The popular medications Ozempic and Saxenda — both made by Novo Nordisk in Denmark — are under investigation after a small number of users experienced an increase in thoughts of suicide and self-harm, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) reported.
Three people reported the symptoms in Iceland — two linked to Ozempic, one to Saxenda — which sparked the EU’s safety review, according to multiple reports.
Both drugs are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, which have the dual effect of controlling blood sugar and aiding in weight loss.
The popular medications Ozempic and Saxenda — both made by Novo Nordisk in Denmark — are under investigation after a small number of users experienced an increase in thoughts of suicide and self-harm. (iStock)
The EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) will also look into whether other GLP-1 medications should be investigated, per reports.
Dr. Marc Siegel, professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, noted that “an association doesn’t prove causality.”
Ozempic, an injectable semaglutide, is marketed for the management of type 2 diabetes. (Getty Images)
“It could have more to do with people who are requesting these drugs in the first place — their obesity or other medical or psychological issues could be occurring at the same time and could be independent,” he told Fox News Digital.
The increased risk of suicidal ideation associated with GLP-1 drugs has been known since the clinical trials, according to Dr. Angela Fitch, co-founder and chief medical officer of knownwell, an in-person and telehealth “weight-inclusive” health care company based in Boston.
“This risk is very small, but increased above placebo,” Fitch told Fox News Digital.
“If you take away the desire to eat and some of the satisfaction of eating, this can be emotionally challenging,” she said.
The increased risk of suicidal ideation associated with GLP-1 drugs has been known since the clinical trials, according to a Boston doctor. (iStock)
In light of this risk, Fitch emphasized the importance of taking these medications as part of a comprehensive chronic disease management plan in a supportive clinic model, so that health care professionals can monitor for side effects, make adjustments in the treatment plan and provide emotional support.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a board-certified neurosurgeon and founder of the preventative health care and anti-aging facility Senolytix in Florida, said he has written thousands of prescriptions for Saxenda and Ozempic without any adverse side effects aside from nausea.
A Novo Nordisk representative released the following statement.
“GLP-1 receptor agonists have been used to treat type-2 diabetes for more than 15 years and for treatment of obesity for eight years, including Novo Nordisk products such as semaglutide and liraglutide that have been in the U.K. market since 2018 and 2009 respectively.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
]]>
BEDTIME BACTERIA – Sheets and pillowcases may have an alarming amount of hidden germs. Continue reading…
SUN SAFETY – Here’s what to know about skin health in summer. Continue reading…
Experts reveal how to detect suspicious spots that may point toward skin cancer — and other tips for skin safety in summertime. (iStock)
INFECTION ALERT – Protect yourself from measles before summer travel. Continue reading…
LIFESAVING POLICIES – Athletes, lawmakers and health experts unite to promote CPR and AED training. Continue reading…
AN EYE ON HEALTH – Recognize, treat and prevent pink eye with these expert tips. Continue reading…
As many as six million children and adults contract pink eye each year. (iStock)
FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS
DOWNLOAD OUR APPS
STREAM FOX NATION
]]>
“Gender dysphoria” is defined as “psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one’s sex assigned at birth and one’s gender identity,” per the American Psychiatric Association.
It’s marked by a “desire and conviction to be the other gender,” said Dr. Ryan Sultan, director of integrative psych and a psychiatry professor at Columbia University in New York, in a statement to Fox News Digital.
INCREASING MAJORITY OF AMERICANS VIEW SEX AS BIOLOGICAL REALITY, NEW POLL REVEALS
Researchers reviewed data between 2017 and 2021 from the TriNetX database, which compiles medical records from multiple health care organizations.
Those who were born female were more likely to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria (58% versus 55% for males).
Females also reported experiencing the disorder at earlier ages than males.
Boys generally enter puberty between 9 and 14 years of age; for girls, it usually begins between 8 and 13, per Cleveland Clinic.
That discrepancy could be part of the reason for girls’ gender dysphoria starting sooner, researchers said.
Those who were born female were more likely to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria (58% versus 55% for males), a new study determined, (iStock)
In terms of why diagnoses are occurring at younger ages for both males and females, researchers said it could be due to “increasing acceptance” and a wider availability of “specialty gender clinics.”
“The decreased mean age of GD suggests less oppression of gender minority youth and increased awareness of gender diversity,” they also wrote.
‘Not a permanent diagnosis’
Gender dysphoria is “not a permanent diagnosis,” the researchers wrote in the journal article.
“It can be expected that gender identity will be fluid for some populations across the lifespan,” said Dr. Zachary Ginder, a psychological consultant and doctor of clinical psychology at Pine Siskin Consulting, LLC in Riverside, California, in a statement to Fox News Digital.
