Trending News Today: Expedited FDA Drug Approvals May Increase Avoidable Adverse Events

The Trump administration has increased pressure on the FDA to expedite the drug approval process. A new study revealed that nearly one-third of drugs approved from 2001 to 2010 resulted in serious safety issues, according to Kaiser Health News. Some of the drugs received a black box warning or new safety information after their approval. These findings may suggest that approving drugs more quickly could lead to avoidable adverse events, according to the article.

Many Americans are concerned about what would happen to their health coverage if the American Health Care Act (AHCA) was passed. The latest revision to the law would allow states to opt out of certain Affordable Care Act provisions, including the preexisting conditions provision. Patients with a history of cancer or those with children who have chronic diseases worry that their coverage would be limited, while costs would increase under the bill, Kaiser Health News reported. However, other Americans — mostly those facing high premiums and deductibles – welcome the potential change.

Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX) may prove to be a vital part of the success of the AHCA. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is counting on Cruz to get the AHCA through the Senate with few to no unfavorable votes, according to Poltico. Thus far, Cruz has not had a large voice in healthcare, but has now been included in a group that will revise the House bill to ensure it passes in the Senate.