Latest news with #medications
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Canadians could get more affordable version of Ozempic in early 2026. Here's how
Cheaper versions of medications to treat obesity, like Ozempic and Wegovy, could be on the market in Canada as soon as January. Ozempic is a social media darling — with celebrities singing its praises and people posting about major weight loss. But a patient can pay $400 a month for such medications, says Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, Obesity Canada's scientific director and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto. He says his patients have been frustrated and disappointed by the "prohibitive" cost. But now, several companies say they intend to market cheaper versions of such drugs. Here's what medical experts say: What are these medications? Injectable prescription drugs, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, and the pill Rybelsus all contain the ingredient semaglutide. This class of medication, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1s), regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Health Canada previously approved Ozempic to treat diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss. Nearly 33 per cent of Canadians (10.6 million people) were obese in 2023, according to a recent study. How much could the price come down? Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, will effectively lose its price protection on those drugs in Canada in January, opening the door to generic versions. Mina Tadrous, an associate professor who evaluates pharmaceutical prices at the University of Toronto, says three or four companies have them in development or are starting the paperwork. Tadrous says the number of companies affects pricing. "The classic framework is that if you only have one, it comes down from the list price to 75 per cent," Tadrous said. "If we have two, it goes down to 50 per cent and if we have three it hits 25 per cent." Three manufacturers could bring the price down to $100 from $400 for the same strength of semaglutide product, Tadrous estimates. Have the generic medications been approved? Not yet. Health Canada needs to consider each company's application to make and sell generic versions of the injectable medication, known as a biosimilar. Since they won't require new clinical trials, they could be available within weeks of Health Canada's approval — "grandfathered" in, based on the original trials, says Sockalingam. "It's really about the equivalency of the medication in terms of its availability in the body and its metabolism." Will insurance cover them? Semaglutide is already listed on the Ontario drug formulary — a list of publicly covered medications for those over age 65, people living in long-term care homes, and for people receiving Ontario Works or disability payments. That means as soon as a generic form is available, those on public drug insurance plans could switch to it, and private insurance plans like those offered by employers likely will do the same, Tadrous says. Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta, a professor of medicine at McGill University and a researcher, says this would be good news for people who have excess weight and resulting complications but who can't currently afford the branded medications. Generic versions will "open the door for many more people," Dasgupta said. What's involved in taking these medications? Dasgupta says it's important for people taking semaglutide to have it prescribed by a physician and then monitored. "We should be insisting on having publicly accessible good diet and physical activity supports because we live in a society where people are gaining more and more weight," Dasgupta said. In England, for example, semaglutide is recommended with at least 13 hours of counselling on diet and physical activity. What about drug shortages? Because some medications also treat Type 2 diabetes, doctors and health-care policy experts continue to watch supply chains to prevent shortages. Dr. Harpreet Bajaj, an endocrinologist with LMC Healthcare in Brampton, Ont., recalls many times when patients with diabetes had to go off Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications because none was available. "Having a biosimilar, which is made by an entirely new pharmaceutical company and maybe … made in a more cost-effective way would also relieve some pressures on any future shortages that we might expect," Bajaj said. Dasgupta, who also treats diabetes, said in her experience in Quebec, sometimes the medication is more accessible through the province's publicly funded plan for those who fulfil the medical criteria than through some private insurers that focus more strongly on cost.
