Latest news with #YellowCard
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MHRA warns women using weight loss jabs must use effective contraception
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned that women using weight loss jabs must use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while on the medication. The regulator says there is not enough safety data to say whether popular glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medicines such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro (tirzepatide) do not harm the developing foetus. The MHRA said it has received 40 reports relating to pregnancy among women taking the jabs via the Yellow Card scheme. This scheme is the MHRA's framework for collecting and monitoring suspected safety concerns of medicines. It also warned that Mounjaro specifically could reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, such as the birth control pill, in those who are overweight. This is because Mounjaro can slow or impair the absorption of oral medications via its affects on gastric emptying, along with side effects of vomiting. Women taking Mounjaro are therefore recommended to also use a non-oral form of contraception, such as condoms and intra-uterine devices (IUDs). The MHRA said this is especially important in the first month after starting the weight loss jab and after any dose increase. Patient leaflets for Wegovy and Mounjaro both highlight pregnancy as a reason to not use the drugs. Women seeking to become pregnant are recommended to stop taking the medications at least two months in advance. The GLP-1RAs are also not licensed to be taken during breastfeeding. The drug leaflets also contain information on contraception usage. The MHRA alert comes as the usage of Wegovy and Mounjaro soar, with fears that patients are not receiving the information, especially those who obtain them through unregulated channels. Global sales for Wegovy reached around $8bn in 2024, while Mounjaro generated $11.5bn. While most patients have prescriptions from a doctor to collect the jabs from a legitimate pharmacy, some have gone to unregulated sellers to acquire the medication. This is because on the UK National Health Service (NHS), GLP-1RAs are only available to people with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 kg/m2 or those with high BMI and accompanying weight-related comorbidities. Unregulated sellers have much lower requirements, meaning patients can sometimes gain access to the medication without seeing a doctor in-person. Those who buy medication in this way are often not fully informed about safety information. In its alert, the MHRA took the opportunity to remind patients that these medicines should not be bought from this category of sellers, which include beauty salons and social media vendors. Over in the US, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been cracking down on online retailers selling unapproved GLP-1RA products. The UK's National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has previously called for tougher rules on GLP-1RAs, explaining that it was aware of patients whose body weight was already low being wrongly prescribed the drugs. The association said that a two-way consultation is needed, rather than filling out online forms. Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA's chief safety officer, said: 'Skinny jabs are medicines licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments. They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way.' "MHRA warns women using weight loss jabs must use effective contraception" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
How stablecoins are rapidly reshaping Africa's money sovereignty
A notable evolution among African governments has been the significant strides in digital asset regulation. Image: File. The recent 2025 Africa CEO Forum marked a turning point in digital finance discussions, as business and policy leaders highlighted the growing role of stablecoins and digital assets in shaping monetary sovereignty, cross-border trade and financial inclusion across the continent. This was according to Gillian Darko, Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card, who noted that while discussions at last year's Africa CEO Forum largely revolved around the speculative potential of blockchain, this year's event marked a decisive shift, from theoretical discourse to strategy-driven implementation. 'In previous years, conversations focused on blockchain's possibilities, but in 2025, the emphasis was on practical applications, particularly in the realms of stablecoins and AI. The discussion revealed that financial innovation, including digital currencies, is increasingly viewed as foundational to governance and public service delivery.' she said. This perspective was reinforced by Ghana's Minister of Communication, Samuel Nartey George, who emphasised that the future of governance must incorporate digital currencies and AI to enhance transparency and efficiency. A tangible reality Darko said that these sentiments resonated across the forum, reinforcing how digital tools have evolved from niche, frontier technologies to central economic instruments, underscoring the fact that stablecoins is not just a theoretical concept. but is already a tangible reality in countries like Nigeria and Ghana and other emerging markets in Africa. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ A notable evolution among African governments has been the significant strides in digital asset regulation. The Bank of Ghana announced that it will commence regulation of stablecoins and digital assets by September 2025, following the draft guidelines issued in August 2024. The finalised framework will introduce licensing requirements, anti-money laundering compliance and joint oversight with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 'This shift reflects a broader trend across Africa, where nations like Ghana and Rwanda are being recognised for their investments in digital infrastructure and policy frameworks. This highlighted that cross-border digital alignments, including AI and digital assets, must be a priority, not a luxury, if African governments want sovereign control over future economic levers,' Darko said. 'The growing consensus is clear: regulations should support innovation, not stifle it. Ghana's approach aligns with this sentiment, ensuring that digital finance remains a tool for transparency, efficiency and economic empowerment rather than an unregulated frontier.' Foundational pillar of sovereignty Given the increased focus on the adoption and regulation of digital assets, stablecoins are quietly emerging as a foundational pillar of sovereignty in Africa. At first glance, stablecoins might seem unrelated to supply chain resilience, but Africa's sovereignty will depend on how it manages its infrastructure, including payments. 'By enabling African companies to transact without relying on volatile local currencies or US dollar dependencies, stablecoins offer a practical solution that aligns seamlessly with Africa's ambitions for seamless intra-continental payments,' Darko added. 'Throughout the Forum, I observed synergies; ways in which this technology could be integrated into broader economic frameworks. The key takeaway remains that Africa must build infrastructure that works for its own unique challenges, rather than adopting external models that don't fit its realities.' She added that, across multiple industries, new thinking continues to emerge on how digital assets can be integrated into practical solutions, reinforcing Africa's financial sovereignty and cross-border efficiency. As these discussions evolve, the question remains: How can different sectors leverage this technology to build resilient, inclusive financial ecosystems? Cater to Africa's tech -savvy youth 'The next phase in this ecosystem must cater to the growing, tech-savvy youth population in Africa, which is building massive businesses and driving economic expansion. Data published by the International Monetary Fund shows that by 2050, one in four people globally will be African, with consumer expenditure projected to reach billions. This demographic shift demands a financial ecosystem that keeps pace with their ambitions,' Darko said. 'As a result, regulation will advance, infrastructure will improve, and digital financial solutions must evolve to support Africa's next economic leap. The foundation has been laid; now it is about scaling it to match the aspirations of a rapidly growing, digitally sophisticated population.' 'The momentum is undeniable as Africa is moving at an unprecedented pace, and witnessing this transformation firsthand is both exciting and inspiring,' Darko said. Gillian Darko, Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card. Image: Supplied.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
How the intersection of fintech, AI and robust infrastructure is shaping the future of finance?
The rapid convergence of fintech, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robust infrastructure is significantly reshaping the global financial landscape, driving efficiency, innovation and inclusivity. Fintech is revolutionising financial services by streamlining transactions and expanding accessibility, while AI empowers industries through automation and predictive analytics. As these technologies intersect, they present an opportunity to tackle global challenges and foster a more interconnected, equitable financial ecosystem. AI has long been an integral part of fintech, enhancing infrastructure behind the scenes through machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision. The latest technology advancements, particularly in AI agents, build upon this solid foundation, significantly amplifying capabilities. Unlike previous technologies confined to narrow functions, modern AI agents serve as specialised virtual experts, seamlessly integrating into specific financial domains. At Yellow Card, for example, we have deployed AI-driven chatbots to support customers around the clock, while biometric and identity verification systems leverage AI to improve efficiency and reduce friction in the user experience. This evolution underscores AI's transformative role in fintech, fostering greater accessibility, security and efficiency, while also decreasing user-experience friction. Transforming fraud-detection strategies Importantly, the evolution of AI agents has transformed organisations' approach to fraud detection, enabling them to deploy specialised Fraud AI Agents trained extensively in institutional AML (Anti-Money Laundering), KYT (Know Your Transaction) and fraud mitigation frameworks. These agents autonomously configure and optimise detection systems with the sophistication that once required years of human analyst expertise. One