The records from the large research database did not include precise location data, race or ethnicity.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Most of the data stemmed from the United States, and it is not necessarily generalizable to populations outside the country,” said Ginder. “Within the U.S., it can be inferred that state-to-state prevalence data may vary.”
]]>
The agency also expressed a concern that an increase in international travel throughout summer could lead to an uptick of cases.
For treatment of potentially adverse effects, the CDC called for a plan to ensure quick access to intravenous artesunate, the only medication for severe malaria available in the country.
WEST NILE VIRUS SEASON: WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT SPREAD, SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION
Several locally acquired malaria cases have been confirmed in Florida and Texas within the past two months. (iStock)
These are the first locally acquired diagnoses since 2003, the alert stated.
“There is no evidence to suggest the cases in the two states (Florida and Texas) are related,” the CDC announced.
“All patients have received treatment and are improving.”
“Several very promising vaccines are in clinical trials to prevent disease,” Dr. Marc Siegel, based in New York City, told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“It is concerning that there is local transmission because there are many anopheles mosquitoes, especially in this region,” he continued. “However, the chance of sustained spread is very low.”
While Siegel does not believe locally acquired malaria will become a widespread problem, he said the biggest concern is travelers bringing it into the country.
WEST NILE VIRUS CASES, POSITIVE SAMPLES DETECTED ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Symptoms usually begin anywhere from 10 days to four weeks after infection.
Without treatment, severe malaria can lead to seizures, disorientation, renal failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or coma.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Those infected with malaria may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. (iStock)
“Chloriquine is a good prophylaxis [disease prevention] against vivax, and several very promising vaccines are in clinical trials to prevent disease,” Dr. Siegel told Fox News Digital.
For severe cases, intravenous artesunate is the only medication available in the U.S.
Prevention tips
To prevent mosquito-borne illness, the CDC suggests researching the risk of disease for any destination prior to travel.
]]>
As artificial intelligence continues to expand into dental and medical uses, dentists are relying on the technology to quickly and accurately detect and prevent periodontitis, decay, bone loss and other gum health issues.
Now, VideaHealth, a medical technology company in Boston, has created a dental AI platform that is available to 90% of dental practices in the U.S., the company said.
BE WELL: FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY FOR BETTER HEART HEALTH
His company’s system “identifies 43% more cavities and reduces the error rate of misdiagnosis by 50%, and also reduces false positives by 15%,” he said.
“Our analysis enables more accurate diagnoses and better preventative care.”
AI a ‘great equalizer’ for dentists, patients
In addition to enabling faster, more accurate findings, VideaAI also gives dentists the data and confidence to engage better with their patients, Hillen said.
“With the right dental care, the risk of medical complications from diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses can be significantly decreased,” Hillen said.
VideaHealth, a medical technology company in Boston, has created a dental AI platform that’s now available to 90% of dental practices in the U.S. Its CEO, Florian Hillen, is pictured at far right, while second from right is Michael A. Scialabba, DDS, of 42 North Dental, which is using the platform. (VideaHealth)
AI also helps increase patients’ trust by showing them “the complete picture,” Hillen said.
“Today, a lot of dental relationships are asymmetric,” he said. “Patients don’t know if they need the X-rays or the treatment plan — and sometimes they want a treatment they don’t need.”
“You wouldn’t walk around with an infection in your finger — you’d treat it and deal with the issue immediately,” he said.
“With AI, findings are easier to explain to patients, who trust their dentists more — which means patients are more likely to move forward with necessary treatments rather than delay care,” he said.
VideaAI in action
A dental service organization in Boston called 42 North Dental was one of the earliest adopters of the VideaAI tool.
“We’re big believers in technology and aiding our doctors to provide the best care possible,” the company’s chief clinical officer, Boston-based Michael A. Scialabba, DDS, told Fox News Digital.
The practice has also seen its treatment acceptance rates increase by 20%.
“The common misconception is that dentists overdiagnose, but this is not accurate,” Scialabba said.
The practice has also seen its treatment acceptance rates increase by 20%.
AI TECH AIMS TO HELP PATIENTS CATCH DISEASE EARLY, EVEN ‘REVERSE THEIR BIOLOGICAL AGE’
Implementing AI has helped 42 North Dental prevent mistakes, reduce missed diagnoses and improve oral health by detecting cavities and early bone loss, which is an indication of gum disease, Scialabba said.
“This will help drive better overall health and reduce instances of chronic diseases,” he said. “Increasingly, AI in dentistry can help detect and prevent issues ranging from diabetes to cardiovascular disease and early-onset dementia.”
AI IN DENTISTRY: RESEARCHERS FIND THAT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAN CREATE BETTER DENTAL CROWNS
He added, “This approach puts more control into the hands of patients, so they can make the smartest and most meaningful decision for their oral care.”
