Tag: Drug withdrawal

An estimated 30 million people use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) every day worldwide [1.11.1]. While generally effective, some have been taken off the market. This article explores which NSAIDs are banned and the reasons for their withdrawal.

Between 2021 and 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked Emergency Use Authorizations for several specific COVID-19 treatments. While this led to public questions asking why were monoclonal antibodies banned, the reality is more nuanced, involving a complex interplay of viral evolution, therapeutic effectiveness, and evolving safety data.

In 2017, manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced it would discontinue the diabetes drug albiglutide, sold under the brand name Tanzeum, with supply fully depleted by mid-2018 [1.2.3, 1.4.1]. So, what happened to albiglutide? The withdrawal was a business decision based on poor sales in a competitive market, not due to new safety concerns [1.3.1, 1.6.1].

In 2004, Merck's voluntary withdrawal of Vioxx, a popular pain reliever, impacted an estimated 20 million Americans who had taken the drug [1.9.2]. The central question became, **what NSAID was taken off the market** and for what reasons? This event triggered a major re-evaluation of drug safety.

While corticosteroids are often used to treat inflammation, a well-documented but rare side effect is the development of benign intracranial hypertension, a condition where **steroids can cause increased intracranial pressure**. This elevated pressure, also known as pseudotumor cerebri, frequently manifests during dose reduction or withdrawal of the medication, not during treatment.

Recent analyses show that about one in three people experience symptoms after stopping antidepressant treatment [1.5.4]. Understanding **which medications need to be tapered** is crucial for safely discontinuing a drug and avoiding potentially severe withdrawal or discontinuation symptoms [1.4.3].

Betahistine is widely prescribed for Meniere's disease and vertigo in more than 80 countries worldwide, yet its FDA approval was rescinded in the US during the 1970s due to a lack of substantial evidence of efficacy. This withdrawal was based on a reevaluation of clinical data, leaving many patients wondering why is betahistine no longer available in the United States.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, it can take two to six months to break the rebound headache cycle caused by medication overuse. This prolonged period makes understanding exactly **how long does ibuprofen rebound last?** a critical concern for those trapped in this painful cycle.

Clonidine is often not a first-line treatment for conditions like hypertension and ADHD due to the availability of alternatives that offer better tolerability and outcomes. Understanding **what is a good replacement for clonidine** is crucial for patients experiencing side effects or needing a different therapeutic approach.

Despite being available for decades, clonidine has gained a reputation for its versatility, treating a wide range of conditions from hypertension to ADHD. However, the question remains: is clonidine a wonder drug, or is its broad application overshadowed by significant side effects and limitations? This article examines the full scope of this complex medication.