CBC
15-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Canadians could get more affordable version of Ozempic in early 2026. Here's how
Social Sharing Cheaper versions of medications to treat obesity, like Ozempic and Wegovy, could be on the market in Canada as soon as January. Ozempic is a social media darling — with celebrities singing its praises and people posting about major weight loss. But a patient can pay $400 a month for such medications, says Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, Obesity Canada's scientific director and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto. He says his patients have been frustrated and disappointed by the "prohibitive" cost. But now, several companies say they intend to market cheaper versions of such drugs. Here's what medical experts say: What are these medications? Injectable prescription drugs, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, and the pill Rybelsus all contain the ingredient semaglutide. This class of medication, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1s), regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Health Canada previously approved Ozempic to treat diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss. Nearly 33 per cent of Canadians (10.6 million people) were obese in 2023, according to a recent study. How much could the price come down? Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, will effectively lose its price protection on those drugs in Canada in January, opening the door to generic versions. Mina Tadrous, an associate professor who evaluates pharmaceutical prices at the University of Toronto, says three or four companies have them in development or are starting the paperwork. Tadrous says the number of companies affects pricing. "The classic framework is that if you only have one, it comes down from the list price to 75 per cent," Tadrous said. "If we have two, it goes down to 50 per cent and if we have three it hits 25 per cent." Three manufacturers could bring the price down to $100 from $400 for the same strength of semaglutide product, Tadrous estimates. Have the generic medications been approved? Not yet. Health Canada needs to consider each company's application to make and sell generic versions of the injectable medication, known as a biosimilar. Since they won't require new clinical trials, they could be available within weeks of Health Canada's approval — "grandfathered" in, based on the original trials, says Sockalingam. "It's really about the equivalency of the medication in terms of its availability in the body and its metabolism." Will insurance cover them? Semaglutide is already listed on the Ontario drug formulary — a list of publicly covered medications for those over age 65, people living in long-term care homes, and for people receiving Ontario Works or disability payments. That means as soon as a generic form is available, those on public drug insurance plans could switch to it, and private insurance plans like those offered by employers likely will do the same, Tadrous says. Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta, a professor of medicine at McGill University and a researcher, says this would be good news for people who have excess weight and resulting complications but who can't currently afford the branded medications. Generic versions will "open the door for many more people," Dasgupta said. What's involved in taking these medications? Dasgupta says it's important for people taking semaglutide to have it prescribed by a physician and then monitored. "We should be insisting on having publicly accessible good diet and physical activity supports because we live in a society where people are gaining more and more weight," Dasgupta said. In England, for example, semaglutide is recommended with at least 13 hours of counselling on diet and physical activity. What about drug shortages? Because some medications also treat Type 2 diabetes, doctors and health-care policy experts continue to watch supply chains to prevent shortages. Dr. Harpreet Bajaj, an endocrinologist with LMC Healthcare in Brampton, Ont., recalls many times when patients with diabetes had to go off Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications because none was available. "Having a biosimilar, which is made by an entirely new pharmaceutical company and maybe … made in a more cost-effective way would also relieve some pressures on any future shortages that we might expect," Bajaj said. Dasgupta, who also treats diabetes, said in her experience in Quebec, sometimes the medication is more accessible through the province's publicly funded plan for those who fulfil the medical criteria than through some private insurers that focus more strongly on cost.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Doctors Are Begging You To Avoid Grapefruit if You Take These Common Medications