More than a year after implementing VideaAI, 42 North Dental is now in the process of rolling out the tech to all of its locations.
“At the end of the day, it’s a combination of AI and using human experience — a tool for the dentists to use,” he added.
“The clinical experience and insights dental professionals bring to the table cannot be underestimated, but the AI offers objective, consistent observations to consider when making their decisions and recommendations,” he added.
]]>
Created by Novo Nordisk, the same company that makes Ozempic and Wegovy, the new drug just completed its Phase 3 clinical trials. The results were announced on Sunday at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Session in Los Angeles, California.
The oral medication, which is indicated for type 2 diabetes or weight loss for patients with obesity, would provide an alternative to people who are not open to getting injections.
WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS OZEMPIC AND WEGOVY: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU STOP TAKING THEM
“Our focus has been primarily on people with diabetes, but it turns out that the vast majority of people with type 2 diabetes also have obesity,” Gabbay explained.
“So having a medication that can address a central issue for people with diabetes is really important — especially for those who are somewhat resistant to or concerned about doing an injection.”
DOCTORS URGE CAUTION ON DIABETES DRUGS FOR WEIGHT LOSS AFTER STUDY HIGHLIGHTS SIDE EFFECTS
“They could have [had] pre-diabetes, but they were not allowed to be enrolled in the trial if they had type 2 diabetes.”
The average amount lost by the patients was 44 pounds.
In addition to helping with weight loss, the semaglutide medication can also help to reduce cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes, Gabbay noted.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“For those people who are at high risk or [who] already have cardiovascular disease, the parent drug has been shown to reduce mortality, and there’s no reason to expect that this wouldn’t be the case with the oral version,” he told Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We’re pleased to see that there are new options for people with diabetes and obesity,” Gabbay said.
“Having something that is orally available should increase the number of people who can benefit from these kinds of treatments.”
]]>
AI FAIL – Find out how a chatbot flunked a public health crisis test. Continue reading…
AGING ANTIDOTE? – Daily multivitamins could strengthen memory in older adults. Continue reading…
Adults over age 60 who want to stave off memory loss could benefit from taking a daily multivitamin supplement, suggests a recent study. (iStock)
CRUSHING CANCER – Two new drugs may transform cancer care. Continue reading…
‘UNHEALTHY’ AIR – Canadian wildfire smoke could cause chronic exposure. Continue reading…
BEAT THE HEAT – Stay hydrated in summer with these expert tips. Continue reading…
To help you stay hydrated in the heat, an expert shared some tips and warning signs in an original interview with Fox News Digital. (iStock)
FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS
DOWNLOAD OUR APPS
STREAM FOX NATION
]]>
To help you stay hydrated in the heat, Dr. Sanjai M. Thankachen, a psychiatrist and physician in Fountain Valley, California, shared some tips and warning signs in an interview with Fox News Digital.
In the summer, the heat causes the body to sweat more in order to regulate temperature. This leads to a loss of vital fluids, which can create dehydration, he said.
STAYING HYDRATED MAY LOWER RISK OF HEART FAILURE, STUDY SAYS
Up to 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration, per multiple studies — which becomes even more dangerous amid summer temperatures. (iStock)
Heat exhaustion happens first — this is when excess sweating causes the body to lose large amounts of water and salt, per Healthline.
Signs of heat exhaustion include weakness, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, a weak but faster pulse, and pale, cold or clammy skin, per Healthline.
TINA TURNER SUFFERED FROM KIDNEY DISEASE BEFORE HER DEATH: ‘I HAVE PUT MYSELF IN GREAT DANGER’
“Inadequate hydration can increase the risk of kidney stones or urinary tract infections,” Thankachen warned.
Some early signs of dehydration include thirst, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, dry lips and dark urine. (iStock)
Dehydration can also lead to low blood pressure and imbalances with electrolytes, which can lead to lightheadedness, fainting, irregular heartbeat and other complications, the doctor said.
Why you should avoid alcohol in the heat
As tempting as it might be to enjoy a margarita at the pool, alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body, making it potentially dangerous on hot summer days.
Water is the best and most effective way to hydrate, followed by drinks that are rich in electrolytes and don’t contain added sugars, experts say. (iStock)
“When you consume alcohol, your body produces more urine than normal, which leads to dehydration,” he said.
“Alcohol can also impair the release of vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, which helps regulate water balance in the body.”
Dehydration from alcohol specifically includes such symptoms as thirst, fatigue, irritability, confusion and headache, the doctor said.
We’ve all heard the age-old guidance to drink eight cups of water a day, but the amount each person needs will depend on many factors, such as age, weight, activity level, climate and existing health conditions, per Cleveland Clinic.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Monitoring the color of your urine is one way to check hydration levels. Darker urine is a sign of dehydration, while clear or light-colored urine indicates that you’re drinking the right amount.
