Tag

Off Label Use

All articles tagged with #off label use

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Bring Big Benefits, New Risks as Trials Accelerate
health6 days ago

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Bring Big Benefits, New Risks as Trials Accelerate

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs show benefits beyond shedding pounds, including reduced inflammation, potential arthritis relief, and cardiovascular improvements, and may even curb alcohol cravings. However, they carry risks such as vitamin deficiencies, loss of eating enjoyment (hedonia), reduced appetite for food, and muscle/bone loss during weight loss, especially in frail patients. Off-label use in people who are not overweight poses safety concerns. A new triple-agonist drug, retatrutide, may deliver 25–30% weight loss—similar to bariatric surgery—but brings more side effects and is in Phase 3 trials, with potential approval in the coming years. Long-term success depends on continued use with diet/exercise; stopping reverses effects and weight tends to rebound.

Clancy Trial Sparks Debate Over Seroquel as Sleep Aid
us-news11 days ago

Clancy Trial Sparks Debate Over Seroquel as Sleep Aid

During Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial, testimony spotlighted Seroquel, prescribed off-label to treat insomnia and later mood symptoms, prompting questions about safety, sleepwalking risks, and the broader practice of using powerful antipsychotics for sleep. Experts cautioned that sleep with such meds isn’t restorative and highlighted potential adverse effects, while the defense and prosecutors scrutinized whether prescribed drugs influenced her mental state as she had discontinued Seroquel weeks before the killings.

Off-Label GLP-1s Are Redefining PCOS Care, But Long-Term Use and Access Remain Unclear
health13 days ago

Off-Label GLP-1s Are Redefining PCOS Care, But Long-Term Use and Access Remain Unclear

An increasing number of women with PCOS/PMOS are using off-label GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic to address insulin resistance and metabolic symptoms, with many reporting improved cycles and weight loss; some studies also show higher pregnancy rates when GLP-1s are added to metformin. Yet there is no FDA-approved PMOS indication, insurance coverage is inconsistent and costly, and long-term durability of benefit and optimal treatment duration remain under study; guidelines still emphasize lifestyle changes and metformin as first-line therapy, while patient experiences and online communities highlight a gap between care and what patients are seeking.

The OTC Antihistamine + Pepcid Duo People Say Helps Perimenopause and PMDD
health3 months ago

The OTC Antihistamine + Pepcid Duo People Say Helps Perimenopause and PMDD

Some women report that a daily mix of over-the-counter antihistamines (like Allegra or Zyrtec) and Pepcid AC eases perimenopause and PMDD symptoms, with improvements in brain fog, sleep, and mood. Medical experts say the idea is biologically plausible given histamine and mast-cell involvement during hormonal changes, but there are no robust clinical trials validating this off-label use. Experiences vary, and concerns include potential nutrient absorption issues and weight effects from Pepcid and antihistamines. More research and clinician guidance are needed.

Rising Gabapentin Prescriptions Highlight Hidden Risks
health10 months ago

Rising Gabapentin Prescriptions Highlight Hidden Risks

Gabapentin, a widely prescribed medication originally for seizures and nerve pain, has seen a significant rise in use, often prescribed off-label, raising concerns about its safety profile, including side effects, serious allergic reactions, breathing issues, and potential for misuse and mental health impacts. Patients and doctors should be aware of these hidden dangers and monitor for adverse symptoms.

GLP-1 Drugs: Promising Benefits and Unmet Expectations
health1 year ago

GLP-1 Drugs: Promising Benefits and Unmet Expectations

GLP-1 drugs, initially approved for obesity and diabetes, show potential for treating a wide range of health conditions, but their high costs, limited FDA approval for uses beyond current indications, and significant side effects raise concerns. Ongoing research and development aim to expand their applications, possibly in pill form, but more safety data and regulatory approval are needed before they can be widely used for other health issues.

The Rise and Risks of Ozempic and Digital Weight Loss Trends
health1 year ago

The Rise and Risks of Ozempic and Digital Weight Loss Trends

The off-label use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro for weight loss is rapidly expanding across Europe, driven by social media hype, private demand, and regulatory gaps, leading to a booming black market and raising public health concerns, with countries experiencing significant increases in spending and usage despite limited reimbursement and strict regulations.

Tragic Death: Weight Loss Injections Claim Australian Mom's Life Before Daughter's Wedding
health2 years ago

Tragic Death: Weight Loss Injections Claim Australian Mom's Life Before Daughter's Wedding

An Australian woman, Trish Webster, died after taking Ozempic, an anti-diabetic drug known for inducing weight loss, in an attempt to slim down for her daughter's wedding. Despite not having diabetes, Trish obtained a prescription for the drug after learning about its weight loss side effects. She experienced severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea while taking the drug and eventually died from acute gastrointestinal illness. Ozempic, approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, is increasingly being prescribed off-label for weight loss. The manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, emphasizes that the drug is not indicated for chronic weight management and patient safety is a top priority. Celebrities like Sharon Osbourne and Amy Schumer have openly discussed their use of Ozempic for weight loss, while others like Sophie Turner and Chelsea Handler have criticized the drug's advertisements.

The Controversial Rise of Ketamine as a Treatment for Pain and Depression
health2 years ago

The Controversial Rise of Ketamine as a Treatment for Pain and Depression

Ketamine, a decades-old surgical drug, is experiencing a surge in prescriptions as a treatment for pain, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. The increase in its use is driven by for-profit clinics and telehealth services, despite limited research on its effectiveness and significant safety and abuse risks. Some experts fear that the U.S. may be repeating the mistakes that led to the opioid crisis by overprescribing a drug with questionable benefits. Ketamine's psychedelic effects and potential for side effects, such as hallucinations and visual disturbances, raise concerns. The booming industry lacks regulation, and compounded versions of ketamine are being used without FDA approval. While there is evidence for ketamine's use in depression, its effectiveness for pain treatment is uncertain.

"Exploring the Potential of Ketamine as a Revolutionary Pain Treatment"
healthcare2 years ago

"Exploring the Potential of Ketamine as a Revolutionary Pain Treatment"

Ketamine, a decades-old surgical drug now used as a psychedelic therapy, is increasingly being prescribed for hard-to-treat pain, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. However, there is limited research on its effectiveness against pain, and experts are concerned about the potential for overprescribing a drug with significant safety and abuse risks. Patients receiving ketamine have reported side effects such as hallucinations and visual disturbances, and it has not been shown to reduce opioid prescribing. The booming ketamine industry, fueled by venture capital investors, for-profit clinics, and telehealth services, operates in a regulatory "wild west" with little oversight.

health2 years ago

The Rise of Ketamine as an Unregulated Pain Treatment

Ketamine, a decades-old surgical drug known for its psychedelic effects, is increasingly being prescribed as a treatment for hard-to-treat pain, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. However, there is limited research on its effectiveness against pain, and some experts are concerned about the potential for overprescribing a drug with significant safety and abuse risks. Patients receiving ketamine have reported side effects such as hallucinations and visual disturbances, and it has not been shown to reduce opioid prescribing rates. The booming ketamine industry, driven by for-profit clinics and telehealth services, has led to shortages of manufactured ketamine and a rise in compounded versions. While there is more evidence for ketamine's use in depression, its use for pain is not well-supported by scientific literature. The current regulatory landscape is described as a "wild west," with little oversight over prescribing practices and compounded versions of ketamine.