Doctors Are Begging You To Avoid Grapefruit if You Take These Common Medications originally appeared on Parade. Grapefruit is generally great for you—it's rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, potassium, thiamine, folate and magnesium, plus even a smidgen each of some B vitamins, copper, iron and zinc. It's also low in calories considering how many benefits it has, clocking in at about 50 calories for half of a medium-sized said, it's not good for warn that there are actually some medications that have potentially dangerous interactions with grapefruit. Find out what those meds are, plus the specific risks and what to do if you slip up and have grapefruit (or grapefruit juice) while you're on them. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 There are quite a few common medications that have negative interactions with this delish citrus fruit. "A large number of medications interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice," Dr. Jared L. Ross, DO, a board-certified emergency physician and assistant professor at the University of Missouri, tells Parade. "Furanocoumarins are a substance that occurs in certain plants and fruits, including Seville oranges, pomelos, limes and even fresh parsley." However, he says, the highest concentrations are in grapefruit, specifically grapefruit juice. "Furanocoumarins inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), an important enzyme found in the liver and small intestine. Many medications are either metabolically activated (from an inactive form) or inactivated by CYP3A4. This can make the medication ineffective or, more seriously, can prevent the body from breaking it down, leading to toxic effects." Related: Put simply, according to , family physician and host of The Codependent Doctor podcast, "When that enzyme is blocked, the drug builds up in your system. Instead of getting a regular dose, your body is getting a higher dose than intended." Doctors we spoke with pointed to the following drugs as having negative interactions with grapefruit: Statins, which are prescribed to lower cholesterol levels (simvastatin, lovastatin and atorvastatin) Calcium channel blockers for blood pressure management (like felodipine and nifedipine) Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant Amiodarone, a medication to treat heart arrhythmias Some benzodiazepine medications used to treat anxiety and insomnia Certain antihistamines Related: According to Dr. Downey and Dr. Ross, eating grapefruit while on statins may pose the most serious side effects, including muscle breakdown, very low blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. OK, but what if you really like grapefruit? Don't worry, you may have options! "The American Heart Association recommends against drinking grapefruit juice if you are taking a statin medication," Dr. Ross tells us. "However, it may still be okay to have half a grapefruit a few days a week in the morning if you're taking a statin medication in the evening. "If you frequently consume grapefruit, consider asking your doctor about alternative medications," Dr. Ross adds. "If you are on a statin medication for high cholesterol, atorvastatin may have less of an interaction with furanocoumarins than other similar medications. For most other conditions, there are other medications that you can consider with your doctor." Related: Dr. Downey notes that in terms of statins, "Pravastatin and rosuvastatin are safer options for cholesterol management if grapefruit is non-negotiable." If you accidentally consume grapefruit or drink a small amount of grapefruit juice while on statins or other medications it interacts with, don't panic, but also don't ignore what your body may be telling you. "If you accidentally eat grapefruit or drink a small amount of grapefruit juice, it is unlikely to have any significant effects on you. However, monitor to make sure you are not experiencing muscle pain, being overly sedated or having a low heart rate and low blood pressure," Dr. Ross advises. "If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention." Dr. Downey concurs, explaining, "If someone accidentally eats grapefruit while on one of these meds they should call their pharmacist or doctor, especially if they are feeling unwell. The effect of grapefruit can last for over 24 hours, so it's not just about 'waiting it out.' We may need to adjust timing or dosage depending on the situation." Up Next:Dr. Jared L. Ross, DO Dr. Angela Downey, MD Doctors Are Begging You To Avoid Grapefruit if You Take These Common Medications first appeared on Parade on Jul 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Urgent warning over medications that can STOP working in the hot weather
WITH parts of the UK set to sizzle under highs of 34°C, health chiefs have issued a warning over medications that could stop working in the hot weather. The heat can break down active ingredients in lifesaving drugs or affect how much the body absorbs them - making your usual dose too strong or too weak. Meds that need to be stored in the fridge are particularly vulnerable to heat damage, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). But pills stuffed into bags and pockets while you're in hot cars and trains, or basking in parks and beaches, can also be affected. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: 'Let's face it – when there's a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. "But it's easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them. 'Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes." The warning comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office issued a joint heat health alert, warning that sweltering temperatures could pose "serious" health risks for some. The MHRA said active ingredients in the following medications could break down from the heat, making them less effective: Tablets Inhalers Hormone patches Insulin EpiPens Insulin Liquid antibiotics Some of these will have clear storage instructions on their packaging but not all medicines come with a visible warning. Insulin and certain liquid antibiotics need to be kept in the fridge, so if they're left out too long or stored incorrectly in hot weather, they many not work properly when you take