Indigestion

No, taking drugs like Ozempic isn’t ‘cheating’ at weight loss or the ‘easy way out’

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
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Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight.

Key Points: 
  • Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight.
  • As demand for semaglutide increases, so are claims that taking it is “cheating” at weight loss or the “easy way out”.
  • We don’t tell people who need statin medication to treat high cholesterol or drugs to manage high blood pressure they’re cheating or taking the easy way out.

How does it work?

  • GLP-1 gets secreted by cells in your gut when it detects increased nutrient levels after eating.
  • GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications like Ozempic help the body’s own GLP-1 work better by mimicking and extending its action.
  • Read more:
    The rise of Ozempic: how surprise discoveries and lizard venom led to a new class of weight-loss drugs

What can users expect? What does the research say?

  • Higher doses of semaglutide are prescribed to treat obesity compared to type 2 diabetes management (up to 2.4mg versus 2.0mg weekly).
  • A large group of randomised controlled trials, called STEP trials, all tested weekly 2.4mg semaglutide injections versus different interventions or placebo drugs.
  • Trials lasting 1.3–2 years consistently found weekly 2.4 mg semaglutide injections led to 6–12% greater weight loss compared to placebo or alternative interventions.
  • Weight reduction due to semaglutide also leads to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of about 4.8 mmHg and 2.5 mmHg respectively, a reduction in triglyceride levels (a type of blood fat) and improved physical function.
  • Another recent trial in adults with pre-existing heart disease and obesity, but without type 2 diabetes, found adults receiving weekly 2.4mg semaglutide injections had a 20% lower risk of specific cardiovascular events, including having a non-fatal heart attack, a stroke or dying from cardiovascular disease, after three years follow-up.

Who is eligible for semaglutide?

  • Australia’s regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has approved semaglutide, sold as Ozempic, for treating type 2 diabetes.
  • The TGA has approved Wegovy to treat obesity but it’s not currently available in Australia.

What else do you need to do during Ozempic treatment?

  • In addition to taking medication, people had brief lifestyle counselling sessions with dietitians or other health professionals every four weeks as a minimum in most trials.
  • The aim of these trials was to show the effect of adding the medication on top of other lifestyle counselling.


A review of obesity medication trials found people reported they needed less cognitive behaviour training to help them stick with the reduced energy intake. This is one aspect where drug treatment may make adherence a little easier. Not feeling as hungry and having environmental food cues “switched off” may mean less support is required for goal-setting, self-monitoring food intake and avoiding things that trigger eating.

But what are the side effects?

  • In on study these led to discontinuation of medication in 6% of people, but interestingly also in 3% of people taking placebos.
  • More severe side-effects included gallbladder disease, acute pancreatitis, hypoglycaemia, acute kidney disease and injection site reactions.
  • Here are some potential risks and benefits

    To reduce risk or severity of side-effects, medication doses are increased very slowly over months.

  • Health, Meat and Livestock Australia, and Greater Charitable Foundation.
  • She has consulted to SHINE Australia, Novo Nordisk, Quality Bakers, the Sax Institute, Dietitians Australia and the ABC.

Phathom Pharmaceuticals Launches Direct-to-Consumer Campaign, “VOQUEZNA Can Kick Some Acid”

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
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FLORHAM PARK, N.J., March 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PHAT), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, today announces the launch of its new broadcast ad and full-scale, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) campaign, “VOQUEZNA Can Kick Some Acid,” to raise awareness of its powerful first-in-class treatment and encourage people to speak to their doctor about this new treatment option. VOQUEZNA (vonoprazan) is indicated for the healing and maintenance of healing of all severities of Erosive Esophagitis (EE), also referred to as Erosive GERD, and for the relief of related heartburn. VOQUEZNA represents the first major innovation to the U.S. Erosive GERD market in over 30 years.1

Key Points: 
  • The campaign will also be featured on consumer-facing platforms across Facebook, Instagram, waiting room TVs in doctor offices, and digital banner ads.
  • “Phathom is excited to launch our first campaign directly to, and for, the people whose lives we strive to improve every day.
  • To view a video of the “VOQUEZNA Can Kick Some Acid” commercial, click here.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about the possibility of fundic gland polyps if you have been on VOQUEZNA for a long time.

 Bristol Myers Squibb Presents New Pooled Interim Long-Term Safety and Metabolic Outcomes Data from the EMERGENT Program Evaluating KarXT in Schizophrenia at the 2024 Annual Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Health, Mental Health, BMY, Circulatory system, Head, Xerostomia, SIRS, Schizophrenia, Xanomeline, Dizziness, Glycated hemoglobin, Extrapyramidal symptoms, Weight gain, Patient, Syndrome, Constipation, Diarrhea, Bristol Myers Squibb, MD, Nature, Congress, Indigestion, Nausea, Prolactin, Safety, Vomiting, BMI, Schizophrenia International Research Society, Hypertension, Pharmaceutical industry

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced interim long-term safety, tolerability and metabolic outcomes data from its Phase 3 EMERGENT program evaluating KarXT (xanomeline-trospium) in adults with schizophrenia.

