>> A drug shortage leaves kids struggling
>> CDC warning after East Coast deaths
>> What killed Jimmy Buffet?
The Med & Mic™ 09.05.23
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
ADHD Drug Shortage
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder medications have been in short supply since last fall, making it difficult for children and young people to get the treatment they need to function well at school and work. ADHD is treated with stimulants, which are controlled substances because of their potential for abuse. The Drug Enforcement Administration sets limits on how much drug manufacturers can make. The dispensing of stimulants has increased by 46% between 2012 and 2021. (Source: CNN, M. Tirrell and A. Sealy, 9.4.23)
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Warning
The CDC has issued a health alert about the risks of flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus. Five people have died across the U.S. East Coast in July and August: one in Connecticut, one in New York, and three in North Carolina. The bacteria live in salt or brackish water. People are infected through an open wound or by ingesting the bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fever. One in five people die from the infection, sometimes within a couple days of becoming sick. (Source: Live Science, E. Cooke, 9.4.23)
Jimmy Buffet Had Merkel Cell Skin Cancer
According to an announcement on his website, singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffet died of Merkel cell skin cancer. It is a rare form of skin cancer with a high risk of recurrence and rapid spread. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma each year. Risk factors include age, sun exposure, and a weakened immune system. (Source: NPR, J. Hernandez, 9.3.23)
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