MONDAY, Oct. 4, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Imagine battling debilitating depression for years, trying everything but finding little or no relief. That’s what Sarah, 36, lived with most of her adult life. “I had exhausted all possible treatment options,” recalled Sarah, who did not want her last name used. “ItContinue Reading

FRIDAY, Oct. 1, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. said Friday that it will seek federal approval for emergency use of its new antiviral pill molnupiravir, after a clinical trial showed the drug halved the risk of hospitalization or death when given to high-risk people shortly afterContinue Reading

FRIDAY, Oct. 1, 2021 (HealthDay News) — The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up the U.S. opioid crisis in ways bad and good, increasing the risk of use and overdose but also spurring innovative approaches to treatment. The pandemic has definitely been linked to an increase in opioid use and overdoseContinue Reading

TUESDAY, Sept. 28, 2021 (HealthDay News) — The cancer drug cisplatin can save children’s lives, but often with the side effect of hearing loss. Now a new study shows that young children are especially vulnerable, and the hearing damage may begin early in the course of treatment. The researchers saidContinue Reading

FRIDAY, Sept. 24, 2021 (HealthDay News) — A saltwater solution may help stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus in its tracks, Brazilian researchers report. However, although saline may keep the virus from replicating, it does not offer full protection against infection or a cure for COVID-19. “It’s not a single solution, andContinue Reading

THURSDAY, Sept. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) — In a move to combat global warming, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Thursday that it will restrict U.S. production and use of hydrofluorocarbons by 85% over the next 15 years. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are potent greenhouse gases often used in refrigerators andContinue Reading

FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Pfizer is expanding the recall of its anti-smoking drug Chantix (varenicline), the company announced Friday. The nationwide recall of all Chantix 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets was prompted because they may contain levels of a nitrosamine, N-nitroso-varenicline, that are at or aboveContinue Reading

FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Treating sickle cell anemia with the drug hydroxyurea may also reverse related heart abnormalities, a new study suggests. Heart issues are common among people with sickle cell disease. Among them are enlargement of the heart and an impaired ability to relax heart muscles,Continue Reading

THURSDAY, Sept. 16, 2021 (HealthDay News) — As severe cases of COVID-19 rise and demand surges for monoclonal antibody treatments, the U.S. government is ordering more from two key suppliers. Monoclonal antibodies, which are lab-engineered immune system proteins, can help trigger a healthy immune response against COVID-19 infection. The BidenContinue Reading