>> Drug details: new imports, surges, and mental health
>> Red flags after pregnancy
>> Weight: there’s more
The Med & Mic™ 1.8.24 – 1.12.24
A medical news blog post
from the author of “Scoop, MD”
This Week In Medical News
In medication news…
Canadian Drugs Allowed in Florida
The FDA has approved Florida’s request to import certain drugs from Canada. These include medications for HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and prostate cancer. The state would make the imported drugs available to patients at county health departments and inmates in correctional facilities first, and then to Medicaid enrollees. (CNN, T. Luhby, 1.5.24)
ADHD Meds Surged During Pandemic
Prescriptions for stimulant and nonstimulant medications for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder jumped during the pandemic. Stimulant prescriptions for people 20 to 39 rose by 30% and nonstimulant prescriptions increased 81%. In October of 2022 there was a shortage of Adderall, a medicine to treat ADHD. (The Hill, L. Storza, 1.10.24)
No Link Between Weight Loss Drugs and Suicidal Thoughts
From a preliminary review of side effects, the FDA says there is no link between weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, with suicidal thoughts or actions. European regulators have been investigating anecdotal reports about people taking this type of medication having thoughts of self-harm. (AP, J. Aleccia, 1.11.24)
In pregnancy and women’s health news…
Suicide Risk Years After Delivery
Researchers in Sweden have found that five to 18 years after delivery, women with depression around the time of pregnancy had double the risk of suicide compared to women without the illness. Overdose was the most common method of suicide. (HealthDay, E. Mundell, 1.9.24)
Postpartum Heart Disease Risk
Women with ongoing high blood pressure after delivery have an increased risk of hospitalization because of cardiovascular complications within the first year after childbirth. (Healio, E. Welsh, 1.9.24)
In weight and obesity news…
Teens Drawn to Weight Loss Products
Researchers estimate that 9% of adolescents have used over-the-counter weight loss products, including diet pills, laxatives, and diuretics. These products are not recommended for healthy weight maintenance. Previous research has linked the use of these products to eating disorders, low self-esteem, depression, and substance abuse in teens. (CNN, McPhillips, 1.10.24)
Cycle: Depression and Weight Gain
In a British study, overweight and obese people with an increase in depression symptoms can experience weight gain a month later. While the average short-term increase was half a pound, the weight change over the long-term could be larger. (Health Day, D. Thompson, 1.10.24)
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