Latest news with #diarrhea
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Being on Mounjaro is no joke – I had the most embarrassing side effect & ended up on a corner shop loo…but it gets worse
A MOUNJARO user has candidly opened up on what happened after she used fat jabs for just four weeks. Despite being 'really happy' with losing two to three lbs a week on the injections, Megan Craze, who is from Wales, recently shared all on her most embarrassing side effect. 3 3 Not only did the brunette find herself on the loo in a local corner shop where the staff could hear everything, but that wasn't the worst of it. Posting on social media, Megan, who has lost over 16lbs in four weeks on fat jabs, claimed that bowel movements on Mounjaro are "no joke,' as she opened up on "the worst experience on Monjaro." Being brutally honest, Megan said: 'I was out driving like I normally do, I was about half an hour away from home and I had no warning and oh my god, I needed to s**t. 'It was one of those s***s that if you don't go, you're gonna s**t yourself.' Mounjaro, which is known as the King Kong of jabs, is now being prescribed on the NHS in the first anti-obesity rollout of its kind. It is said to suppress the appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. Such injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese - with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over. One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on a person's weight. Many Mounjaro users have been candid on experiencing diarrhoea whilst using the jabs - and this is exactly what happened to Megan. After experiencing a strong urge to go to the toilet whilst driving, the content creator admitted that she pulled over and desperately ran into the first corner shop she could see. And after begging a staff member if she could use their loo, thankfully he agreed. But what happened next left Megan mortified, as she confessed that the staff member could hear everything. She explained: "No joke - the toilet of the corner shop was literally right next to the counter and he could hear me s******g. 'I felt so awkward, I could have literally swallowed the ground up.' But that wasn't the worst of Megan's embarrassing experience, as just moments later, she found herself in a very similar, but somewhat worse situation. She shared: 'After that, I got back in the car, travelled another 10 minutes and I had that feeling again - I had to pull over and run into a pub and what made it even worse about the pub was the toilets were so close to the bar, the bar could hear me s******g and they were laughing at me.' Reflecting on the awkward 'disaster,' Megan begged her followers to not 'laugh' at her. Mounjaro users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ megancraze01, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 52,500 views. Not only this, but it's also amassed 534 likes, 100 comments and 200 shares in just two days. But it's not just Megan suffering with unfortunate bowel movements, as numerous Mounjaro users raced to the comments to share their similar experiences. One person said: 'This is me!!!! It goes ALL DAY.' Another added: 'I had this so badly I passed out, fell off the toilet and smacked my head on the floor.' A third commented: 'Ahh this happened to me Sunday and today!! And I'm not joking, the smell! I've also got sulphur burps!' Meanwhile, one user wrote: 'That can not be healthy for you, I'd stop using it and try different ways to lose weight if that's your goal. Healthy diet in a calorie deficit and exercise will help you.' But to this, Megan fumed and clapped back: 'Why don't you mind your business and leave me to do my own thing? You're a literal stranger, why are you so bothered?' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. At the same time, other Mounjaro users opened up about experiencing constipation whilst using the jabs. One user admitted: 'I can't even poop on mine.' A second confessed: 'I wish I had this!!! I'm completely backed up! Have been since I started!' Whilst someone else acknowledged: 'I'm the opposite. Haven't gone in over a week.' The reality of fat jabs Not only have many dealt with mortifying side effects whilst using Mounjaro, but last year it was revealed that Scots nurse Susan McGowan, 58, died after taking low-dose injections of Mounjaro over a fortnight. A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking weight loss drugs. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said she had a seizure after taking high doses of Ozempic. The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK, said patient safety is its 'top priority'. Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
First Study Site Established for Jaguar Health Study of its FDA Conditionally Approved Canalevia-CA1 Prescription Drug for Dogs
Two parallel goals for Canalevia-CA1 (crofelemer delayed-release tablets): To obtain full approval of the drug for treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) and to expand the indication of crofelemer from CID to treatment of general, non-infectious diarrhea in dogs Jaguar in discussions with potential partners to license and fund development and commercialization of crofelemer for the treatment of general, non-infectious diarrhea in dogs in the U.S. and/or globally Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits for dogs and the second most common reason for visits to the veterinary emergency room, yet there are currently no FDA-approved drugs to treat general diarrhea in dogs SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / June 11, 2025 / Jaguar Health, Inc. ( NASDAQ:JAGX ) (Jaguar), under its Jaguar Animal Health tradename for the veterinary market, today announced that the first study site has been established for Jaguar's field study of Canalevia-CA1, Jaguar's U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conditionally approved prescription drug for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) in dogs. Jaguar has two parallel goals for Canalevia-CA1 (crofelemer delayed-release tablets): To obtain full approval of the drug for treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) in dogs and to expand the indication of crofelemer from CID in dogs to treatment of general, non-infectious diarrhea in dogs. The company is in discussions with potential partners to fund development and commercialization of crofelemer for the treatment of general, non-infectious diarrhea in dogs in the U.S. and/or globally. 