The FDA is set to review whether restricted peptides can be used in compounded medications, following pressure from patients, telehealth companies, and RFK Jr. Scientists warn that safety data is thin, and many products have skipped clinical trials entirely. #Peptides www.drugs.com/news/fda-rev...
A Cochrane Review of 17 trials and 20,000+ patients has found that approved Alzheimer's drugs like Leqembi and Kinsula offer no clinically meaningful benefit and may increase the risk of brain swelling and bleeding. Drug makers dispute the findings. #AlzheimersDrugs www.drugs.com/news/new-alz...
The FDA approved Eli Lilly's oral obesity drug #Foundayo, but it is requiring long-term studies on heart, liver, and thyroid cancer risks. Experts say no safety problem was found; regulators just want more data on the newer ingredient. www.drugs.com/news/new-wei...
#Entyvio (vedolizumab) treats ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease by targeting inflammation directly in the gut, not the whole body. It reduces white blood cells entering the intestines, but a risk of serious infection still exists — always discuss with your doctor.
Long-term opioid prescriptions in the US fell 24% between 2015 and 2023, but 4 million Americans remain on them long-term. Researchers say stronger chronic pain guidelines are still needed to reduce overdose risk. #OpioidPrescriptions www.drugs.com/news/long-te...
#Topamax (topiramate) for migraine prevention is typically used for at least 6–12 months if it's helping. It can take up to 3 months for full effect, and any changes to your dose should always be discussed with your doctor.
Thinking About A GLP-1 Drug? Your Genetics Might Determine How Well You'll Fare #GLP1Genetics www.drugs.com/news/thinkin...
Opdivo & Keytruda are both PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapies treating multiple cancers. They differ in dosing schedules, approved cancer types, and combination treatments. New under-skin formulations, Opdivo Qvantig & Keytruda Qlex, offer faster, convenient administration.
Estrogen patch shortages could last 3 years as demand surges following the FDA lifting a safety warning on HRT last November. Patches are generics with thin profit margins, so manufacturers have little incentive to scale up, and new facilities take years to build. www.drugs.com/news/demand-...
New AAD guidelines confirm that special diets, probiotic supplements, and other common tactics won't prevent eczema in kids. Moisturizer offers some early protection. But if your child does develop it, there are many effective treatments available. #EczemaTreatments www.drugs.com/news/there-n...
New research: the flu vaccine can cut your heart attack and stroke risk in half, even if you still get sick. Flu-driven inflammation spikes cardiovascular risk sharply in the first week of infection. #FluShotStrokePrevention
A new study found seniors who got the high-dose flu vaccine had a 55% reduced risk of Alzheimer's, vs. 40% for the standard dose. The CDC already recommends it for adults 65+, but many doctors don't know it exists. Ask your doctor about it. #FluShotAlzheimersDisease www.drugs.com/news/could-f...
The FDA has recalled 3 million+ bottles of OTC eye drops made by K.C. Pharmaceuticals over sterility concerns. Affected drops were sold at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. No injuries reported yet. Check the FDA website to see if yours are included. #EyeDropRecall www.drugs.com/news/over-3-...
A real-world study of 384 fibromyalgia patients found that TENS therapy, used two hours daily alongside physical therapy, reduced both pain and fatigue within 60 days. 80% found it helpful. #Fibromyalgia www.drugs.com/news/nerve-s...
Gemtesa and Myrbetriq treat overactive bladder by relaxing the bladder muscle via beta-3 receptors, reducing urgency and leakage. Both are approved for adults; Myrbetriq also covers certain children. They differ in side effects and drug interactions.
The FDA approved #Foundayo, a new daily weight loss pill from Eli Lilly, 294 days ahead of schedule. It's the fastest approval of a new drug type since 2002. It targets GLP-1 receptors, similar to injectable weight loss drugs. Side effects and serious risks apply. www.drugs.com/news/fda-app...
Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Dupixent (dupilumab) both treat chronic immune-related inflammatory conditions but work differently and carry distinct safety profiles. Both hold multiple FDA approvals, with indications expanding as research has grown. #RinvoqVsDupixent
A common antidepressant, fluvoxamine, significantly reduced long COVID fatigue within 2 to 3 months, a new study found, with a 99% probability it beat placebo. #FluvoxamineLongCovid www.drugs.com/news/antidep...
#Benlysta is a prescription injectable treating systemic lupus erythematosus and active lupus nephritis in adults and children aged 5 and older. It works by inhibiting B-cell survival in the immune system and is classed as a BLyS-specific inhibitor.
New study: lowering LDL cholesterol to under 55 mg/dL cuts heart attack and stroke risk by 33% in people with clogged arteries, with no added safety concerns. Talk to your doctor about whether a lower cholesterol target is right for you. #CholesterolLowering www.drugs.com/news/folks-c...
#Zepbound (tirzepatide) is the first US prescription medicine approved for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Significant weight loss reduces airway blockages, cutting breathing disruptions by up to 29 per hour in clinical studies.
#Kratom hospitalizations and poison center calls have each surged over 1,100% in the past decade, a new study finds. The herbal supplement is unregulated and increasingly sold in stronger forms across the U.S., raising public health concerns. www.drugs.com/news/kratom-...
#Kesimpta is a monthly injectable treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis. Common side effects include respiratory infections, injection reactions, and headache. Serious allergic reactions and infections require immediate attention.
#Eylea and Eylea HD contain aflibercept, a VEGF inhibitor injected into the eye to treat wet macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and related retinal conditions. The eye is numbed beforehand. Common side effects include temporary bleeding, eye pain, and redness.
New research in JAMA Psychiatry: kids prescribed Ritalin for ADHD may face a lower risk of schizophrenia and psychosis as adults. The protective effect only appears when treatment starts in childhood, not adolescence or later. www.drugs.com/news/ritalin...
#Auvelity combines dextromethorphan and bupropion to treat depression by blocking overactive NMDA receptors triggered by high glutamate levels. Unlike traditional antidepressants, it acts faster and may be more effective, offering a different approach to treatment. www.drugs.com/medical-answ...
A new Harris Poll finds 75% of Americans share health & science articles based on headlines alone, fueling a #misinformation spiral that's eroding trust in medicine. 82% worry about their families because of it. We value science, but just need to read before we share. www.drugs.com/news/u-s-med...
Ibrance (palbociclib) blocks enzymes driving cancer cell growth, treating advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Taken for 21 of 28 days, it's combined with hormonal therapy. Side effects include fatigue, nausea, and low white blood cell counts. Regular monitoring required. www.drugs.com/tips/ibrance...
A Lyme disease vaccine may be closer than ever. Pfizer and Valneva's LB6V showed 70%+ effectiveness in trials for ages 5+ with no safety concerns. Regulatory submissions are planned. No human Lyme vaccine currently exists. #LymeDiseaseVaccine www.drugs.com/news/new-lym...
The FDA has approved Wegovy HD, a 7.2 mg version of the popular weight loss drug, up from 2.4 mg. Trial participants lost an average of ~47 lbs. It's expected to be available in U.S. pharmacies in April. Side effects are more common at the higher dose. #WegovyHighDose www.drugs.com/news/fda-app...