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What your patients are reading: Week of July 15, 2024

July 19, 2024

Power outages pose significant risks for medical device users

An estimated 4.5 million Medicare recipients (and millions more who use private insurance) use electricity-dependent equipment, including electric wheelchairs, hospital beds, ventilators and oxygen concentrators—which can make a power outage a life-threatening situation. In preparing for a power outage, it’s crucial for those who rely on medical devices to understand the battery life of their devices and keep a record of their model and serial numbers. Backup batteries should be kept charged, particularly when bad weather is forecasted. They should also inform their local utility company that they rely on home medical equipment; many will prioritize restoring their power. (Graves, 2024)

‘No indication of any mental health issues’ for Trump shooter, says FBI

A federal investigation into 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who authorities say attempted to assassinate former President Trump last Saturday, hasn't found any signs of mental health issues. The gunman wasn't on the FBI's radar prior to the shooting, according to FBI special agent Kevin Rojek. “The shooter acted alone and there currently are no public safety concerns,” he said. Investigators are still trying to determine his motive and ideology. (KFF Health News; Gurman, 2024)

The surprisingly easy path to purchasing compounded Ozempic

WIRED investigated how easy it is to order compounded semaglutide through popular telehealth companies in the U.S. and found the process surprisingly straightforward. Even without a medical need, individuals can easily purchase these prescription drugs in their compounded form. Most companies WIRED contacted did not require lab work or medical records, and some did not even mandate video conferences or phone calls. FDA has cautioned patients about compounded GLP-1 drugs, emphasizing that it does not evaluate these medications for safety, quality, or efficacy before sale. “Patients should be aware that products labeled as ‘semaglutide’ may not contain the same active ingredient as FDA-approved semaglutide products,” the agency said in January. (Knibbs, 2024)

Sources:

Graves, G. (2024, July 11). NPR. How to prepare for power outages if your health depends on home medical devices. https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/07/11/nx-s1-5035514/power-outage-safety-medical-devices-equipment

Gurman S. (2024, July 15). The Wall Street Journal via KFF Health News. FBI: ‘No Indication Of Any Mental Health Issues’ For Trump Rally Shooter. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/fbi-no-indication-of-any-mental-health-issues-for-trump-rally-shooter/

Knibbs, K. (2024, July 12). WIRED. It’s shockingly easy to buy off-brand Ozempic online, even if you don’t need it. https://www.wired.com/story/glp1-ozempic-wegovy-semaglutide-compounding-pharmacies-hims-reflexmd-alan-meds-henry-ro-getthinmd/