epocrates

Trending Patient News: Week of June 16, 2025

June 20, 2025

Keeping you a step ahead is our priority. That's why we've gathered some of the top stories your patients might be seeing. Here are this week's highlights:

Kraft Heinz, General Mills to remove artificial dyes from food products over next 2 years

(ABC News)— With 90% of products already dye-free, food giants pledge to eliminate remaining artificial colors amid growing health concerns and regulatory pressure. Read more

Cannabis use linked to a doubled risk of heart disease death, new study finds

(CBS News)— Frequent cannabis use may double the risk of cardiovascular death and significantly raise the chances of stroke and heart attacks, new research shows. Read more

A new chapter for online sales of obesity drug alternatives tests legal limits

(NPR)— As demand for weight-loss drugs like Wegovy explodes, telehealth companies are pushing legal boundaries by selling compounded alternatives online. Read more

Gen X, millennials are about three times more likely than their parents to be diagnosed with appendix cancer, study finds

(CNN)— Appendix cancer rates have tripled or quadrupled in Gen X and millennials compared with earlier generations, with no clear cause yet identified. Read more

'Razor blade throat': What to know about COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1

(USA Today)—Painful new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 causes extreme sore throat and may better evade immune defenses, experts warn. Read more