Monthly Check-up

The Monthly Check-up is a dedicated subcategory of editorials that focuses on providing insightful news and relevant events within the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. This section aims to keep readers informed about the latest developments, trends, and important happenings that impact the world of healthcare.

The End of Cold Medicine  

Skyler Dunphy 

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has decided to pull some cold medicines off the shelves for consumer protection. Why, you may as well, medications like phenylephrine. Phenylephrine, according to MedlinePlus (which is a government program) Phenylephrine is a drug used to treat stuffy noses and sinus problems. When applied to the eye, it can treat uveitis and wide-angle glaucoma. It can also dilate the pupil of the eye. Most of the time, you see it in cold medicines like Sudafed PE. On September 14th of last year, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) held a meeting to discuss the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine as an active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products that are indicated for the temporary relief of congestion, both as a single ingredient product and in combination with other ingredients. The committee deemed that evidence showing that Sudafed worked was outweighed by the opposing evidence. This caused the FDA to no longer support using Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). The FDA has indicated that there are no negative effects associated with Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). This means that taking this medication shouldn't lead to any adverse consequences, as stated by the agency. As always, you should consult your physician if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.  

 

Sources  

  • Lewis, Tanya, et al. “A Popular Decongestant Doesn’t Work. What Does?” Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2023, www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/a-popular-decongestant-doesnt-work-what-does1/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. 

  • MedlinePlus. “Phenylephrine: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” Medlineplus.gov, Nov. 2019, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a606008.html. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. 

  • “Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE): Uses & Instructions.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20850-phenylephrine-tablets. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA Clarifies Results of Recent Advisory Committee Meeting on Oral Phenylephrine.” FDA, Sept. 2023, www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-clarifies-results-recent-advisory-committee-meeting-oral-phenylephrine. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. 

 


Botox For Headaches 

Skyler Dunphy 

There have been some recent studies to prove that Botox may be able to treat migraines. Evidence has shown that botulinum toxin (Botox) interrupts the pathway of pain transmission between the brain and nerves that extend from the spinal cord. When a migraine happens, your body releases neurotransmitters and molecules that are associated with pain. Scientists hypothesize that botulinum toxin (Botox) when injected into the muscles around the face, head, and neck, is taken up by the nerves and interferes with the pain neurotransmitters. According to Dr. Mikhail Varshavskin (Dr. Mike), an American YouTube doctor, Botox was discovered to treat migraines by accident. In 2010, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved Botox as a preventive treatment for migraines. If you are experiencing migraines or headaches, talk to your doctor about possibly taking botulinum toxin (Botox) as a preventative treatment.  

 

Sources  

  • ·   “Chronic Migraine Treatment | BOTOX® Chronic Migraine.” Www.botoxchronicmigraine.com, www.botoxchronicmigraine.com/. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024. 

  • ·   Doctor Mike. “Surprising Body Parts Where Botox Can Be Used.” YouTube, 12 May 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYSiMs-f-Cg. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024. 

  • ·   Reddy, Sashank. “Botulinum Toxin Injectables for Migraines.” Www.hopkinsmedicine.org, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/botulinum-toxin-injectables-for-migraines. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.