Key Points: 
  • Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced interim long-term safety, tolerability and metabolic outcomes data from its Phase 3 EMERGENT program evaluating KarXT (xanomeline-trospium) in adults with schizophrenia.
  • “These long-term safety results and metabolic outcomes from the EMERGENT program are extremely encouraging, allowing us to further understand the tolerability profile of KarXT in people living with schizophrenia,” said Roland Chen , MD, senior vice president and head, Immunology, Cardiovascular and Neuroscience development, Bristol Myers Squibb.
  • In the pooled analysis, KarXT demonstrated a favorable impact on weight and long-term metabolic profile where most patients experienced stability or improvements on key metabolic parameters over 52 weeks of treatment.
  • In the long-term studies, KarXT was generally well-tolerated across 52 weeks of treatment, with a side effect profile consistent with prior trials of KarXT in schizophrenia.

Advisory - Only use authorized nicotine pouches as directed, and do not use unauthorized nicotine pouches

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Palpitations, Varenicline, Chest pain, Xerostomia, Dizziness, Weakness, Caregiver, Nervous, Indigestion, Sleep, Risk, Headache, NPN, Health, Nicotine, Angina, Internet, Stroke, Constipation, Smoke, Death, Heartburn, Health Canada, Arrhythmia, Nausea, Medicine, Nursing, Safety, Fatigue, Vomiting, Blurred vision, Allergy, Parent, Chronic pain, Advertising, Tobacco

Consuming multiple nicotine products at the same time, including authorized nicotine replacement therapy products, or varenicline (a prescription smoking cessation drug), may increase the adverse effects of nicotine.

Key Points: 
  • Consuming multiple nicotine products at the same time, including authorized nicotine replacement therapy products, or varenicline (a prescription smoking cessation drug), may increase the adverse effects of nicotine.
  • Use authorized nicotine pouches only as directed:
    To date, Health Canada has authorized only one nicotine pouch , containing 4 mg of nicotine per dose.
  • Nicotine replacement therapies, including nicotine pouches, are not authorized for recreational use or for use by nonsmokers and people under 18 years old.
  • There are no authorized nicotine pouches in Canada that contain more than 4 mg of nicotine per dose.

Herbal medicinal product: Boldi foliumArray, C: ongoing call for scientific data

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Allergy, Ascending cholangitis, Committee, Monograph, Boldo, Liver disease, Inflammation, Bile, Gallstone, Date, Mouth, Patient, Medicine, Indigestion, Herbal medicine, Water, Dietary supplement

Overview

Key Points: 
  • Overview
    This is a summary of the scientific conclusions reached by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) on the medicinal uses of boldo leaf.
  • The HMPC conclusions are taken into account by EU Member States when evaluating applications for the licensing of herbal medicines containing boldo leaf.
  • Herbal medicines containing these boldo leaf preparations are usually available as herbal tea to be drunk and in solid forms to be taken by mouth.
  • Boldo leaf preparations may also be found in combination with other herbal substances in some herbal medicines.

Herbal medicinal product: Silybi mariani fructusArray, F: Assessment finalised

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Gastrointestinal disease, Allergy, Committee, Monograph, Fruit, Asteraceae, Ethanol, Acetone, Liver, Sensation, Asthma, Plant, Skin, Nausea, Date, Mouth, Diarrhea, Patient, Medicine, Headache, Physiology, Indigestion, Methanol, Herbal medicine, Xerostomia, Dietary supplement

Herbal medicinal product: Silybi mariani fructusArray, F: Assessment finalised

Key Points: 


Herbal medicinal product: Silybi mariani fructusArray, F: Assessment finalised

FDA Approves First Treatment to Reduce Risk of Serious Heart Problems Specifically in Adults with Obesity or Overweight

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Research, Heartburn, Blood, Diet, Cholesterol, Dietary supplement, Obesity, Dizziness, Pancreatitis, Vomiting, Health care, History, Thyroid cancer, Fatigue, Hypoglycemia, Acute kidney injury, Depression, Patient, Kidney disease, Abdominal distension, Burping, Cosmetics, Cardiovascular disease, Suicide, Weight, Stroke, Nausea, Diabetic retinopathy, Pancreas, Insulin, Blood pressure, Multimedia, Overweight, Diarrhea, Novo Nordisk, Vaccine, Safety, Heated tobacco product, Indigestion, Heart, Human services, Priority review, Division, Headache, Inflammation, FDA, Food, Weight loss, Thought, Heart rate, Gallstone, Risk, Animal, Allergy, Constipation, Death, Flatulence, Public

"This patient population has a higher risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke.

