October 2023
The nation’s most in-demand drug gets even more good data
Semaglutide (WeGovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus), popular for weight loss, diabetes treatment, and fatty liver treatment, has now been shown to increase exercise capacity and lower the risk of hospitalizations in people with heart failure. Study link here.
Vaccine season
● Updated COVID vaccines have activity against the new strain around Omicron variant XBB.1.5. Protect yourself and your community. Flu vaccines are out, too.
● New Vaccine: The first-ever adult immunization for RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) is out for this year. RSV is an important cause of lower respiratory tract disease in adults 60 and over. Efficacy is 82% for Arexy and 67% for Abrysvo, the two forms of the vaccine. Prevent a common cause of pneumonia/hospitalization/death. Learn more here.
Over-the-counter updates
● Naltrexone (Narcan), the opioid/heroin/fentanyl reversal agent, is now over-the-counter for $45. People who take pain medicine containing opioids, heroin, fentanyl, or another opioid for pleasure, or anyone who loves someone who fits the aforementioned categories, should have this in their back pocket. It can help prevent death from overdose.
Dr. Neuman says: “It can save lives! We have a few doses at the clinic.”
● The first over-the-counter birth control was approved and will hit shelves in Q1 2024. The medicine norgestrel (O-pill) is 98% effective with perfect use to prevent pregnancy.
Like other progesterone-only pills (POPs), it must be taken at the same time every day, or its effectiveness greatly decreases. Side effects can include irregular vaginal bleeding, increased appetite, headaches, nausea/bloating, and not getting pregnant.
Dr. Neuman says: “A huge win for reproductive access.”
A new way to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs, formerly called STDs)
● We’ve had PRE-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP , prevent before the exposure) for HIV for many years using Truvada, Descovy, and now the once-monthly Apretude. We have good data now on POST-exposure prophylaxis (PEP , for gonorrhea/chlamydia protection. Take 200 mg of doxycycline (2 pills of the 100 mg) up to 72 hours (preferably within 24 hours) of unprotected sex to lower infection rates by 62%! Study link here.
Dr. Neuman says: “Let me know if you’d like a doxycycline prescription.”
