Updates ·
Health notices · Monday 2 November
3 notices from the agencies today, in plain words, each with the original linked.
FDA approval for dapagliflozin and metformin extended-release tablets
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) · Approval
If you have type 2 diabetes, the FDA has approved dapagliflozin and metformin HCl extended-release tablets as an add-on to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control.
The tablet combines dapagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). In some adults, dapagliflozin also helps reduce risks such as sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure.
eGFR is a measure of kidney function. This product is limited to people with type 2 diabetes, and it is not recommended for type 1 diabetes or certain kidney-related situations described in the label.
CDC highlights driver fatigue risk and ways to reduce it
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · Guidance
If you drive for work, CDC/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) notes that driver fatigue—caused by too little sleep, long hours, shift work, stress, sleep disorders, or drowsy medications—can reduce your ability to drive safely.
CDC/NIOSH says employers can use a fatigue risk management system (FRMS) and train workers to reduce the chain of events that can lead to crashes.
If you feel fatigued while driving, CDC/NIOSH advises you to pull over, drink a cup of coffee, and take a 15–30 minute nap before continuing; report fatigue and seek screening if it persists after adequate sleep.
What to do
- If you feel fatigued while driving: pull over, drink a cup of coffee, and take a 15-30 minute nap before continuing.
FDA approval of VEVYE (cyclosporine) for dry eye symptoms
FDA · Approval
If you have dry eye disease, the FDA has approved VEVYE (cyclosporine) ophthalmic solution (eye drops). It is for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.
Cyclopsorine is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant. In this medicine, that means it works in the eye to help relieve the discomfort and other symptoms of dry eye.