May 5 RxAdvocate May, 2023 — Newsletter
May Stories:
- Safe use for Opioids
- DTC Advertising – Weight Loss Medication Impact
- OTC Hearing Aids
- Community Involvement
FDA Update: Safe Use for Opioids
Opioids are a class of medications that include prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, etc. These drugs are an important treatment option when used as prescribed; however, they can pose significant risks, including misuse and abuse, addiction, overdose, and death, to individuals who use them.
As part of the FDA’s ongoing efforts to address the nation’s opioid crisis, they are making several updates to the prescribing information of these medications to provide additional guidance regarding their utilization.
A few of these updates include when the dose of the opioid medication increases, so does the risk of overdose; A new warning about opioid-induced hyperalgesia which is when an opioid for pain relief causes an increase in pain, as well as updating and reordering the importance of warnings and risks. These changes are designed to better inform prescribers and patients about the risks associated with these powerful medications.
Advertising Causing Patient Harm -Weight Loss Medication Impact
Researchers from John Hopkins University recently published an article highlighting the concern around the effects of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTC) on health care. The researchers found that pharmaceutical companies spent more money on DTC advertising when clinical studies showed the drug was less effective, then spending directly led to more sales for these inferior drugs.
This increased spend on DTC advertising influences consumer requests and creates pressure on providers to prescribe certain drugs when they may not be the best option. The data also shows that DTC advertising leads to increased drug costs overall and reduced utilization of generic medications, which are often equally effective but significantly cheaper.
The explosive demand for weight loss medications, such as Wegovy, are a recent example of the negative effects of DTC advertising. The massive marketing led consumers to request and ultimately influence provider prescriptions for off-label use of diabetes medications, such as Ozempic, for weight loss side effects. Subsequently a black market developed for acquiring these weight loss medications because of supply-demand imbalance.
OTC Hearing Aids and What to Know:
OTC Hearing Aids and What to Know:
On October 17, 2022, the FDA finalized the rule to allow hearing aids to be sold directly to consumers in stores online without a medical exam or fitting by an audiologist. This rule was put in place to increase the public’s access to hearing aids and improve hearing altogether. These hearing aids have arrived in stores or through online retailers.
Here is what you should know about this newer OTC (over the counter) product: The OTC final rule applies to certain air conduction hearing aids for people 18 years or older who have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. If it is a severe case, it is recommended to see a healthcare provider to obtain a prescription for hearing aids to fit your unique level of hearing loss.
Air conduction hearing aids do not require implantation or other surgical intervention. They bring amplified sound into the ear canal. When going to purchase an OTC hearing aid package, you should carefully review the package labeling, especially looking for the words “OTC” and “Hearing Aid” both contained on the box. For more information on OTC Hearing Aids, reference the link below.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day!
For all Mother’s & Mother’s at heart, thank you for your care and kindness!
Contact us
Visit us on the web at www.rxconnectionllc.com.
If you would like additional information on our services please contact:
Orlando Neal — Principal
Orlando.Neal@rxconnectionllc.com
Orlando.Neal@rxconnectionllc.com