drugs

UBC experts on decriminalization of hard drugs

From Jan. 31, the federal and B.C. governments will decriminalize possession of small amounts of certain drugs—opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy—intended for personal use. UBC experts are available to comment.

Jan 26, 2023

UBC experts on decriminalization of hard drugs in B.C.

The federal and B.C. governments have announced today that possession of small amounts of hard drugs will be decriminalized in B.C. UBC experts are available to comment.

May 31, 2022

Canada spends over $400 million on medicine that harms seniors

Canada spends more than $400 million annually on drugs prescribed to seniors even though the medicines should be avoided for older patients, according to new UBC research.

Jun 22, 2016

Canada loses out on drug pricing: UBC study

Health systems worldwide are increasingly negotiating secret price rebates from pharmaceutical companies and Canadians risk losing out on the deal.

Apr 8, 2013

Maternal depression affects language development in babies

Maternal depression and a common class of antidepressants can alter a crucial period of language development in babies, according to a new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia, Harvard University and the Child & Family Research Institute (CFRI) at BC Children’s Hospital.

Oct 8, 2012

Coffee and other stimulant drugs may cause high achievers to slack off: UBC study

While stimulants may improve unengaged workers’ performance, a new University of British Columbia study suggests that for others, caffeine and amphetamines can have the opposite effect, causing workers with higher motivation levels to slack off.

Mar 28, 2012

One in ten Canadians cannot afford prescription drugs: UBC study

One in ten Canadians cannot afford to take their prescription drugs as directed, according to an analysis by researchers from the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto.

Jan 16, 2012

Adverse drug events costly to health care system: Vancouver Coastal Health-UBC research

Patients who suffer an adverse medical event arising from the use or misuse of medications are more costly to the health care system than other emergency department (ED) patients, say physicians and research scientists at Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia. Their research, the first to examine the health outcomes and cost of patient care for patients presenting to the ED with adverse drug events, is published today in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.

Feb 25, 2011

Canadians and Americans get different drug information online: UBC study

Canadians and Americans are getting vastly different search results when they look up prescription drug information online, says a study by researchers at the University of British Columbia.

Feb 23, 2011

Fears of Ontario pharmacy shortage after slashed generic drug prices unfounded: UBC research

A University of British Columbia study shows that there are enough pharmacies situated throughout Ontario communities to absorb many closures without negatively affecting geographical accessibility for residents. The research suggests concerns that reducing generic pricing could result in pharmacy shortages are unfounded.

Jan 19, 2011

First-of-its-kind study shows supervised injection facilities can help people quit drugs

A study led by researchers at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) at St. Paul’s Hospital and the University of British Columbia has found that supervised injection facilities such as Vancouver’s Insite connect clients with addiction treatment, which in turn resulted in greater likelihood of stopping injection drug use for at least six months.

Sep 13, 2010

Long-term use of anti-anxiety drugs continues in B.C. despite known health risks: UBC study

Drugs to treat anxiety and sleep disorders are still being prescribed for extended periods to British Columbian patients – and increasingly so for baby boomers – despite warnings against long-term use, according to a University of British Columbia study.

May 20, 2010

Drug ads ineffective for boosting sales, could cost taxpayers: UBC-Harvard study

US Taxpayers may be on the hook for the high cost of drug advertising that does little to boost sales, according to a new study led by a University of British Columbia health policy researcher.

Nov 23, 2009

Sedatives, mood-altering drugs related to falls among elderly: UBC study

Falls among elderly people are significantly associated with several classes of drugs, including sedatives often prescribed as sleep aids and medications used to treat mood disorders, according to a study led by a University of British Columbia expert in pharmaceutical outcomes research.