July 30, 2024

On July 30, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj (Darzalex Faspro®) in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for induction and consolidation in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplantations.

July 29, 2024

On July 10, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the Medical Device Shortages List to include blood culture media bottles (product code MDB). It also sent a letter to healthcare providers indicating that it is aware that the United States is experiencing interruptions in the supply of BD BACTEC blood culture media bottles because of recent supplier issues. The FDA said that the supply disruption is expected to affect patient diagnosis, follow-up patient management, and antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

July 26, 2024

Recent Supreme Court decisions curbing the power of federal agencies will hobble government efforts to protect public health, legal experts warn. The rulings will make it harder for some federal agencies to bring enforcement actions, give judges more leeway to second-guess agency decisions, and following a July 22, 2024, decision, make it easier to challenge long-settled regulations. Legal experts and health officials expect a gusher of litigation that will complicate the regulation of drugs, tobacco products, and cutting-edge medical technologies.

July 25, 2024

In some roles, nurses spend more time sitting at a desk than they do standing on their feet. Practicing self-care through appropriate ergonomic practices is essential. Neglecting proper ergonomics can lead to musculoskeletal discomfort, fatigue, and even long-term health problems. Read on for practical ideas on how to optimize workstations, maintain appropriate posture, and incorporate frequent breaks into daily routines to improve their overall well-being.

July 24, 2024

Nearly 50% of patients and survivors develop medical debt related to their cancer, with an even higher burden among Black and Hispanic individuals. Patients with medical debt say that their inability to afford treatment or food takes a toll on their mental health, even to the extent that they avoid future health care. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shared the new survey data in its April 2024 Survivor Views report.

July 23, 2024

On July 22, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., is extending its voluntary recall of one lot of acetaminophen injection, 1,000 mg/100 ml (10 mg/ml), to the consumer and user level. The product is being recalled because a bag labeled dexmedetomidine HCL injection (400 mcg/100 ml) may be inside an overwrap labeled as acetaminophen injection (1,000 mg/100 ml [10 mg/ml]).

July 23, 2024

A mainstay of many cancer treatments for decades, 5-fluorouracil injection package inserts were updated in March 2024 through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Project Renewal. The revisions add pharmacogenomics information and a safety warning about severe adverse reactions in patients with DPD deficiency. 

July 22, 2024

Completely switching to menthol-flavored e-cigarette products provides a health benefit for adults who smoke cigarettes compared to tobacco-flavored products, with sufficient evidence to outweigh the risks of the product, including youth appeal, NJOY LLC reported in its marketing application, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. Because the supplied evidence met FDA’s criteria, in June 2024, the agency issued marketing granted orders to NJOY LLC for four menthol-flavored products.