Tag

Overdoses

All articles tagged with #overdoses

health9 days ago•26 min saved

US death rate hits record low as overdoses and COVID deaths fall

New CDC data show the US death rate dropped to a record low of 689.2 deaths per 100,000 in 2025, a 4.6% decline driven mainly by continued falls in fatal overdoses and COVID-19 deaths across most age groups and demographics; however, deaths from influenza and pneumonia rose to move into the top 10 causes of death for the first time since 2020, while Black Americans have the highest death rate and men die at higher rates than women, indicating broad improvements across most groups but ongoing disparities.

via New York Post|

#cdc #covid-19 #death-rate

health9 days ago•19 min saved

U.S. death rate hits record low as overdose deaths decline

Provisional CDC data show the U.S. death rate fell to a record low last year, helped by fewer overdose deaths, while flu and pneumonia rose to become the eighth-leading cause of death; heart disease and cancer remain the top killers.

via The Washington Post|

#cdc #death-rates #flu

health24 days ago•373 min saved

First fentanyl vaccine shows early promise in humans

An experimental fentanyl vaccine developed by ARMR Sciences showed promising results in an early human trial, marking the first fentanyl vaccine tested in people and offering potential to prevent overdoses and aid addiction treatment if effectiveness is confirmed in larger studies.

via NBC News|

#clinical-trial #fentanyl #health

health24 days ago•6 min saved

Surge in GLP-1 overdoses linked to easy telehealth and unregulated meds

GLP-1 diabetes/weight‑loss drugs are seeing a rise in life‑threatening overdoses as use has surged since 2021 and telehealth lowers barriers to access, sometimes bypassing in-person care. Poison‑control calls jumped from about 100 monthly in 2021 to roughly 1,000 by 2025, with patients suffering severe vomiting, dehydration, seizures, and even vomiting blood. Compounded or online‑sourced versions can have inconsistent dosing and less doctor oversight, prompting FDA warnings about unregulated products. Experts urge caution, proper dosing, and urgent care for severe symptoms, noting risks like pancreatitis and hypoglycemia, with children also at risk.

via New York Post|

#fda-warnings #glp-1 #health

health25 days ago•2 min saved

Teens face rising Benadryl overdoses, health officials warn

Georgia’s poison center reports a sharp rise in diphenhydramine (Benadryl) overdoses among teens, with 278 cases year-to-date in 2026 versus 170 in 2025 (63% higher). Nationwide calls for 13- to 19-year-olds have doubled in early 2026. Experts link the trend to social media hype about using the drug to get high, warning of severe risks including seizures, abnormal heart function, coma, and death. Parents are urged to monitor social media and talk to children about the dangers of OTC medications, especially Benadryl.

via WSB-TV|

#benadryl #diphenhydramine #health

health1 year ago•2 min saved

Overdoses Drive Young Adult Deaths in California Beyond Pre-Pandemic Levels

A report from California's Legislative Analyst's Office reveals that the mortality rate for young adults aged 15 to 44 remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, primarily due to drug overdoses, particularly involving fentanyl. The overdose crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic, is linked to the widespread availability of fentanyl, reduced participation in medication-assisted treatment, and increased homelessness. The report highlights the need for legislative action to address the rising mortality rate among young adults.

via The Center Square|

#california #fentanyl #health

public-health2 years ago•5 min saved

Animal Tranquilizer in Street Drugs Sparks Overdose Crisis in SF

U.S. drug gangs are mixing the potent sedative medetomidine into street drugs like fentanyl, causing a surge in overdoses and severe health complications. This new combination, which began causing mass overdoses in late April, is difficult to detect and treat, complicating medical responses. Public health officials are issuing warnings as the toxic drug supply grows more dangerous, with similar outbreaks reported in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Toronto. Experts are urging better preparedness for emergency treatments and cautioning drug users about the heightened risks.

via NPR|

#medetomidine #overdoses #public-health

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Life Expectancy Rebounds as Drug Overdose Deaths Hit Record High"

Life expectancy in the United States has risen to 77.5 years after a two-year decline, but still lags behind other developed nations. Child deaths have spiked, with infant mortality and death rates among children 1-14 increasing. Heart disease and cancer remain the top causes of death, while drug overdoses have reached record levels. COVID-19 death rates dropped significantly, but the overall health status of Americans, especially children, remains a concern.

