Products: May 2024

Semaglutide (Wegovy)

From: Novo Nordisk

The FDA has approved a new indication for the use of semaglutide, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight. The drug should be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The approval was based on positive efficacy and safety results from the multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 3 SELECT trial (NCT03574597), which showed a 20% risk reduction for major adverse cardiovascular events. The most common adverse events included nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion, dizziness, and hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes.

For more information: wegovy.com

Stelo Glucose Biosensor System

From: Dexcom

The FDA has cleared marketing for the Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System for individuals 18 years and older who do not use insulin, individuals who treat diabetes with an oral medication, or individuals who want to understand how diet and exercise can impact blood glucose levels. However, the system is not for individuals with hypoglycemia. This marks the system as the first OTC continuous glucose monitoring system. The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System is a wearable sensor that is placed on the back of the arm and can be paired using an application on the user’s smartphone or other smart device. Every 15 minutes, the application can display measurements of blood glucose levels. The sensor can be worn up to 15 days before needing replacement.

For more information: dexcom.com

Iron Energy Gummies

From: MegaFood

MegaFood has introduced Iron Energy Gummies, a supplement that provides energy from iron, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, and that is reported to encourage red blood cell and cellular energy production. The company noted that the gummy provides a lower-potency formula of 4 mg of iron per serving. The Iron Energy Gummies are non–genetically modified organism, vegan, and gluten free, and are made with fermented iron and bisglycinate with 1 mg of sugar per serving. The gummies do not include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, or sesame, and are available in a strawberry flavor.

For more information: megafood.com

Deflazacort

From: Aurobindo Pharma

Compare to: Emflaza

Deflazacort 6-, 18-, 30-, and 36-mg tablets received FDA approval as a generic of Emflaza to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy in adults and children 2 years and older. Although the drug is not a cure for muscular dystrophy, it could improve muscle strength and slow the development of the disability. Common adverse effects include increased appetite, increased growth of body hair, weight gain, sleep problems, cold symptoms, urge to urinate, and changes in shape or location of body fat. Researchers reported that deflazacort could also affect growth in children.

For more information: aurobindo.com