A small study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the drug baclofen increased the risk of bladder cancer in children and adolescents in the first three years of life, compared to placebo.
The study, led by researchers at New York University School of Medicine, was published Monday in the journal Clinical Oncology. It compared baclofen to placebo in children and adolescents aged 11 to 17 years old.
Researchers found baclofen was more effective at reducing the risk of bladder cancer in children and adolescents than placebo.
The study was led by a team of investigators from the Mayo Clinic, which led the study.
"We found that baclofen was significantly more effective in the first three years of life than placebo in children and adolescents," said Dr. Josephine M. Sauer, chief of pediatric endocrinology at Mayo Clinic. "This is the first time we've looked at the potential benefit of baclofen for children and adolescents and found that it is comparable to placebo in this age group."
The drug is used to treat adults with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders. The drugs are not approved for use in children younger than 12 years old, she said.
The study found that baclofen was effective in preventing bladder cancer in children and adolescents. However, baclofen is not approved for use in children.
In a separate study, researchers looked at the use of baclofen in children and adolescents.
"Children aged 10 to 17 years old, who are at a higher risk of bladder cancer, are at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer, and therefore it is recommended that they use baclofen for at least five years before assessing the benefits of treatment," said Dr. Richard M. Johnson, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Diego.
Johnson also said he is working on a study to determine whether baclofen could be used to prevent cancer in patients with certain types of cancer.
The study found baclofen was effective in reducing the risk of bladder cancer in children and adolescents. But, according to the study, it was not effective in preventing cancer in younger patients.
In the first three years of life, the researchers said, baclofen increased the risk of bladder cancer by about 1.5 times compared to placebo. Baclofen is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years old.
In the study, the researchers found that baclofen was effective in preventing bladder cancer in children and adolescents. However, baclofen was not effective in preventing cancer in younger patients.
The researchers said their findings are important because it demonstrates that a small amount of baclofen, which is sold as a muscle relaxant, may be able to have a meaningful effect on bladder cancer risk.
"It is important to emphasize that patients should be monitored closely and informed about their risk of developing bladder cancer," said Dr. Robert B. Hlatky, director of cancer prevention at the Mayo Clinic. "The benefits of using baclofen to prevent bladder cancer should be clearly demonstrated, so it is important to use it judiciously."
The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute and was published in the April issue of the American Cancer Society.
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BACLOFEN:A pharmaceutical medication for the treatment of spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. It is primarily used to treat muscle spasms, spasticity associated with other medical conditions such as spinal cord injury or diseases of the spinal cord.
Uses
BACLOFEN is used in adults and children aged 18 and over. The main indications for this medication are:
Directions
Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew or crush.
Usage in Children
This medication should be used in children only. Baclofen is not recommended for use in elderly patients for whom other therapies may be inadequate.
Read the package leaflet before use. If you are giving this medication to children aged less than 18 years, then read the patient information and use only as directed.
Warnings
If you have any of the following conditions, you should not use this medicine:
Ingredients
The active substance is Baclofen, which is a mixture of the components, Baclofen Sodium and Baclofen Citrate. This is a mixture of Baclofen Sodium and Citric Acid.
The recommended dose is 10 mg in divided doses every 4 hours. Do not take more than 10 mg in 24 hours.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food. It may take 1 or 2 days for the full effect to develop. If an improvement in symptoms is noticed, stop use and see your doctor straight away. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
If you have any of the following medical conditions, you should not use this medication:
The active substance is Baclofen, which is a mixture of the components, Baclofen Sodium and Citrate.
Always read the package leaflet before use. If you are giving this medication to children only.
Baclofen is an oral drug prescribed for muscle spasms, spasticity, and nerve problems caused by injury to the spinal cord or brain. It also is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including Parkinson’s-like symptoms, such as tremors, feeling of anxiety, and confusion. Baclofen is also prescribed for treatment of post-stroke spasticity and stroke (also called stroke-related muscle spasms).
Baclofen is available in various strengths, including 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg, and can be given once daily or once daily with or without food. You should continue to take baclofen even if you feel better. Do not stop taking baclofen without consulting your doctor.
Usual Dose:
Administration: Take baclofen by mouth with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole, with or without a glass of water. You may take it with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, try to take it with food, but be careful not to exceed the recommended dose.
Missed Dose
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture.
Side Effects: Baclofen can cause side effects, including muscle cramps, nausea, and headaches. Some of the side effects may be temporary. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following serious side effects: stomach pain, itching, rash, dizziness, or light-headedness.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following:
Warnings: Always read the enclosed leaflet for a complete list of warnings and precautions. Also, share the information in this leaflet with your doctor and pharmacist. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. The Medication Guide also provides additional information.
Baclofen TabletsDosage
The dose for adults and children 12 years and older with:
The dosage is based on your body weight, age, and medical condition. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
To increase your dose, take baclofen on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals.
Continue to take baclofen until the full prescribed dose is finished, even if your symptoms disappear after a few days. Do not stop taking baclofen without talking with your doctor.
Missed dosing: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Baclofen and antispastic agentDisclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a health care professional for any diagnosis or treatment.
Baclofen Drug ClassBaclofen is known to cause side effects, including muscle cramps and nausea. However, these side effects are rare and may occur. The most common side effects are muscle pain, muscle stiffness, and tremor.
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Baclofen Tablet 10 mg by Teva is a medication that contains a combination of muscle relaxants and anti-anxiety drugs. It is primarily used to manage the symptoms of muscle spasms caused due to drug-induced muscle pain and spasms of the central nervous system. It helps relieve the symptoms such as tightness in the muscles, pain, or stiffness, and helps to reduce the risk of complications such as seizures and falls.
Teva Teva is a trusted brand of Baclofen, a medication that helps alleviate muscle pain and spasms. With its broad range of therapeutic effects, Teva Teva is prescribed for the treatment of different conditions such as muscle pain, muscle spasms, and other neurological symptoms. It helps patients with these conditions by improving the quality of their daily lives and managing symptoms such as tremors and stiffness.
CompositionEach tablet contains:
Directions
Active Ingredient
Take only as directed by your doctor. Do not take for more than 3 days without consulting your doctor. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to baclofen or to any of the ingredients present in the tablet.
Caution
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your age and response to the medication. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed by your doctor. This medication is only good if prescribed by you.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication unless directed by your doctor.
This medication is for external use only. Do not use in pets or children under the age of 12 years without medical guidance.
Shake the suspension well before using or after using this medicine.