Overview of: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Statins: very infrequent reports of myasthenia gravis.Drug Safety Update 2023;17(2):1.
Overview of: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Statins: very infrequent reports of myasthenia gravis.Drug Safety Update 2023;17(2):1.
Overview of:Dequin PF, Meziani F, Quenot JP, et al. Hydrocortisone in severe community-acquired pneumonia. N Engl J Med 2023;388:1931-41.
Overview of: Nissen SE, Lincoff AM, Brennan D, et al. Bempedoic acid and cardiovascular outcomes in statin-intolerant patients. N Engl J Med 2023;388:1353-64.
Semaglutide (▼Ozempic solution for injection, ▼Rybelsus tablets-Novo Nordisk) was initially granted market authorisation for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. In 2021 and 2022, regulatory agencies in the USA and Europe licensed semaglutide (▼Wegovy solution for injection-Novo Nordisk) for the treatment of individuals who are obese, or overweight and who have at least one weight-related comorbidity. Manufacturer-sponsored randomised controlled trials have shown a loss of almost 12% of body weight over a 68-week period, however, once the medication is stopped people regain most of their pretreatment weight. Gastrointestinal adverse events occur commonly with semaglutide, and pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy and severe allergic reactions have also been reported. Extensive hype in social and general media has resulted in increased demand for semaglutide leading to supply problems across the various licensed products including those used for treatment of diabetes. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended semaglutide as an option for weight management for a maximum treatment duration of 2 years. Further studies are underway to assess the effect of semaglutide on longer-term health benefits.
Overview of: Vasilevskis EE, Shah AS, Hollingsworth EK, et al. deprescribing medications among older adults from end of hospitalization through postacute care: a Shed-MEDS randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med 2023;183:223-31.
Overview of: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Methotrexate: advise patients to take precautions in the sun to avoid photosensitivity reactions. Drug Safety Update 2023;17:2.