'We've been pleased with the marketplace reception of crofelemer for treatment of CID in dogs, and believe there is clearly an unmet medical need for a product for the much larger market of treatment of general, non-infectious diarrhea in dogs,' said Lisa Conte, Jaguar's Founder and CEO. 'We estimate that U.S. veterinarians see approximately six million annual cases of acute and chronic diarrhea in dogs, and we look forward to identifying a partner to fund and execute development and commercialization of crofelemer for the treatment of general, non-infectious diarrhea in the U.S and/or globally. Forging a partnership for this purpose is a key focus of our business development efforts in 2025 and has been designated as a key potential catalyst for the company this year.' 'Jaguar's canine-focused business development efforts align with our ongoing business development efforts on the 'human' side of the company for crofelemer - the catalysts for which are the pathways discussed with the FDA to bring crofelemer to metastatic breast cancer patients, a population we feel meets the requirements for orphan drug status; and the prompt establishment of an expanded access program for crofelemer for the ongoing important unmet medical need of cancer therapy-related diarrhea in breast cancer patients; and the initial proof-of-concept results from the ongoing investigator-initiated trial (IIT) of a novel liquid formulation of crofelemer in Abu Dhabi in pediatric patients with intestinal failure due to the orphan diseases microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) and short bowel syndrome (SBS-IF). As recently announced, the initial proof-of-concept results of this IIT show crofelemer reduced the required total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and/or supplementary intravenous fluids, collectively referred to as parenteral support, in patients with intestinal failure due to MVID and short bowel syndrome by up to 27% and 12.5% respectively.' The objective of the prospective, randomized, open-label field study in dogs undergoing chemotherapy treatment across the U.S. is to collect real-world data to demonstrate real-world evidence of the clinical effectiveness for Canalevia-CA1 for the treatment of CID in dogs to support potential full FDA approval of the drug for this indication. Dogs enrolled in this study will be randomly assigned to receive a prescription of Canalevia-CA1 as a treatment for CID or be randomly selected to the control group. As announced, Jaguar established a new Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) file with the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine for crofelemer to treat general, non-infectious diarrhea in dogs. Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons for veterinary office visits for dogs and is the second most common reason for visits to the veterinary emergency room, yet there are currently no FDA-approved drug to treat canine general, non-infectious diarrhea. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there were an estimated 89.7 million dogs in the United States in 2024, with nearly half (45.5%) of U.S. households owning a dog in 2024. Devastating diarrhea-related dehydration can occur rapidly for the animal, and the lack of control in urban settings where owners don't have easy access to outdoor facilities is a significant problem for families with dogs. Canalevia-CA1, a canine-specific formulation of crofelemer, Jaguar's novel, oral plant-based drug sustainably harvested from the Croton lechleri tree, is available from multiple leading veterinary distributors in the U.S., including Chewy. About Conditional Approval and Full Approval Canalevia-CA1 initially received conditional approval in December 2021 from the FDA for the treatment of CID in dogs. FDA's conditional approval allows a drug company to legally promote, advertise and sell the animal drug for the labeled uses before proving it meets the 'substantial evidence' standard of effectiveness for full approval. The conditional approval is valid for one year. The drug company can ask the FDA to renew the conditional approval annually for up to four more years, for a total of five years of conditional approval. To receive a renewal from the FDA, the company must show active progress toward proving 'substantial evidence of effectiveness' for full approval. After collecting the remaining effectiveness data, the company then applies to the FDA for full approval. The FDA reviews the application and, if appropriate, fully approves the drug. About Chemotherapy-induced Diarrhea (CID) in Dogs According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 1 in 4 dogs will, at some stage in their life, develop cancer, and almost 50% of dogs over age 10 will develop cancer.1 According to the National Cancer Institute, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, roughly 6 million new cancer diagnoses are made in dogs each year in the U.S. Due to the increasing number of chemotherapeutic agents being adopted by veterinary oncologists and primary care veterinarians, chemotherapy is fast becoming the most widely used cancer treatment in veterinary medicine. Studies have found the incidence of CID to be one of the three most prevalent side effects in dogs undergoing cancer treatment,2 and managing side-effects such as diarrhea can be important to maintain successful cancer treatment. More than half of the U.S. veterinarians who responded to a Jaguar-sponsored survey reported