions, other antibiotics may be a safer option. Read More
Choosing Wisely: Physician Groups Make Recommendations to Reduce Healthcare Costs
Does an 18-year-old female need a pap smear? Should a patient with a mild sinus infection be given antibiotics? You might be surprised that the answer to both questions is NO according to leading physicians. Read More