]]>
James, 35, was discovered by her husband, who rushed her to the emergency room.
The influencer immediately had brain surgery and a C-section to deliver her baby.
Twelve days later, and after a total of five brain procedures, James remains in a medically induced coma, according to GoFundMe.
Social media influencer Jackie Miller James, shown here, is lucky to be alive, her sisters noted. They said that “if Jackie and the baby arrived a few minutes later at the hospital, we likely would have lost both of them.” (@jaxandrose/Instagram)
Since the incident, James’ husband and family have remained with her at the hospital, per GoFundMe.
There, “they are navigating taking care of a newborn in the ICU while fighting to keep Jackie alive.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the family for comment via the GoFundMe and Instagram accounts.
She and her husband, Austin James, were married in California in April 2022 after meeting on a dating app, according to a post she shared on Instagram.
What to know about brain aneurysms
A brain aneurysm occurs when a “bulge or ballooning” forms at a weak spot in one of the blood vessels in the brain, which can look like “a berry hanging on a stem,” per the Mayo Clinic’s website.
If the aneurysm ruptures, it causes bleeding in the brain, also known as an intracranial hemorrhage.
Brain aneurysms are more common in women than men.
Aneurysms are most common between the ages of 30 and 60. Women are more prone to them than men.
Jackie Miller James “is expected to remain in the ICU for weeks and will continue to be hospitalized for months,” her sisters wrote. (@jaxandrose/Instagram)
Most unruptured aneurysms don’t cause symptoms and don’t require treatment. An aneurysm that is leaking or has burst requires emergency surgery.
What to know about brain aneurysms during pregnancy
For pregnant women, aneurysms have a high mortality rate for both mother and fetus, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center.
This type of bleeding occurs in the space below one of the thin membranes covering the brain.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs more often in the last trimester of pregnancy, which “can lead to a fatal outcome in the mother and the fetus,” per the study findings.
“She is still likely not out of the woods,” Siegel said of James. “Mortality can occur after.”
“While the road will be long, we are committed to bringing Jackie home to her daughter and husband,” they added.
]]>
“Medical gaslighting” is a term used to describe the situation in which patients — often young individuals, women and minorities — feel their symptoms are inappropriately dismissed or labeled as psychological when they go to see a doctor.
The term “gaslighting” originates from a 1938 play about a diabolical husband who plots to drive his wife insane through treacherous mind games.
TINA TURNER SUFFERED FROM KIDNEY DISEASE BEFORE HER DEATH: ‘I HAVE PUT MYSELF IN GREAT DANGER’
Mira helps women conceive with a home fertility tracker that provides personalized insights into menstrual cycles to maximize the chances of getting pregnant.
Some 65% of American women felt that their doctor dismissed, ignored or minimized the severity of their medical concerns.
The survey also found that female millennials felt especially impacted, with 72% feeling ignored or dismissed by doctors, per a press release on Mira’s website.
Medical gaslighting is not new
In 1977, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that reproductive-age women be excluded from early clinical drug trials.
There was a concern that the studies could potentially harm the fetuses of pregnant women and that hormonal changes during pregnancy would complicate the study’s results, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Research shows there’s still a gender gap in how providers are evaluating women compared to men.
“Experiencing medical gaslighting throughout my fertility journey was deeply disheartening, especially as a woman with hormonal imbalance and a higher BMI [body mass index] who sought to be well-informed and actively participate in my own care,” Kristy P., 33, a member of the Mira community who lives in Orlando, Florida, told Fox News Digital.
She said she felt “disregarded and frustrated” when her providers immediately pushed for invasive procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) — solely based on her weight — rather than considering alternative treatment options based on her individual circumstances.
Some experts suggest bringing a loved one along to a medical appointment to avoid feeling discounted by health professionals. (iStock)
One example of how some providers may not consider differences in symptoms between genders has to do with chest pain.
“But women may experience other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attack, such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain,” the association noted on its website.
More women die from the condition compared to all types of cancer combined, per the American Heart Association.
‘A powerful reminder’
Some experts suggest bringing a loved one along to an appointment to avoid feeling discounted by health professionals.
“Women have the power to speak up and challenge dismissive attitudes in health care to receive the care they deserve,” Moore said.
By simply talking to and examining patients, doctors can make the proper diagnosis without performing any further testing in 80% of cases, according to multiple studies.
Many doctors work hard to follow this practice — but some patients feel a subset can do better.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“As women are diagnosed an average of four years later than men, there is no shame in asserting yourself by asking plenty of questions, expressing any concerns and seeking second opinions when your gut tells you something is off,” she said.
]]>