them. How to stay cool during hot weather Heat damage can also affect how much medicine your body absorbs. This could potentially make your usual dose too strong or too weak. If you notice any changes in how you feel or how well your medicines seem to be working during hot weather, speak to your pharmacist or doctor, the MHRA said. And don't forget medical devices, as some can become less reliable in hot or humid weather. One such example is blood glucose monitors, which could give people with diabetes less reliable readings. You should keep devices and any test strips somewhere cool and dry and check the leaflet for storage instructions. If your device isn't behaving normally, try running a control check or speak to your pharmacist for advice. HOT WEATHER MEDICINE TIPS From how to store your medication in hot weather, to protection from dehydration and sunburn - here are three essential hot weather medicine tips. 1. Store safely Most medicines need to be stored at temperatures below 25°C. But cars, trains and buses can heat up quickly during the summer, and rooms with direct sunlight can get much hotter than you'd think, the MHRA warned. Even bags and pockets can get warm enough to damage medication. Especially if you're taking advantage of the sunshine to go to a festival, sports event, or the beach. The MHRA shared key of heat damage to look out for in your medication: Colour changes Developing an unusual smell A change in texture Looking different in any way If you notice these signs, ask your pharmacist for advice. If you're at home, check the patient information leaflet for storage instructions and keep medicines in the coolest part of the house, away from direct sunlight. If you're travelling, avoid leaving them in parked vehicles or warm bags. A cool bag can help if you're going to be out all day. 2. Drink up During hot weather, your body loses more water through sweating and some medicines can make this worse, or make it harder for your body to cope with heat. If you're taking diuretics, or 'water tablets' such as furosemide, you lose more water through peeing - in hot weather, this can cause dehydration and mineral imbalances. Blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers can also make it harder for your body to regulate temperature, especially during sudden hot spells. ACE inhibitors can even suppress your natural thirst response. Some diabetes medicines, including insulin and metformin, also increase the risk of dehydration or make early symptoms harder to spot. Dehydration warning for weight loss jabs Ayisha Mushtaq, a registered associate nutritionist for Simple Online Pharmacy warned that people taking weight loss medications are at higher risk experiencing side effects in hot weather due to dehydration. "These medications often dull your thirst response and reduce your appetite, making it easy to drink too little without realising," she said. "Even mild dehydration can make side effects like nausea, fatigue, dizziness and constipation worse. "Sipping fluids throughout the day and including water-rich foods, like soups, fruits, and veg, can make a big difference in how you feel. "Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Thirst is often a sign that you're already mildly dehydrated.' She added: 'Staying hydrated while taking GLP-1 weight medication isn't just about quenching thirst – it can help you feel much better throughout your journey. 'While drinking water alone won't lead to weight loss without changes in diet or activity, it can still support your goals in many meaningful ways. "For example, drinking water before meals may help you feel fuller, leading to smaller portions and replacing sugary drinks with water can reduce your calorie and sugar intake. "Although the research is mixed on whether water alone causes weight loss, it's clear that hydration plays an important supporting role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, whatever your weight-loss journey looks like." Here are some good options that count towards your intake: Antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine or quetiapine, or stimulant medications for attention disorders can increase your body temperature, making you overheat more easily. Dehydration red flags include dizziness, headaches, tiredness, confusion, and dark urine. This is particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with heart or kidney conditions. If you start to feel unwell in the heat, move somewhere cooler, sip water slowly, and seek medical advice if you don't feel better quickly. 3. Sunburn safety Some common medicines can make your skin much more likely to burn, even in mild sunshine. This includes some antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, or skin treatments for acne or eczema. Less commonly, painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen can sometimes cause mild sun sensitivity - but this is usually only a concern with frequent or long-term use. One medicine that requires particular care is methotrexate, used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease and cancer. It can cause extreme skin sensitivity to the sun – even at low doses. This can lead to painful rashes, blistering, or swelling that looks like severe sunburn. In rare cases, these reactions have led to serious infections. The risk goes up during sunny weather, especially if you're outside more – whether you're walking the dog, gardening, or heading off on holiday. Even a short walk at lunchtime or a train ride in the sun can be enough to trigger a reaction for some people.
