Whether you got a tattoo on a whim or after much thought, that ink on your body is fairly permanent. Tattoo removal is possible, but it comes with risks, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates tattoo ink and pigment, as well as the laser devices used to remove them. State and… read on > read on >
All Food:
FDA Gives Approval to Pill to Ease Postpartum Depression
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved a new pill, called zuranolone, that may quickly ease severe postpartum depression and help millions of women regain their emotional equilibrium following childbirth. Taken as a pill once a day for two weeks, zuranolone (Zurzuvae) showed “rapid, significant and sustained” reductions in depressive symptoms when compared… read on > read on >
Foods High in Added Sugars Might Raise Your Odds for Kidney Stones
There is a long list of reasons to avoid high-sugar foods, and a new study may be adding one more: kidney stones. Researchers found that among over 28,000 U.S. adults, those with a lot of added sugars in their diet were more likely to have a history of kidney stones. People in the group downing… read on > read on >
Lawsuit Against Makers of Ozempic, Mounjaro Claim Meds Caused ‘Stomach Paralysis’
A Louisiana woman is suing the makers of two type 2 diabetes drugs used off-label for obesity, saying they failed to adequately warn about the risk of severe stomach problems. The lawsuit seeks “very significant” but unspecified compensation from the makers of both Ozempic and Mounjaro, said attorney Paul Pennock of the Orlando, Fla.-based firm… read on > read on >
COVID Pandemic Might Have Pushed More Girls Into Early Puberty
More girls started puberty before age 8 during the COVID-19 pandemic, a phenomenon called precocious puberty, researchers say. The reasons include potential risk factors such as increased screen time and less exercise, according to a new study, published online Aug. 3 in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. In precocious puberty, children’s bodies begin changing… read on > read on >
Taking Kratom Claimed Her Son’s Life. Now She and Others Are Warning of the Dangers
J.D. Butler was planning a future with his girlfriend at his favorite New York City restaurant when that future came to a sudden, crushing halt. “They were planning on when she was moving in and arranging floor plans on the table, with where the furniture was going to go,” said his mother, Karen Butler, a… read on > read on >
Amid Shortages, Federal Agencies Ask Drugmakers to Boost Output of ADHD Meds
While demand for prescription stimulants is surging, a shortage of the drugs persists, so federal officials have stepped in and asked drug companies to ramp up production of the medications. Officials from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the joint request. “The FDA and DEA do… read on > read on >
Pill to Counter Postpartum Depression Looks Good in Trial, May Gain FDA Approval
All eyes are on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week as the agency weighs approval of a new pill that may quickly treat and ease severe postpartum depression. Approval of the drug could help millions of women regain their emotional equilibrium following childbirth. The FDA’s decision is expected by Friday. Taken as a… read on > read on >
Some Lots of Tydemy Birth Control Pills Recalled Due to ‘Reduced Effectiveness’
Certain lots of the prescription birth control pill Tydemy may be less effective than expected, potentially resulting in an unintended pregnancy, because the pills do not contain enough of an active ingredient. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers about the issue Tuesday following a company announcement about the issue on July 29. Two… read on > read on >
Statins’ Effectiveness May Rise With Patient Age: Study
Elderly adults who start on a statin may see an even bigger drop in their “bad” cholesterol levels than their younger counterparts do, a new study suggests. The study, of nearly 84,000 Danish patients, found that those age 75 and up typically showed a stronger response after starting a low- to moderate-dose statin: Compared with… read on > read on >