that CID interferes with their patients' chemotherapy treatment plans, indicating an unmet need for an effective product for the treatment of CID. Canalevia-CA1 is a tablet that can be given orally twice a day and can be used for home treatment of CID in dogs. About Canalevia®-CA1 Canalevia-CA1 (crofelemer delayed-release tablets) is the first and only oral plant-based prescription product that is FDA conditionally approved to treat chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) in dogs. Canalevia-CA1 is a canine-specific formulation of crofelemer, an active pharmaceutical ingredient isolated and purified from the Croton lechleri tree. Canalevia-CA1 is currently conditionally approved by the FDA under application number 141-552. Conditional approval allows for commercialization of the product while Jaguar continues to collect the substantial evidence of effectiveness required for full approval. Jaguar has also received Minor Use in a Major Species (MUMS) designation from the FDA for Canalevia-CA1 to treat CID in dogs. FDA has established a 'small number' threshold for minor use in each of the seven major species covered by the MUMS act. The small number threshold is currently 80,000 for dogs, representing the largest number of dogs that can be affected by a disease or condition over the course of a year and still have the use qualify as a minor use. About Crofelemer Crofelemer is the only oral FDA-approved prescription drug under botanical guidance. It is plant-based, extracted and purified from the red bark sap of the Croton lechleri tree in the Amazon Rainforest. Napo Pharmaceuticals, a Jaguar family company, has established a sustainable harvesting program, under fair trade practices, for crofelemer to ensure a high degree of quality, ecological integrity, and support for Indigenous communities. Important Safety Information About Canalevia®-CA1 For oral use in dogs only. Not for use in humans. Keep Canalevia-CA1 (crofelemer delayed-release tablets) in a secure location out of reach of children and other animals. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans. Do not use in dogs that have a known hypersensitivity to crofelemer. Prior to using Canalevia-CA1, rule out infectious etiologies of diarrhea. Canalevia-CA1 is a conditionally approved drug indicated for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in dogs. The most common adverse reactions included decreased appetite, decreased activity, dehydration, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Use only as directed. It is a violation of Federal law to use this product other than as directed in the labeling. Conditionally approved by FDA pending a full demonstration of effectiveness under application number 141-552. About the Jaguar Health Family of Companies Jaguar Health, Inc. (Jaguar) is a commercial stage pharmaceuticals company focused on developing novel proprietary prescription medicines sustainably derived from plants from rainforest areas for people and animals with gastrointestinal distress, specifically associated with overactive bowel, which includes symptoms such as chronic debilitating diarrhea, urgency, bowel incontinence, and cramping pain. Jaguar family company Napo Pharmaceuticals (Napo) focuses on developing and commercializing human prescription pharmaceuticals for essential supportive care and management of neglected gastrointestinal symptoms across multiple complicated disease states. Jaguar family company Napo Therapeutics is an Italian corporation Jaguar established in Milan, Italy in 2021 focused on expanding crofelemer access in Europe and specifically for orphan and/or rare diseases. Jaguar Animal Health is a Jaguar tradename. Magdalena Biosciences, a joint venture formed by Jaguar and Filament Health Corp. that emerged from Jaguar's Entheogen Therapeutics Initiative (ETI), is focused on developing novel prescription medicines derived from plants for mental health indications. For more information about: Jaguar Health, visit Napo Pharmaceuticals, visit Napo Therapeutics, visit Magdalena Biosciences, visit Visit the Make Cancer Less Shitty patient advocacy program on Bluesky, X, Facebook & Instagram Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute 'forward-looking statements.' These include statements regarding Jaguar's expectation that it will identify a partner to fund and execute development and commercialization of crofelemer for the treatment of general, non-infectious diarrhea in dogs in the U.S and/or globally, Jaguar's expectation that the U.S. population of metastatic breast cancer patients meets the requirements for orphan drug status, Jaguar's expectation that it will promptly establish an expanded access program for crofelemer for cancer therapy-related diarrhea in breast cancer patients, and Jaguar's expectation that the field study of Canalevia-CA1 for the treatment of CID in dogs will support potential full FDA approval of the drug for this indication. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' 'expect,' 'plan,' 'aim,' 'anticipate,' 'could,' 'intend,' 'target,' 'project,' 'contemplate,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'predict,' 'potential' or 'continue' or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this release are only predictions. Jaguar has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond Jaguar's control. Except as required by applicable law, Jaguar does not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. 1 'Cancer in Pets.' American Veterinary Medical Association, 2021, 2 Mason SL, Grant IA, Elliott J, Cripps P, Blackwood L. Gastrointestinal toxicity after vincristine or cyclophosphamide administered with or without maropitant in dogs: a prospective randomised controlled study. J Small Anim Pract. 2014;55:391-398 Contact: [email protected] Jaguar-JAGX SOURCE: Jaguar Health, Inc. press release
Health Line
10-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How Does Your Stool Smell If You or Your Child Has Rotavirus?
