The US Food and Drug Administration has approved TNKase or Tenecteplase, which is a thrombolytic or clot-dissolving agent, for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in adults.

Ischemic strokes happen when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in your brain. It can cause permanent brain damage and death. If enough brain cells die, you can also lose the abilities or body functions those cells control. They are also the most common types of stroke, with 80% of all strokes being ischemic strokes.

How is TNKase administered?

It is delivered as a single five-second intravenous bolus, which is faster than the standard of care Activase or alteplase, which is administered as an intravenous bolus followed by a 60-minute infusion. The manufacturer of TNKase, Genetech said a new 25-mg vial configuration will also be available in the coming months.

How Was TNKase approved?

The approval came at the backdrop of a study that compared TNKase to Activase in patients with acute ischemic stroke. These patients also presented with a disabling neurological deficit. Results show that TNKase was comparable to Activase in terms of efficacy and safety.

How Common Are These Strokes?

In the United States it self, it affects more than 795,000 people each year and is the leading cause of long-term disability. It is also the fifth leading cause of death. Since brain damage can happen if this progresses rapidly, one needs an immediate, fast-acting medical care.

TNKase thus provide a faster and simpler administration which can be critical for anyone. The chief medical officer and head of global product development at Genetech, Levi Garraway, MD., PhD., said, "Today's approval is a significant step forward and underscores our commitment to advancing stroke treatment options for patients."

What Are The Symptoms Of Ischemic Strokes?

Some of the most common symptoms include weakness or paralysis on one side of your face and body. You may also feel trouble speaking or have loss of speech, also known as aphasia. You may faced slurred or garbled speaking, also known as dysarthria. Other symptoms include loss of muscle control on one side of your face, or sudden worsening or loss of your senses, including vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.

Other symptoms include:

• Loss of coordination or clumsiness
• Blurry vision or double vision
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck stiffness
• Mood swings or sudden personality changes
• Confusion or agitation
• Seizures
• Memory loss (amnesia)
• Headaches which are sudden and severe
• Passing out or fainting
• Coma

Are There Any Warning Signs?

While these are symptoms one has who is prone to this condition. However, often, many may confuse it with other illnesses. It is best to keep an eye out for warning signs. These could be looking out for yourself or your loved one. Note if there is a sudden loss of balance. Look out for sudden vision loss or changes in one or both eyes. Look for a droop on one or both sides of your face, especially when you smile. Raise both arms and see if one arm sags or drops in a way it usually does not. Note for your speech. Are you as fluent? Are you have trouble speaking? If you see any of such signs, start tracking it and talk to your healthcare provider.

As many as 125 doctors, nurses and public health professionals are contesting the November 3 US midterm elections, marking an unprecedented level of participation by healthcare professionals in electoral politics, according to a media report.

Among the prominent candidates are Dr Amy Acton, Dr Abdul El-Sayed and former US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Many of these candidates entered the political spotlight during or after the COVID-19 pandemic. They are now seeking elected office to influence public health funding, vaccination policies, healthcare access, and the Trump administration’s approach to science and medical research.

“I haven’t seen anything exactly like this before,” historian Dr Kristoffer Shields, director of the Eagleton Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University, told CNN. “The link between science and politics has always been sort of weak.”

A separate review by Becker’s Hospital Review identified at least 58 physicians, nurses and other clinicians running for governor or Congress. The group includes 29 physicians, 16 nurses, four pharmacists, four dentists and five other healthcare professionals. Of these, 46 are contesting House seats, eight are running for the Senate and four are seeking governorships.

Few Healthcare Professionals In US Congress

Healthcare professionals currently remain a small minority in American politics. The US Senate has four doctors, all Republicans: John Barrasso of Wyoming, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Rand Paul of Kentucky.

The House of Representatives includes 17 physicians, four dentists, two pharmacists, one nurse practitioner, one optometrist and one rehabilitation therapist.

Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ Approach

Concerns Over Science and Public Health

Concerns about the Trump administration’s approach to science and public health have become a key reason for healthcare professionals to seek political office.

Other important concerns include the dismissal of federal doctors and scientists, cuts to research funding, removal of government datasets and public health websites, and changes affecting measures such as water fluoridation and childhood vaccination.

“Our country should be great. Our country should be pro-science, pro-innovation, and science keeps us safe. It protects us. It leads to wonderful discoveries, and this administration has completely burned all of that down,” Dr Kristin Hook, a former staffer at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Government Accountability Office, told CNN.

Hook, who lost her 2024 bid as a Democrat for Texas’ 21st Congressional District, is contesting the same seat again this year.

Becerra, contesting the California gubernatorial election against Republican candidate Steve Hilton, warned that weakening public health institutions could make the country more vulnerable to natural disasters and pandemics.

“HHS is not a place for science deniers or science skeptics. Why would you get rid of some of our best scientists and doctors and health professionals?” he told CNN.

Read More: CDC Survey Shows Nearly 3 In 4 American Adults Are Tired: Who Is Most Affected?

How COVID-19 Changed Health and Politics Equation

The COVID-19 pandemic brought public health officials into the political spotlight, as decisions on restrictions, vaccines and other health measures became subjects of intense public debate.

Some officials also faced threats and harassment, while others left their positions, prompting healthcare professionals to consider a more direct role in policymaking.