critical vulnerability in fraud prevention is regression, where companies, over time, deviate from established policies, procedures and rule sets due to code regression or malpractice. AI agents address this challenge not only by performing core detection tasks but also by enforcing quality assurance, ensuring that compliance standards remain consistently upheld. AI infrastructure demands significant investment in specialised hardware to scale effectively and support a growing user base. For financial inclusion to thrive at the intersection of fintech, AI and infrastructure, publicly accessible digital ecosystems must be fostered and promoted. Collaboration drives inclusion Ideally, leading fintech players and the public sector should collaborate to define, develop and sustain open digital infrastructure, ensuring broad access to AI models and agents. A notable early example is the India Stack, which establishes an equitable digital ecosystem through open APIs available to all. True inclusivity requires scalable, cost-effective access enabled through strategic partnerships across fintech, AI and infrastructure sectors, bridging gaps between innovation and accessibility. Greenfield applications of AI, such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and agentic functionality, are still in their formative stages, with notable challenges including hallucinations and unpredictable cost scaling. An often overlooked yet critical concern is intellectual property protection. Fintech firms must exercise caution when integrating AI infrastructure and tools, given the ease with which sensitive company data, such as intellectual property, personally identifiable information, and trade secrets, can be exposed. Strategic approach to AI integration To mitigate risks, organisations must adopt intentional, strategic approaches to AI integration, ensuring that proprietary data remains within internal infrastructure rather than relying on third-party providers like OpenAI. Over the next five years, agentic AI will become deeply embedded in industries, products and workflows worldwide. AI is poised to evolve beyond its current chatbot implementations, replacing existing backend systems, automating workflows and redefining administrative functions. Emerging innovations like Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Agent2Agent Protocol will facilitate even deeper AI integration into existing platforms, establishing a foundation for transformative fintech solutions. A key shift will be the reduced barrier to entry for organisations looking to build in-house AI infrastructure rather than outsourcing to SaaS providers. This trend will empower fintechs to operate more efficiently, increase self-reliance and optimise cost structures, driving a more adaptive, resilient industry.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Thousands of reported reactions to weight-loss jabs, including death
Adverse reactions to weight-loss jabs are set to soar by more than 350% in a single year, according to the latest data. Between January and mid-May 2024, some 2,780 reports of spontaneous suspected adverse drug reactions to semaglutide were reported to the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. This already exceeds the total reported for all of 2023 - when 1,592 reactions were reported to the MHRA's Yellow Card Scheme, to which patients, carers and medics and submit worries. Semaglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it is also increasingly used as a weight-loss jab. Reports for 2024 - which include four fatal reactions - have only been processed up to mid-May. But if trends remain the same, more than 7,200 reactions will be reported - a 357% surge for 2024. It comes after reports of nasty side effects - including eye problems, infections and gastrointestinal disorders - nearly tripled from 2022 to 2023. READ MORE: This Morning's Alison Hammond to make Gogglebox debut with new co-star READ MORE: Britain's Got Talent winner chokes up as she says semi-finalist 'caught my heart' Five years ago, in 2019, just 114 reactions were reported. The data is the latest available from the Yellow Card scheme, run by the MHRA, which recorded 5,500 adverse reactions to semaglutide since 2019, up to mid-May 2024. Most of these were gastrointestinal disorders, with 50 to 59-year-olds the most common age group, with women outnumbering men by more than three to one. For liraglutide, adverse reaction reports appear to have slowed, with just 22 in January to May 2024 , compared to 304 in 2023. The same comparison for tirzepatide is harder to make because it was only approved for use in the UK in November 2023. But there were 209 reports of adverse reactions up until May 2024 - including one fatal. The most common complaint after gastrointestinal disorders was fatigue followed by headaches - but less common reports included increased menstruation bleeding, joint problems and heart rhythm problems. The NHS lists nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps as potential side effects of the injections. Eli Lilly - who make tirzepatide - said: "Patient safety is Lilly's top priority. We take any reports regarding patient safety extremely seriously and actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines. The Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Patient Information Leaflet warns that various gastrointestinal side effects – including nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation – are common or very common side effects. "We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine." According to the Yellow Card website "it is important to note that reported adverse reactions have not been proven to be related to the drug, and should not be interpreted as a list of known side effects". Of the 2,780 reports for adverse reactions to semaglutide in 2024, up to May, 281 were deemed "serious". 2019- 114 2020 - 144 2021 - 336 2022 - 534 2023 - 1592 2024 (up to May 19) - 2780