The Sun
07-07-2025
- The Sun
The 5 medications that could see you JAILED if you take them on holiday this summer – including hay fever pills
IF you're heading abroad this summer, packing some preventative medicines might seem like the sensible thing to do. But be warned, some common drugs, including antihistamines and painkillers, could land you with hefty fines or even jail time in certain countries. 2 While these meds are legal to buy over the counter in the UK, they're banned or tightly restricted in several countries. And being caught with them, even by accident, can mean your dream holiday turns into a nightmare. Here's what to watch out for: 1. Antihistamines Hay fever sufferers, take note. Japan has some of the strictest anti-stimulant drug laws in the world - and that includes antihistamines, the Foreign Office has previously warned. Popular allergy treatments like Vicks inhalers and Sudafed are banned and could get you arrested at the airport. Anyone caught bringing them in risks detention or deportation. 2. Codeine The opioid painkiller, codeine, is banned in over 25 countries, including several in Europe. Yet in the UK, you don't even need a prescription - codeine is available over the counter in pharmacies as co-codamol, which combines codeine with paracetamol. Even bringing small amounts of the stuff abroad to certain places can get you into serious trouble. In Hungary, it carries up to five years in jail. In Slovakia, it's three. Other risky destinations include: Austria - Up to six months in jail Belgium - Up to five years in jail Croatia - £550 to £2,250 in fines (€650 to €2,600), plus up to 90 days in jail Czechia - £510 fine (15,000 Kč) Finland - Up to six months in jail Luxembourg - £210 to £4,200 fine (€250–€5,000), plus up to six months in jail Romania - Up to two years in jail Sweden - Up to three years in jail Even in countries like Greece or Cyprus, you'll need a valid prescription to carry codeine. Always check the rules for your destination online before you travel, and speak to your GP in advance to get any necessary paperwork. 3. Sleeping pills The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a zero tolerance on an array of over-the-counter medications that are sold daily in the UK. Sleeping pills like temazepam, which are legal here, are strictly banned in the Emirates, and getting caught with them could land you behind bars. Even if you have a prescription from your GP, you'll need to apply for approval from the UAE Ministry of Health before travelling. 4. Cannabis-related products Even CBD oil with zero THC is illegal in countries like Singapore, the UAE, and Japan, among others. It doesn't matter if it's for anxiety or pain, all cannabis products are banned in these regions. Getting caught with CBD at the airport could lead to arrest, detention, or even deportation. For example, in China, it is illegal to bring CBD into the country, with possession carrying a potential jail time of seven years. This is because in some places, possession is treated the same way as carrying hard drugs. It's generally not recommended to travel abroad with any CBD based products. 5. ADHD medicines Stimulants used to treat ADHD are a major red flag in some countries. In Japan, they are completely banned, even with a prescription. To bring them in legally, you'll need special clearance from the Japanese government, including medical proof - a process that takes weeks. How to check what is allowed? You can check which medications you can take in and out of the UK here. The UK government also recommends checking with the relevant embassies before travelling to make sure that you don't break any rules. You can find the full list for embassy contacts here. British prescriptions are not accepted at international pharmacies, so you'll need to take enough medicine with you for your entire trip. Ensure that you take your prescription and doctor's letter wherever you are travelling. Consider having the doctor's letter translated into your destination's language to make the journey easier. The strict rules are designed to keep travellers safe and to prevent drug tourism. Can you take medication in your hand luggage? WHEN you're travelling overseas, it's important that you get all the packing done properly. If you require medication, you may be curious about whether you can bring it along on your flight. The short answer is yes - it is recommended that you put any medication in your hand luggage. The main reason being that if the luggage in the hold gets lost, you would still have your medicine to hand. Before travelling, you should check the airline's regulations, but most of them will allow it. Make sure to pack your medicines and any equipment such as needles, syringes, and others in their original and correctly labelled packages. You should also carry the prescription from your doctor, just in case you are questioned about the medication. Before packing your medication make sure that the expiry date will be valid for as long as you're abroad and also check how it needs to be stored. And be sure to check that your drugs are not banned in the country you are travelling to.