Loose and watery stools are a common symptom of rotavirus, which may also have a distinct, foul-smelling odor. Rotavirus stool may appear green, yellow, or brown in color. Rotavirus is a virus that affects the digestive tract. It causes gastroenteritis, an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. It most commonly affects children up to 5 years old, but rotavirus can affect people of any age. Diarrhea and vomiting are the main symptoms of rotavirus. These symptoms can lead to dehydration, especially in kids. If fluids aren't replaced or the illness lasts longer than 1 week, dehydration may become a medical emergency. Although stool doesn't usually have a pleasant smell, research suggests that rotavirus stools in particular may have a distinct smell. Learn more about what rotavirus stool smells like, other symptoms of rotavirus to look for, and what to do if you think you or your child has this virus. What does rotavirus stool smell like? Poop doesn't usually smell good, but stool from rotavirus may have a distinctly foul smell, akin to a slight sulfur or rotten egg smell. A 1987 study found that rotavirus stools in children had a distinct smell. Many nurses were able to classify the underlying cause of diarrhea based on smell alone, which was more effective than changes in stool color or texture. Researchers aren't exactly sure why rotavirus may cause stools to have a distinct, foul-smelling odor. But it may be due to the virus's effects on the gut microbiome, colon fluid, and levels of acids, fats, and sugars in the stool. What color is stool with rotavirus? Other rotavirus symptoms Symptoms of rotavirus typically appear within 2 days of contracting the virus and may last up to 8 days. Along with foul-smelling stools, symptoms may include: Persistent diarrhea and vomiting may lead to dehydration, which may become serious if left untreated. When to get medical attention It's important to get medical attention if you or a child has symptoms of severe dehydration or high fever. In adults, these can include confusion and dizziness. In everyone, including babies and toddlers, signs and symptoms of severe dehydration may include: lethargy not responding or acting as they normally do (in babies and toddlers) rapid heart rate or breathing sunken eyes irritability high fever excessive thirst decreased urination (fewer wet diapers) crying without tears soft spot on the top of the baby's head You should also connect with a doctor if you're vomiting is persistent and doesn't get better. What other conditions cause foul-smelling diarrhea? Many gastrointestinal conditions may cause foul-smelling diarrhea, including: other infections, like norovirus malabsorption Crohn's disease celiac disease short bowel syndrome pancreatitis cystic fibrosis Certain dietary changes, such as going on a high fiber diet, may also cause foul-smelling diarrhea. How is rotavirus treated? Most cases of rotavirus can be treated with at-home care. The best thing to do is to stay hydrated and let the virus run its course. This includes drinking lots of fluids. In many cases, drinking water is OK, but make sure you're also replacing the electrolytes you lose through vomiting or diarrhea. Electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte or Gatorade (for older children or adults) may be helpful, but consider limiting apple juice, as the sugar in it may worsen diarrhea. If you or your child gets severely dehydrated, intravenous (IV) fluid rehydration in a hospital may be required. This involves injecting fluids directly into your bloodstream via a vein, usually in the arm. In some cases, adults can take antidiarrheal medication to help relieve symptoms. But for children, it's best to speak with a pediatrician to discuss the best method of management, as they may not be able to take medications. Other important things to do if you think you or your child has rotavirus include: staying home to rest, since rotavirus is very contagious washing your hands often waiting to eat once the vomiting has stopped (usually after the first 24 hours) Frequently asked questions Can you prevent rotavirus from being transmitted? Practicing good hand hygiene can help prevent rotavirus from being transmitted from one person to another. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day. It's especially important to wash your hands after changing diapers, caring for a sick child, and using the bathroom. Children should also keep their hands out of their mouths as much as possible. The best way to prevent rotavirus transmission is to make sure children get the rotavirus vaccine, which is part of routine childhood vaccinations. Practicing good hand hygiene can help prevent rotavirus from being transmitted from one person to another. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day. It's especially important to wash your hands after changing diapers, caring for a sick child, and using the bathroom. Children should also keep their hands out of their mouths as much as possible. The best way to prevent rotavirus transmission is to make sure children get the rotavirus vaccine, which is part of routine childhood vaccinations. Can adults get rotavirus? Yes, people of any age can get rotavirus. Yes, people of any age can get rotavirus. How do doctors diagnose rotavirus? Symptoms of rotavirus are similar to those of other gastrointestinal conditions, so doctors often look at symptoms and treat those rather than testing for rotavirus. However, doctors will rule out any serious conditions, like appendicitis. They may also test for bacterial causes of symptoms. Bacterial infections can cause more severe illnesses and are sometimes treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of rotavirus are similar to those of other gastrointestinal conditions, so doctors often look at symptoms and treat those rather than testing for rotavirus. However, doctors will rule out any serious conditions, like appendicitis. They may also test for bacterial causes of symptoms. Bacterial infections can cause more severe illnesses and are sometimes treated with antibiotics.