People who are battling anxiety may not be able to access anti-anxiety sold by Whole Foods, a popular brand in the United States. 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules by Vitality Works were voluntarily recalled recently over possible Salmonella contamination.

According to the Food & Drug Administration, manufacturers found the contamination during routine testing. The potentially contaminated drug has been on shelves since October 20 and will be available for purchase until November 24. Here is everything you need to know about the recall:

Which Product is Affected?

Ashwagandha is a popular herbal supplement widely used to help the body manage stress and anxiety.

The recall affects a specific batch of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules (120-count size). The pills are sold on Amazon and at Whole Foods outlets. No illnesses have been reported due to the recalled pill so far.

To see if your bottle is part of the recall, check the bottom of the white plastic container for these specific details:

• Brand: 365 Whole Foods Market
• Product: Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules, 120-count
• Lot Number: 2025-26227
• Expiration Date: 10/13/2028
• UPC: 9948252099

Also read: US FDA Recalls Thousands Of Blood Pressure Drugs Over Excess Drug Levels, Failed Quality Tests

Is Salmonella Dangerous?

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness called salmonellosis. While it is most commonly linked to contaminated foods like poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized milk, it can occasionally turn up in dry goods and medicines if raw ingredients are exposed to the bacteria during harvesting or processing.

When someone ingests salmonella, the bacteria irritate the lining of the intestines. Symptoms usually show up anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure. Salmonella infection may cause:

• Diarrhea (which can sometimes be bloody)
• Fever
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Most healthy people recover within a week without any medical treatment. However, the infection can be much more severe and occasionally dangerous for young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The bacteria can occasionally enter the bloodstream and cause more severe infections. The CDC has warned that the actual number of infections may be higher than reported because some people recover without seeking medical care or getting tested.

Also read: Amgen & AstraZeneca's New Treatment Combination Cuts Advanced Lung Cancer Death Risk By 58% In Trial

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have a bottle of these ashwagandha capsules, take a quick look at the lot number. It is recommended to stop taking them immediately if they match the batch number that was recalled.

You could bring it back to the seller and get a refund by bringing your receipt. You could also discard the product safely in the trash if the seller does not accept returns.

If you have already taken these capsules and are feeling healthy, do not panic. Keep monitoring yourself for symptoms of infection. However, if you develop a sudden and persistent fever, severe stomach pain, or signs of a stomach bug in the days after ingesting the capsules, reach out to your healthcare provider.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced nationwide recalls of two blood pressure medications over concerns about excess drug levels and manufacturing quality failures.

The recalls involve combination medications prescribed to manage hypertension. The FDA cited concerns that one medication may contain more of an active ingredient than specified, while the other failed quality tests that assess how quickly the drug dissolves in the body.

Which Blood Pressure Medications Have Been Recalled?

Also read: US FDA Recalls India-Made BP Drug For The Second Time In 3 Months: Here's Why

1. Viatris blood pressure medication: 21,620 bottles recalled

The FDA has announced a Class III recall of Viatris Inc.'s combination telmisartan and amlodipine tablets because they may contain more telmisartan than specified.

The Class III recall means the use of the affected product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

The FDA did not specify how much additional telmisartan the tablets may contain. However, the National Library of Medicine warns that an overdose of this medication could cause low blood pressure, dizziness or a rapid heart rate.

In total, 21,620 bottles of the medication have been recalled.

The recall covers 30-count bottles of telmisartan and amlodipine tablets (40 mg/5 mg) with the following lot codes:

• Lots 3228113, 3228114 and 3228115, with an expiration date of October 31.
• Lots 3228120 and 3228121, with an expiration date of November 30.

2. Macleods Pharmaceuticals blood pressure medication: 3,744 bottles recalled

The FDA has also recalled 3,744 bottles of another combination blood pressure medication manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals.

The company first initiated the recall on October 7 over "failed dissolution specifications." This means the medication may not release its active ingredients at the required rate after being taken.

If a drug does not dissolve properly, its active ingredients may not be absorbed as intended, potentially affecting its effectiveness. In this case, the medication may not lower blood pressure as expected.

On October 26, the FDA classified the recall as Class II. This means using the affected product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, although serious health problems are unlikely.

The recall covers:

• Olmesartan Medoxomil, Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets (40 mg/10 mg/12.5 mg), 30-count: 3,528 bottles; NDC 33342-246-07; lot number 12251163A; expiration date May 31, 2027.
• Olmesartan Medoxomil, Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets (40 mg/10 mg/12.5 mg), 90-count: 216 bottles; NDC 33342-246-10; lot number 12251163B; expiration date May 31, 2027.

Read More: Mounjaro, Zepbound Ingredient Recalled In US Over Sterility Concerns

What Should You Do If You Have The Recalled Medication?

The FDA advises patients not to stop taking their medication without consulting their healthcare provider, as abruptly discontinuing blood pressure treatment may pose additional health risks.

If you have any of the affected products, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on whether you should continue taking them or switch to an alternative.

For the Macleods Pharmaceuticals medication, the FDA did not issue a separate news release. Its enforcement report states that letters were sent to notify businesses and individuals who may have the affected products.

Patients should consult their healthcare provider before making any changes to their medication routine.