The hottest Drug Safety Substack posts right now

The FDA has received about 70,000 reports of negative events related to puberty-blocking drugs, but these have not been prioritized for safety concerns. This raises questions about how drug safety is monitored.
Puberty blockers can have serious side effects, including risks for strokes and permanent health issues. Critics argue that these drugs should not be used for children who are healthy.
There is a noticeable difference in how the FDA communicates risks; they have publicly warned about some drugs more than others. This might affect trust in the FDA's commitment to public health.

Fentanyl poisoning deaths are preventable with a safe nasal spray called Narcan.
Many young people are dying from fentanyl poisoning after consuming laced drugs like Adderall or pain killers.
It's important to educate oneself and others about the dangers of fentanyl poisoning and have naloxone like Narcan on hand to prevent deaths.

Research the drugs you take to stay safe. Some substances may seem harmless but can lead to very bad experiences.
Pay attention to dosage and be careful with potent substances. Taking too much can result in panic and fear, which can be hard to handle.
Alcohol can have serious negative effects, even if it's socially accepted. Recognizing its harmful aspects can help you make better choices.

The article highlights concerns about the safety and effectiveness of Paxlovid as doctors start to drop it due to drug interactions and research linking it to Covid rebounds and virus shedding.
Pfizer is heavily promoting Paxlovid amidst concerns, transitioning from Emergency Use Authorization to FDA approval at a much higher price, despite struggles to market the drug successfully.
There is a push to stigmatize skeptics of Paxlovid as 'anti-paxxers,' paralleling previous campaigns against alternative treatments like ivermectin.

FDA approval of a drug does not mean it is completely without risks; it means the benefits are deemed worth the risks.
The FDA assesses the risks and benefits of a drug based on the research provided by the pharmaceutical company before granting approval.
When it comes to weight loss drugs, the risk/benefit analysis by the FDA may be skewed due to questionable research around weight and health, leading to a lower safety bar for approval.

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Vaccines, like drugs, can vary in safety and effectiveness. Some work well for certain people but not for others.
It's important to measure how well vaccines work, not just for virus-related issues but for overall health.
We need better monitoring and data sharing after vaccines are given, along with the ability to hold manufacturers accountable if something goes wrong.

The concept of body-size-as-disease is constructed by the diet industry and lacks scientific grounding.
Engaging in intentional weight loss contradicts being a part of the Health at Every Size community.
Research suggests that weight-neutral interventions can offer similar cardiometabolic benefits with fewer risks compared to weight loss drugs.

Antipsychotic medications can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and other adverse outcomes in individuals with depression.
Youth treated with higher-dose antipsychotic medications are at risk of increased mortality, especially among vulnerable children.
Treating young adults with high-dose antipsychotic medications can result in significantly more deaths compared to fentanyl, emphasizing the need for better options for vulnerable youth.

Regulators have targeted kratom in attempts to ban it, but public backlash has prevented complete bans so far.
Kratom is seen as a tool for harm reduction due to its potential as an alternative to prescription painkillers, but it carries risks and should be used carefully.
Misinformation and misrepresentation of kratom-related deaths have fueled the stigma around the plant, highlighting the need for proper regulation and education rather than outright bans.

There should be better safety monitoring of all drugs, especially vaccines, to ensure public health is protected. It's also important for the data to be transparent and publicly available.
Vaccination mandates and liability protections for vaccine manufacturers should be reconsidered to promote personal choice and accountability in healthcare decisions. This includes allowing individuals to consult freely with their doctors.
We need more open discussions about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, including allowing debates between experts with differing views. This can help the public make more informed choices.

A lot of serious adverse events from vaccines, including deaths, aren’t reported. This makes it hard to see the true effects of vaccines.
Studies show that healthcare professionals often don’t report adverse drug reactions. The underreporting rate is really high, often around 90%.
Many reasons lead to underreporting, like doctors thinking only serious issues need reporting or feeling unsure about whether an event is related to a vaccine.