Key Points: 
  • "This patient population has a higher risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke.
  • Providing a treatment option that is proven to lower this cardiovascular risk is a major advance for public health."
  • Obesity or overweight affect approximately 70% of American adults.
  • Obesity and overweight are serious health issues that increase the risk for premature death and a variety of health problems, including heart attack and stroke.

Herbal medicinal product: Cimicifugae rhizomaArray, C: ongoing call for scientific data

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 16, 2024
Woman, Committee, Ethanol, Liver, Skin, Nausea, Vomiting, Date, Mouth, Urinary system, Safety, Somatic symptom disorder, Diarrhea, Itch, Rash, Patient, Medicine, Urine, Indigestion, Extremities, Herbal medicine, Fatigue, Face, Perspiration

Overview

Key Points: 
  • Overview
    This is a summary of the scientific conclusions reached by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) on the medicinal uses of black cohosh.
  • The HMPC conclusions are taken into account by EU Member States when evaluating applications for the licensing of herbal medicines containing black cohosh.
  • Black cohosh preparations may also be found in combination with other herbal substances in some herbal medicines.
  • - Therapeutic area
    - Urinary tract and genital disorders
    - Status
    - C: ongoing call for scientific data
    - Date added to the inventory
    - Date added to priority list
    - Outcome of European assessment
    - European Union herbal monograph

Phathom Pharmaceuticals Announces VOQUEZNA® (vonoprazan) Tablets for Erosive GERD and Associated Heartburn Added to Express Scripts National Formularies for Commercial Patients

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Urinary tract infection, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Research, Heartburn, Toxicity, Magnesium, Polyp, Liver, CYP, CGA, Achlorhydria, Esophagitis, Patient, PBM, Vitamin B12, Vonoprazan, Kidney, Spine, Lactation, Absorption, Hypokalemia, SCAR, Calcium, Express Scripts, TIN, Endoscopy, Tablet, Express, Magnesium deficiency, Hypocalcemia, Diarrhea, Hypersensitivity, Physician, Gastritis, Malabsorption, GERD, PPI, Hypertension, SJS, Enzyme inhibitor, EGFR, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, Indigestion, Nelfinavir, Clostridioides, Abdominal pain, Hip, Pharmacy, Enzyme, Glomus tumor, FDA, CDAD, Atazanavir, Risk, BMJ Open, Wrist, Drug, Impairment, Pharmaceutical industry

Given that most Erosive GERD patients have already undergone treatment with a PPI, and many continue to express dissatisfaction with their current regimens, we are pleased with this outcome.

Key Points: 
  • Given that most Erosive GERD patients have already undergone treatment with a PPI, and many continue to express dissatisfaction with their current regimens, we are pleased with this outcome.
  • doi:10.1136/ bmjgast-2022-000941
    VOQUEZNA® (vonoprazan) is a potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) indicated:
    for the healing of all grades of Erosive Esophagitis (Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or Erosive GERD) and relief of heartburn associated with Erosive GERD in adults.
  • for the maintenance of healing of all grades of Erosive GERD and relief of heartburn associated with Erosive GERD in adults.
  • Renal Impairment: For the healing of Erosive GERD, dosage reduction is recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR

It’s time for a heart-to-heart about women’s cardiovascular health, unique risk factors and symptoms

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, February 11, 2024
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Cardiovascular disease — also called heart disease — is a condition affecting the heart and blood vessels, and is the leading cause of death among women worldwide.

Key Points: 
  • Cardiovascular disease — also called heart disease — is a condition affecting the heart and blood vessels, and is the leading cause of death among women worldwide.
  • In fact, a women dies of heart disease every 20 minutes in Canada.
  • Although cardiovascular disease is often considered a disease of men, women are more likely to die from a heart attack when compared with men.

Women’s hearts are different

  • From the outside, women’s hearts may look the same as men’s, but there are important differences.
  • Specifically, women experience unique events over the course of their lifespan which may impact their cardiovascular health.
  • Pregnancy complications, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes, can also play a role in cardiovascular health.

Heart attack symptoms

  • Early heart attack symptoms are missed in up to 78 per cent of women, in part related to the fact that women may present with different symptoms than men.
  • An awareness of the differences in heart attack symptoms may lead to improved recognition and timely care for women.

Reducing heart risks

  • There are many steps that you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease.
  • Living free from commercial tobacco and vaping, reducing alcohol intake and managing stress are also key ways to reduce your risk.

Wear red and learn more

  • On Feb. 13, we invite you to celebrate Wear Red Canada to raise awareness for women’s cardiovascular health, hosted by the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance and the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre.
  • Attend free presentations and webinars by Canadian experts, join the Wear Red Canada Movement Challenge and take part in local events.


Nabilah Gulamhusein has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through the Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master’s. Sandi Dumanski receives funding from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society and the Kidney Foundation.