Deaths linked to prescribed drugs rise

The number of deaths and serious injuries associated with prescription-drug use rose to record levels in the first quarter of 2008, with 4,825 deaths and nearly 21,000 injuries, a watchdog group said Wednesday.

Those numbers represent a nearly threefold increase in deaths from the previous quarter and a 38 percent increase in injuries from last year's quarterly average, according to the Horsham, Pa.-based Institute for Safe Medication Practices.

The most dangerous drugs were the anti-smoking drug varenicline, which was linked to 1,001 injuries and 50 deaths in the quarter, and the blood thinner heparin, which was associated with 779 injuries and 102 deaths.

The data came from voluntary reports of adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration. Because the reporting is voluntary, researchers have estimated previously that fewer than 10 percent of adverse events made it into the system.

Panel urges smoker vaccines

ATLANTA — For the first time, an influential government panel is recommending a vaccination specifically for smokers.

The panel decided Wednesday that adult smokers younger than 65 should receive the pneumococcal vaccine. The shot — already recommended for those 65 or older — protects against bacteria that cause pneumonia and other illnesses.

Federal officials usually adopt recommendations made by the panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The vote means more than 31 million adult smokers probably will be called on to get the shot.

Studies have shown that smokers are about four times more likely than nonsmokers to suffer pneumococcal disease. Also, the more cigarettes someone smokes each day, the higher the odds he'll develop the illnesses.

26 genes linked to lung cancer

NEW YORK — In the largest effort of its kind, scientists have identified 26 genes that, when damaged, appear to promote lung cancer.

It's a step toward developing new treatments that can be tailored to specific patients.

The federally funded project was the largest ever to screen genes for mutations in the most common form of lung cancer, called adenocarcinoma. The results more than double the catalog of genes implicated in that condition.

The findings, from scientists at a dozen institutions in the United States and Germany, appear in today's issue of the journal Nature. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer worldwide.

Seattle Times news services