http://www.blogiversity.org/search/SearchResults.aspx?o=DateDescending&tag=Prescription+Drugs,Natrecor&orTags=0Search results matching tags 'Prescription Drugs' and 'Natrecor'en-USCommunityServer 2007 SP2 (Build: 20611.960)http://www.blogiversity.org/blogs/knowledge-means-power/archive/2009/08/20/Natrecor.aspxThu, 20 Aug 2009 19:53:00 GMTf44090d1-a969-42dd-bc2f-08ef65ab6445:10996digitalangel<p>Natrecor is a drug administered intravenously to about 10% of persons hospitalized for heart failure. The drug dilates blood vessels thereby reducing stresses on the heart and relieving symptoms such as shortness of breath. Natrecor is manufactured by Johnson &amp; Johnson and is estimated to account for $400 million in sales per year. </p> <p>A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that <b>Natrecor</b> raised the risk of death within the first month of treatment by 80%, as compared with other similar medications. The study is based upon a review of three studies of Natrecor involving 485 patients. Recently the same researchers found a 40-50% increase in kidney problems for patients using Natrecor. </p> <p>When the Food and Drug Administration reviewed Natrecor in 2001 it stated that it could not rule out a 50% increased risk of death for patients using Natrecor. Most experts opine that only a study specifically designed to judge the drug’s risks can resolve the safety questions.</p>