CBS News
03-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Pepto Bismol didn't prevent travelers' diarrhea compared to placebo, small CDC study found
How gut health can impact more than just the stomach Bismuth subsalicylate, the active ingredient in Pepto Bismol, is often used to treat and prevent diarrhea while traveling — but a new study found it may not help with prevention. In the study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "no significant difference" was found for symptoms of loose stool or diarrhea between groups who took the medication for prevention and those who took a placebo. Since 1939, bismuth subsalicylate has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, nausea and upset stomach. But, as the authors note, it's also used off-label for the prevention of diarrhea, especially among international travelers. The study issued questionnaires before, during and after travel to the 270 participants, who had a median age of 32 and planned to travel to Southeast Asia, south central Asia, North Africa or sub-Saharan Africa for 7 to 21 days. Participants were recruited from clinical sites in New York in Massachusetts. The group given the medication took 4 tablets twice daily during their trip. The study did have limitations, including not reaching the target sample size. But it did provide the first new data since the 1980s on the potential use of bismuth subsalicylate in diarrhea prevention, according to the study's authors. "Despite this study not reaching the targeted sample size, there are nonetheless important considerations for healthcare providers conducting pretravel consultations for international travelers," the authors wrote. The authors also noted further studies are needed to determine if there is a benefit in certain traveler groups or under certain circumstances. "A larger study might show benefit, although the benefit may be small given the results of this study," they wrote. Procter & Gamble, the parent company of Pepto Bismol, provided the medication for the study but did not participate in any procedures, the authors noted.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
More Than 70 People Infected with Parasite and 16 Hospitalized After Visiting Animal Farm
More than 70 people have been infected with cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea, according to Public Health Wales Those who have been infected visited an animal farm in Cowbridge The farm has "ceased all public animal feeding activities" as health officials investigate the outbreakMore than 70 people who visited a farm in Wales have been infected by a parasite. Public Health Wales announced that it has confirmed that 74 people have been infected with cryptosporidium — which is a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — after visiting a Cowbridge farm. According to the CDC, the parasite can 'live in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with infected poop.' Public Health Wales said that cryptosporidium is 'often associated with contact with animals, especially young farm animals such as calves and lambs.' Public Health Wales also noted that 16 people have been hospitalized as a result of contracting the parasite. Following the outbreak, the Cowbridge farm has 'voluntarily ceased all public animal feeding activities,' according to Public Health Wales. The agency said it is continuing an investigation into the outbreak and Cowbridge farm is 'cooperating with the investigation.' The Cowbridge farm announced in a post on Facebook that it had closed down its animal feeding experiences "due to unforeseen circumstances,' according to the BBC. The farm also issued an apology to people who had booked an appointment and said they could obtain a full refund. Mother Vic Dobbinson told BBC that her 8-year-old daughter, Alba, was one of the people who had been infected with the parasite. She said Alba experienced vomiting and diarrhea after feeding the lambs over the Easter holiday. Never miss a story— sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I appreciate that [visiting a farm] comes with risks, but if we had been told there were cases potentially linked to this farm then we would've decided not to go," she told the outlet. Su Mably, a Public Health Wales consultant in health protection, said in a statement: 'We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak. Although cryptosporidium infection is usually mild and clears up on its own, it can cause more serious illness in young children and people with weakened immune systems.' 'It is possible for this infection to be passed on from one person to another, for example if someone is caring for a family member who is unwell,' Mably added. Maby noted that it's important for people to take precautions including washing their hands well 'particularly before preparing food,' and said that people who visited the farm should contact their local doctor if they are feeling unwell. Public health officials began investigating the cryptosporidium outbreak around April 30, according to the BBC. Initially, only 27 cases were reported, but the figure grew to 47 later that week. Public Health Wales said infections are spiking due to cryptosporidium's incubation period. People who are infected with the parasite can present with symptoms 'two to 10 days after contact with the parasite,' and this can 'last for up to two weeks.' Read the original article on People
