The nationwide shortages of Adderall that began in fall 2022 have brought renewed attention to the beleaguered drug, which is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Adderall became a…
Category: Humans
The FDA’s rule change requiring providers to inform women about breast density could lead to a flurry of questions
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalized a regulation in early March 2023 that updates mammography reporting requirements. The new regulation goes into effect on Sept. 10, 2024, and will…
Deadly fungus Candida auris is spreading across US hospitals
In late March 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted the threat posed by a rapidly spreading fungus called Candida auris that is causing infections and deaths…
Eating disorders among teens have more than doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic – here’s what to watch for
The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with worsening mental health among teens, including increasing numbers of patients with eating disorders. In fact, research indicates that the number of teens with…
Unconscious biases continue to hold back women in medicine, but research shows how to fight them and get closer to true equity and inclusion
If you work at a company, university or large organization, you’ve probably sat through a required training session meant to fight gender and racial discrimination in the workplace. Employers increasingly…
FDA approval of over-the-counter Narcan is an important step in the effort to combat the US opioid crisis
On March 29, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan for over-the-counter sale. Narcan is the 4-milligram nasal spray version of naloxone, a medication that can quickly counteract…
What is xylazine? A medical toxicologist explains how it increases overdose risk, and why Narcan can still save a life
The White House officially designated fentanyl adulterated with xylazine as an emerging threat to the U.S. on Apr. 12, 2023. Earlier, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration issued a warning on…
Gender-affirming care has a long history in the US – and not just for transgender people
In 1976, a woman from Roanoke, Virginia, named Rhoda received a prescription for two drugs: estrogen and progestin. Twelve months later, a local reporter noted Rhoda’s surprisingly soft skin and…
