Latest news with #Fda
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is ketamine therapy? Mormon reality stars tout controversial treatment
Season 2 of the reality show "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" depicted one couple — Jen and Zac Affleck — as they went through ketamine therapy, which they claimed saved their marriage. What is ketamine, and can it really benefit relationships? An anesthetic used to induce sleep before and after surgery, according to Cleveland Clinic, ketamine is also used illegally as a recreational drug. Fda Approves Opioid-free Pain Medication With 'No Sign Of Addiction' The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) describes ketamine as a "dissociative drug," meaning it causes people to feel "separated or detached" from their bodies or physical surroundings. In recent years, ketamine has been used as an alternative therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Read On The Fox News App "It can be a party drug, and it can be abused, but I think if you have the right intention and you do it in the proper setting with a doctor, it can be super impactful," Zac Affleck said in an interview with Women's Health. As far as personal beliefs, "there's nothing in the Mormon guidelines that says you can't do ketamine, but it's in the gray area," Affleck added. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a derivative of ketamine in a nasal spray format (Spravato, or S-ketamine) for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation. Some clinical studies have shown that ketamine therapy can be effective in treating severe depression in veterans. "Ketamine acts like an antidepressant that can help distract someone from negative thoughts and feelings in a relatively short amount of time," Rolando Larice, M.D., medical director at Sana Lake Recovery in Missouri, told Fox News Digital. Ketamine Therapy Shown Effective In Treating Severe Depression In Veterans, Study Finds The drug is believed to create more connections between brain cells, a process thought to ease depression and decrease suicidal thoughts, according to Mayo Clinic. Dr. Justin Gerstner, psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Ellie Mental Health in Minnesota, previously told Fox News Digital that he uses ketamine therapy in his own practice. "It's been quite transformative for a lot of our clients," he said. Gerstner's practice usually administers ketamine to clients via IV injection in two- to three-hour sessions, partnered with psychotherapy before and after treatment. It is intended to be used in combination with antidepressant pills only under the supervision of a medical professional. At high doses, the drug can cause adverse health issues that affect cardiovascular, respiratory and neurologic function, which can be fatal, said the American Addiction Centers website. Elon Musk Reveals Why He Takes Ketamine, Denies Abusing The Drug: 'I Should Keep Taking It' Some risks include elevated blood pressure, difficulty breathing, amnesia, seizures, addiction, problems with judgment and coordination, and a lower urinary tract irritation called ulcerative cystitis, according to the same source. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "Common causes of overdose death include excess sedation, respiratory failure, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, coma and seizures," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News' senior medical advisor, previously told Fox News Digital. Larice cautioned that ketamine does carry a risk of addiction or dependency. While ketamine IV therapy could be an alternative option if other treatments haven't been effective for mental health conditions, experts urge caution. "People may see celebrities like Jen Affleck make claims that ketamine therapy saved her marriage, but if it's shown as a quick fix to solve all of your problems rather than a step toward healing, that's when it can be dangerous," Larice cautioned. For more Health articles, visit It is important for the IV treatment to be monitored by medical professionals in case dangerous side effects occur, he said. Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed article source: What is ketamine therapy? Mormon reality stars tout controversial treatment
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cold sores may play role in Alzheimer's development, new research reveals
Cold sores may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study published in BMJ Open. Researchers examined 344,628 "case-control pairs." The pairs were matched in age, sex, geographical region and number of healthcare visits — but one had Alzheimer's disease and one did not. Of the groups studied, 1,507 people with Alzheimer's also had herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the most common cause of cold sores. Only 823 people in the control group had HSV-1. First Blood Test For Alzheimer's Diagnosis Cleared By Fda Among these 2,330 people, 40% used anti-herpetic medication following their diagnosis. Those who were treated for the virus were 17% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who didn't use the treatments, the study found. Read On The Fox News App The risk of developing this form of dementia is known to rise with age. However, the chance of an HSV-1 diagnosis was 80% higher in those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, according to the research. Less commonly, cold sores can be caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Alzheimer's Disease Could Be Prevented By Antiviral Drug Already On Market The analysis places "an even greater emphasis on viewing the prevention of herpes viruses as a public health priority," the researchers said in a press release. Overall, women made up 65% of the Alzheimer's cases. Their average age was 73, and they tended to have more co-existing conditions, which were all risk factors. The study also observed the potential role of other herpes viruses, some of which were associated with an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease. The specific connection between viruses like HSV-1 and heightened dementia risk isn't clear, the researchers noted. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "However, studies have shown that inflammatory alterations in the brain caused by HSV infection are pivotal in [Alzheimer's disease] development," they said in the release. Treatment with anti-viral therapy seems to lower the risk of Alzheimer's, "suggesting that HSV-1 treatment may be protective," the study says. "There's no cure for cold sores, but treatment can help manage outbreaks," according to Mayo Clinic. "Prescription antiviral medicine or creams can help sores heal more quickly. And they may make future outbreaks happen less often and be shorter and less serious." There were some limitations in the study, the researchers acknowledged. "Due to limited data history, HSV-1 infections prior to the patient's database entry were not included in the analysis, and it is possible that some overlap exists between HSV-1 and HSV-2 diagnoses," the researchers noted. "Additionally, many individuals with HSV-1 infection are asymptomatic, and others may not seek medical care during recurrences and are therefore not clinically diagnosed and recorded in the database." While an estimated two-thirds of people under 50 are infected with HSV-1, data on symptomatic infections is limited, "as manifestations can be mild or unnoticed," the researchers added. For more Health articles, visit Under-diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease could also skew the results. Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers and other doctors for article source: Cold sores may play role in Alzheimer's development, new research reveals
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts reveal Trump's next move could be 'nail in coffin' for Biden-era regulations on nicotine
FIRST ON FOX: President Trump's "nicotine freedom crusade" rolling back Biden-era policies related to nicotine and tobacco products could be primed to reverse a key rule that experts who spoke to Fox News Digital say would be a critical step forward. Shortly before Trump was sworn into office, Biden's FDA proposed a rule that it described at the time as "bold" that "would make cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products minimally or nonaddictive by limiting the level of nicotine in those products." Cigarettes and "certain other combusted tobacco products" would not be allowed to have more than 0.7 milligrams of nicotine per gram of tobacco under the proposed rule, according to the FDA. The agency said that lower nicotine levels would "be low enough to no longer create or sustain addiction." While the FDA insisted at the time that the rule "would not ban" cigarettes, critics disagree and are optimistic that Trump will continue his push for nicotine freedom and upend the rule. Trump Fda Nominee Turns Vaccine Question On Dem, Recalling Controversial Biden Decision "The Biden legacy on tobacco policy is one of hamfisted regulations, crippling bureaucracy, and prohibition fueling massive criminal markets — from cigarettes to Chinese vapes," Rich Marianos, former assistant director of the ATF, executive director of the Tobacco Law Enforcement Network, told Fox News Digital. Read On The Fox News App "President Trump can put the nail in the coffin of that failed era by killing this insane ban on cigarettes and focusing resources on vigilant enforcement." Peter Brennan, Executive Director of the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association (NECSEM), told Fox News Digital that "prohibitionist tobacco policy" ends up punishing small businesses by "taking sales out of our stores and pushing them into the streets and the illicit market." Fda Phasing Out Some Animal Testing In 'Win-win' For Ethics And Public Health: Commissioner "Biden's plan to ban all cigarettes is a real threat that is still hanging over our heads." Brennan said. "We are hopeful that President Trump will help America's convenience stores by putting a stop to this disastrous idea." Trump has taken several actions in the nicotine space since taking office, including withdrawing a proposed rule seeking to ban menthol cigarettes, after the Biden administration said it intended to make the ban become a reality after years of advocacy from anti-smoking groups. Months later, FDA Tobacco Director Brian King, who critics believed was a key figure behind the administration's efforts against banning menthols and the "war on nicotine" was removed from his post in a move that experts who spoke to Fox News Digital praised earlier this month. "President Trump has succeeded in his nicotine freedom crusade since taking office, repealing Biden's misguided menthol ban and firing the FDA architect behind it," a Republican strategist who worked to elect Trump in 2024 told Fox News Digital this week. "The logical next step is to officially repeal a Biden-era rule on banning low nicotine products, which will be the final blow to Biden's war on nicotine." Fox News Digital reached out to the FDA for comment. Biden's perceived "war on nicotine," along with the surge in illicit Chinese vapes flooding the market over the last few years, is believed by some to have hurt his presidential campaign along with that of VP Kamala Harris, who eventually took his place on the ticket. "If President Trump withdraws Biden's disastrous rule that would effectively ban cigarettes, it would be a huge win for his working-class coalition," a person close to the Trump administration told Fox News Digital. Fox News Digital's Alec Schemmel contributed to this report. Original article source: Experts reveal Trump's next move could be 'nail in coffin' for Biden-era regulations on nicotine
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Holding paper receipts for just 10 seconds can pose health risks, researchers warn