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top surgeon's warning on hair-loss drug linked to permanent genital changes
One of America's leading surgeons has warned men against taking a hair-loss drug linked to permanent genital side effects. Called finasteride, the medication has been taken by the likes of President Donald Trump, Hollywood stars, as well as millions of other men. But consultant urologist Dr Edward Schaeffer - who treated actor Ben Stiller for prostate cancer - instructs men to avoid the treatment. Dr Schaeffer claimed that finasteride is known to cause impotence and depression in one in ten men. The drug recently sparked headlines after U.S. patients went on record to reveal how taking it had caused their genitals to shrink and develop and usual bend. Now MailOnline can revealed at least 55 British men believe this has happened to them, according to official data from the UK's medicines watchdog. Finasteride was originally developed for men with an enlarged prostate, but it has since become a popular hair-loss treatment. It works by blocking the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a compound thought to cause hair loss by shrinking hair follicles on the scalp. But DHT is also crucial for sexual arousal, erectile function, and genital tissue health, and its reduction. While the drug shows a remarkable ability to promote hair growth, some men have ending up paying a steep price. UK data show there has been a three-fold rise in reports of finasteride causing depression, low libido and erectile dysfunction. According to UK drug safety data, 39 men have reported that their genitals shrank while taking the drug. Another 16 developed Peyronie's disease, when scar tissue forms in the penis causing it to bend or have curvature when erect. The drug has also been linked to 87 cases of suicide, suicide attempts or self-harming behaviour. These suspected side effects were logged under the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card scheme. It allows doctors, pharmacists and patients to report adverse reactions they believe to be caused by drugs used in Britain. Speaking on The Peter Attia Drive Podcast, Dr Schaeffer said he believed about one in 10 men who take the drug may suffer problems with intimacy and mental health. 'The side effects from this post-finasteride syndrome are real,' he said. The duration can be highly variable. Some people will stop the medication, and they'll have resolution within a couple weeks, once the drug washes out. 'But there are people I know who have it permanently.' Dr Schaeffer added that the problems seem to affect both young and older men, though the former are more likely to report issues with lower libido. He also claimed the side-effects are likely linked to how the drug suppress DHT. 'Having that hormone around is critical for just about everything,' he said. In the U.S. 32 complaints regarding finasteride products have been issued to the FDA between 2019 and 2024. Customers have detailed incidents such as erectile dysfunction, anxiety, suicidal ideation, brain fog, depression, fatigue, insomnia, decreased libido and testicular pain after applying the hair-loss drug. Most of the men and women who filed the complaints said these side effects continued to persist even when they stopped using the products. Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a stark warning over the drug warning it may pose a 'potentially serious risk' to men's genitals. According to medics about two to three per cent of patients taking the drug experience sexual function problems, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and reduced ejaculate. One man who detailed the shocking problems he experienced after taking finasteride is former U.S. Army sergeant Mark Millich. Earlier this year he said he took the drug in a bid to cure his baldness but instead found his libido plunged as his genitals shrank and changed shape. 'I got Peyronie's disease, that happened within a month or two after coming off finasteride,' he told the YouTube channel Moral Medicine. His doctors could not say whether the condition was caused by the medication, with Peyronie's often linked to injuries sustained during sex that cause scar tissue to form in the penis. A 2023 study showed that there have been more than 830 reports of 'penile curvature' or Peyronie's disease to the U.S.'s drug monitoring system among finasteride patients. But scientists said the results were 'highly speculative' and 'very questionable', claiming more research was needed to determine whether the drug could cause the condition. Other men have since come out with similar claims - alleging finasteride left them with shrunken or bent penises, burning testicles, and deep emotional scars. UK health authorities urged men on finasteride to be 'vigilant' for possible psychiatric and sexual side effects in April last year.