via New York Post |

#cdc #child-deaths #covid-19

health-public-safety2 years ago•1 min saved

"February 2024 Sees 49 Suspected Overdoses in Manchester and Nashua"

American Medical Response reported a total of 49 suspected opioid overdoses in Manchester and Nashua in February, with 36 in Manchester and 13 in Nashua, four of which were fatal. This marks the third consecutive month of a decrease in total suspected opioid overdoses compared to the monthly average.

via WMUR Manchester|

#american-medical-response #health-public-safety #manchester

social-issues2 years ago•5 min saved

"Rising Homeless Mortality: The Alarming Trend in California"

A recent study found that the mortality rate for homeless individuals in the US has more than tripled between 2011 and 2020, with overdoses being a major cause of death. Other contributing factors include lack of access to preventative medical care, exposure to harsh weather, and an aging homeless population. The study highlights the urgent need for state and local efforts to combat the crisis, as being homeless has become significantly more deadly. Researchers emphasize the importance of providing housing as a means to prevent these deaths and improve the health outcomes of homeless individuals.

via Raw Story|

#california #health #homelessness

social-issues2 years ago•6 min saved

"Rising Homelessness Fatality Rates in California"

A recent study found that the mortality rate for homeless individuals in California more than tripled between 2011 and 2020, with overdoses being a major cause of death. Other contributing factors include lack of access to preventative medical care, exposure to extreme weather, and an aging homeless population. The study highlights the urgent need for state and local efforts to combat the crisis, emphasizing the potential to prevent many of these deaths by providing housing for homeless individuals.

via The San Francisco Standard|

#california #health-crisis #homelessness

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Surge in Weight-Loss Drug Overdose Calls Reported by Poison Centers

Overdoses involving weight-loss drugs like Ozempic have increased by 1,500% over the past five years, with America's Poison Centers receiving nearly 3,000 calls related to these medications in 2021 compared to just 196 in 2019. Most of the cases were linked to compounded versions of the drug, rather than the manufactured product. Overdosing on Ozempic can lead to severe symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. The issue is attributed to errors in dosing, particularly with pharmacy-made versions that are distributed in glass vials, making it easier for patients to accidentally overdose. The surge in demand for weight loss drugs has led to shortages, prompting pharmacies to produce their own versions, which has raised concerns from the FDA about unapproved doses and ingredients.

via Daily Mail|

#health #overdoses #ozempic

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Surge in Poison Control Calls: Weight-Loss Drug Overdoses Skyrocket 1,500%"

Poison control centers in the United States have seen a 1,500% increase in calls related to overdoses of semaglutide drugs like Ozempic, primarily due to dosage errors. The popularity of semaglutide, used for diabetes and weight loss, has led to overwhelming demand, prompting the FDA to allow compounding pharmacies to produce the drug. However, compounded versions often come in glass vials with multiple doses, increasing the risk of confusion and accidental overdoses. Manufacturers like Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, have taken steps to ensure patient safety, but the FDA has sent warning letters to online sellers and legal action has been taken against unauthorized sellers.

via New York Post |

#compounding-pharmacies #health #overdoses

health2 years ago•1 min saved

Rapid Rise in Overdose Deaths Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women

A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse reveals that the mortality ratio tied to overdoses among pregnant and postpartum women ages 35 to 44 has more than tripled, with opioids, particularly fentanyl, being the primary cause. The majority of these overdose deaths occurred outside of healthcare settings, highlighting the need for improved community outreach and maternal medical support. The study emphasizes the urgent need for evidence-based interventions and nonpunitive approaches to incentivize pregnant and postpartum women to seek substance use disorder treatments, as the fear of child custody loss contributes to the stigma surrounding drug use during pregnancy.

via Newser|

#health #opioids #overdoses

health2 years ago•4 min saved

"Opioid Overdose Outbreak Hits Virginia High School"

Seven students from Park View High School in Loudoun, Virginia, have suffered opioid-related overdoses in the past three weeks, with four of the incidents occurring on school grounds. The overdoses are believed to involve fentanyl, commonly found in counterfeit oxycodone pills. Law enforcement has investigated a total of 18 opioid overdoses involving minors in Loudoun County this year. The school district is taking steps to address the crisis, including providing naloxone training and support to staff and families. The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across the country, prompting some states to provide Narcan, a medication that reverses the effects of opioids, to college students.

via Fox News|

#fentanyl #health #high-school