After more than three years, the COVID-19 public health emergency ended Thursday.
While many Americans may not initially notice the sunsetting of the declaration, they are likely to feel it if they come down with COVID-19 or suspect they might have it. They could have to start paying for testing and treatment that they’ve grown used to being free during the pandemic. Just how much depends on the type of health coverage they have. Get the testing and vaccine details here.
FDA Advisory panel votes unanimously in favor of making Opill birth control an OTC
Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday voted unanimously to recommend making a birth control pill available without a prescription.
The 17-0 vote by two advisory panels came despite concerns from agency officials about the quality of the data used to support switching Opill from prescription to over the counter. The agency did not have concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the drug.
The FDA is not required to follow the recommendation but the panel’s opinion will weigh heavily on the FDA’s final decision, which is expected later this summer. Read more here.
FDA approves Rexulti for the treatment of agitation associated with Alzheimer disease dementia (AAD)
It is now the first FDA-approved treatment indicated for AAD in the U.S. According to John J. Miller, MD, Editor in Chief of Psychiatric Times. “Baby boomers are retiring and Alzheimer disease is on the rise, and AAD in one of the most difficult complications of dementia. Meanwhile, the need for treatments of Alzheimer disease and dementia remains huge and largely unaddressed. This approval parallels nicely with recent drug development and research working on decreasing disease progression by removing amyloid plaque with monoclonal antibodies and improving cognitive function.” Read more.