>> First time “emerging threat” designation
>> EPA proposes limits on cleaning technique
>> Second recall for sleep apnea machines
The Med & Mic™ 04.12.23
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
Drug Threat
The White House has designated the veterinary drug, Xylazine, an “emerging threat.” The tranquilizer has been found in the illicit opioid supply. In addition to its powerful sedation, the drug can cause painful, dangerous skin wounds. Xylazine is not meant for human consumption. It is not an opioid and cannot be reversed by naloxone. There is no known reversal agent. Overdose deaths involving Xylazine surged from 808 in 2020 to 3,089 in 2021. This is the first time the government has used the “emerging threat” designation since Congress approved the process in 2018 to increase awareness and develop treatments against such hazards. (Source: Forbes, S. Ray, 4.12.23)
Limits for Antimicrobial Gas
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed limits on a gas used to sterilize medical instruments which can't be exposed to steam. Ethylene oxide is used to sterilize pacemakers, catheters, ventilators, and spices. Long term exposure can cause breast cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, myeloma, and lymphocytic leukemia. The proposal involves reducing emissions from sterilizing facilities and protecting workers and communities vulnerable to exposure. (Source: STAT News, B. Trang, 4.11.23)
Sleep Apnea Machines Recalled Again
For a second time, some sleep apnea machines by Philips Respironics are being recalled. The FDA has upgraded the recall to a Class I, the most serious type of recall. Due to programming issues, the gear may fail to deliver therapy. More than 1,000 units are affected. No injuries or deaths have been reported. (Source: WebMD, L. O’Mary, 4.10.23)
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