Health News Digest, March 2024 | |
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Failure of ALS drug puts spotlight on controversial FDA approval
FDA's approval of the drug Relyvrio for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, is also called Lou Gehrig's disease) sparked controversy and raised concerns within the medical community. A Washington Post front page story explained that despite hopes for a breakthrough in ALS treatment, the drug has been proven ineffective in clinical trials, highlighting the risks associated with approving medications without sufficient evidence. Rigorous evaluation is needed to ensure patients receive safe and effective treatments. In the article, NCHR President Dr. Diana Zuckerman told the Washington Post, "When they lower the standards for one product, however urgently needed it might be, it has a tendency to serve as a model [for other approvals]". Read more about the implications of lower FDA standards here.
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OTC birth control pills headed to pharmacies
Opill is the first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill in the U.S. This move has garnered support from major medical groups such as the American Medical Association. However, Dr. Zuckerman told Medscape that, "the perception of safety associated with over-the-counter medications may lead to less scrutiny and diligence in reading instructions and warnings." While the availability of Opill without a prescription removes a barrier for many women, it also raises concerns about missed opportunities for important medical consultations, such as STD testing and proper usage guidance. We urge that physicians emphasize the importance of dosing schedules and instructions for use. In addition, cost may remain a significant barrier because non-prescription medications are rarely covered by insurance. Read more here.
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Why is FDA taking advice from experts with $$$ conflicts of interest?
NBC News broke an important story about 10 advisors to the FDA being asked to review the safety and effectiveness of a heart device despite having major financial ties to Abbott, the company that makes the device. The FDA did not disclose the financial ties, some of which were close to $200,000. Dr. Zuckerman explained that this problem regarding approval of the TriClip device was a frequent problem because FDA does not consider financial ties that are more than 1 year old, even though they can obviously bias an advisor's vote in favor of FDA approval. Other experts agreed. Read more here.
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Can DNA predict opioid addiction?
NCHR's Dr. Zuckerman was one of the experts whose letters to the FDA and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) made the news last week. In coverage that included NBC, Washington Post, Stat, Boston Globe, and many other news outlets, we questioned why the FDA has approved a DNA test that erroneously claims to predict if a person would become addicted if prescribed an opioid. The dangers of an inaccurate prediction are enormous – patients taking drugs that they think won't harm them, or refusing drugs that could help them. Find out more here.
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Forever chemicals are everywhere. How can you limit your exposure?
Concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, are on the rise due to their presence in everyday items and their potential health risks. PFAS are in cookware, furniture, carpeting, tampons, and clothing and can increase cholesterol levels, impair thyroid function, increase pregnancy-related hypertension and preeclampsia, lower birth weights, and cause kidney and testicular cancer. Experts advise strategies for reducing exposure, such as avoiding non-stick cookware made with PFAS, investing in water filters that filter out PFAS, and avoiding certain food packaging and wrinkle-proof, waterproof, or stain-proof clothes, curtains, and upholstery. By making informed consumer choices, individuals can reduce their exposure to PFAS and send a message to companies about the importance of safer alternatives. While the long-term health effects of PFAS exposure continue to be studied, caution can help minimize potential risks. Read more here.
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The U.S. will fully ban asbestos. Why did it take so long?
After decades of attempts, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will finally ban the only form of asbestos still in use in the United States. Asbestos causes lung cancer and other fatal illnesses. The new ban on chrysotile asbestos comes 33 years after the EPA's initial attempt. Despite the decline in asbestos use since its peak in the 1970s, it remains a persistent health threat. The ban on some products will be immediate, but others will be phased in over 5 years. Read more here.
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Artificial sweeteners: Do they help you lose weight or gain it? Are they safe?
Have you ever wanted to treat yourself to a sweet treat without the guilt? Are no-calorie sweetener alternatives to sugar better for you, or do they also have harmful consequences? These artificial sweeteners are typically made in a laboratory and don’t contain calories or supply your body with energy, vitamins, or anything else nutritious. With fewer calories, we assumed they would help us lose weight, but the latest research says that may not be true. In our article, we talk about the different types of artificial sweeteners that are on the market, whether they can help you lose weight, and potential safety concerns. Read more here.
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Helping your child develop a healthy microbiome
Looking for ways to nurture your child's health from the start? Our article delves into the fascinating world of the microbiome, a bustling community of beneficial microorganisms residing within us. From exploring how babies acquire these essential bacteria to discussing strategies like breastfeeding and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, we uncover insights to support your child's microbiome development. Plus, we take a closer look at emerging procedures that help improve the microbiome of children born by Caesarian section and offer a guide to promoting your child's lifelong health. Read more here.
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