Health researchers are sounding the alarm about an endocrine disruptor commonly found in paper receipts – and they say it doesn't take long for your hands to absorb the chemical. In an Apr. 14 statement, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced a notice of violation for 32 retailers that allegedly had high levels of Bisphenol S (BPS) in their receipts. In the official notice of violation on April 11, the companies named dozens of national corporations. Men's Multivitamins Recalled Due To Undeclared Allergen: Fda The organization described Bisphenol S (BPS) as the "lesser-known but harmful chemical cousin to BPA in receipt paper," and described the organic compound as "hormone-disrupting." "BPS, like [Bisphenol A] … mimics estrogen and can disrupt the normal functioning of the body, including metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction," the statement said. Read On The Fox News App "Studies show that BPS can be absorbed through skin when handling receipt paper – even for short periods." This Odd Dental Habit Could Spark Heart Health Risks, Experts Warn The statement claimed that holding a BPS-laced receipt for just 10 seconds could have serious health consequences. "Based on these studies and testing by an independent lab, the concentrations were so high that touching only one receipt with BPS for 10 seconds resulted in exposure above the safe harbor level, which requires a clear and reasonable warning to consumers," CEH Science Lead Mihir Vohra said in the press release. CEH stated that a lawsuit will be filed against the alleged violators unless they agree to "provide clear and reasonable warnings" to consumers or "reformulate such products to eliminate the BPS exposures." The retailers will also have to pay an "appropriate civil penalty." The organization advised consumers to decline paper receipts whenever possible. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "Store workers who must handle receipts should wear gloves if possible or avoid using alcohol-based hand cleaners before handling a receipt, because it can significantly increase the absorption of BPS," said CEH Senior Director Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon in the release. "Receipts are made from thermal paper, which shouldn't be recycled because they contain bisphenols like BPA and BPS, which can contaminate the recycling stream and pose health and environmental risks." Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel noted that digital receipts are more prevalent than ever. "We are definitely moving in the direction of digital receipts anyway," the medical expert told Fox News Digital. Siegel also noted that many Americans are exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) without noticing it – for example, it can commonly be found on smartphone cases, despite not being found on iPhones. For more Health articles, visit More research needs to be done on the impact of "forever chemicals" like BPS, the doctor suggested. "Forever chemicals are everywhere and there is a concern about fertility," Siegel cautioned. "We need to do a better job of documenting and limiting exposure." BPS has been scrutinized in recent years over its potential to adversely impact people's health. In 2021, German researchers found that the chemical compound could "seriously damage" human brains after studying its effects on the nerve cells of article source: Holding paper receipts for just 10 seconds can pose health risks, researchers warn
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
First GLP-1 pill for weight loss, diabetes shows success in late-phase trial
Injectables for type 2 diabetes and weight loss could soon be a thing of the past. Eli Lilly announced Thursday the successful completion of a phase 3 trial of Orforglipron – the first small-molecule GLP-1 that is administered as a once-daily oral pill. The ACHIEVE-1 trial evaluated the efficacy of Orforglipron compared to placebo in adults with type 2 diabetes and "inadequate glycemic control with diet and exercise alone." Fake Ozempic Drugs Found In Us Drug Supply, Fda Warns The results showed lowered A1C (blood sugar) in patients by an average of 1.3% to 1.6% across doses, according to a press release. More than 65% of participants taking the highest dose of the drug scored an A1C less than or equal to 6.5%, which is below the defined threshold for diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Read On The Fox News App Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Trial participants also saw reduced weight by an average of 16 pounds, or 7.9%, at the highest dose. Participants had not reached a weight plateau when the study ended, which suggests there was still weight to be lost, according to the researchers. The trial also found that the overall safety and tolerability of the drug was consistent with the classic injectable GLP-1s, like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. If Orforglipron achieves approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Eli Lilly projected its confidence in launching the drug "worldwide without supply constraints." For more Health articles, visit "This would further Lilly's mission to reduce chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, which is expected to impact an estimated 760 million adults by 2050," the pharmaceutical company wrote in its announcement. David A. Ricks, Eli Lilly chair and CEO, commented in a statement, "We are pleased to see that our latest incretin medicine meets our expectations for safety and tolerability, glucose control and weight loss, and we look forward to additional data readouts later this year." "As a convenient once-daily pill, Orforglipron may provide a new option and, if approved, could be readily manufactured and launched at scale for use by people around the world." Eli Lilly intends to submit Orforglipron for weight management to global regulatory agencies by the end of 2025, as well as for type 2 diabetes treatment in 2026, according to the article source: First GLP-1 pill for weight loss, diabetes shows success in late-phase trial
