After Coldrif was linked to children's death in India, regulators have now advised against the use of two more cough syrups including Respifresh TR and ReLife. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned of the potential risks of the unregulated channels through which these cough syrups could be exported, however, as of now, these have not been exported.

Health alerts from Gujarat and other states describe both Respifresh and ReLife as containing DEG, “a toxic chemical that can cause serious poisoning, including kidney failure, neurological complications, and even death, particularly in children.”

Read: Cough Syrup Row: Death Toll Rise To 22 As 2 More Children Succumb

The Jammu And Kashmir Cough Syrup Death Case

However, this is not the first case of cough syrup linked deaths of children from India. Earlier, between 2019 and 2020, at least 12 children under five died in Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly from cough syrup. The syrup has been manufactured in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district by pharmaceutical company Digital Vision. Scroll reported that Digital Vision has "not only gone to resume production, but found guilt of more drug quality violations."

The samples of the cough syrups were collected in Ramnagar and sent to lab for tests in Chandigarh. The tests found that "more 34% diethylene glycol", said Jammu and Kashmir drug controller Lotika Khajuria to BBC. The samples' findings were also corroborated by another Kolkata-based lab test, said Khajuria.

The BBC report mentioned that the toxins failed the children's kidneys, and in some cases, even multiple organs were affected, including brain, liver, and lungs. Some of the children were also to be put on ventilators, while some were left with major disabilities.

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The Gambia Cough Syrup Death Case

In the September of 2022, reports BBC, a father in The Gambia, watched his young son slowly die in front of his eye. His son, 3-year-pld Lamin was among the 70 children, younger than five, who died in The Gambia of acute kidney injuries between July and October of 2022.

All these kids consumed one of the four cough syrups made by an Indian company called Maiden Pharmaceuticals. In fact, in October 2022, the WHO linked the deaths to the syrups and said that it found "unacceptable" levels of toxins in the medicines. A Gambian parliamentary panel also concluded after investigations that the deaths were the result of children ingesting the syrups.

However, the pharmaceutical company denied this and said that the cough syrups complied with quality standards when tested domestically. Though the then chairperson of the Gambian panel that investigated these deaths Amadou Camara strongly denied. He said, "We have evidence. We tested these drugs. [They] contained unacceptable amounts of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, and these were directly imported from India, manufactured by Maiden."

Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol are toxic to humans and could be fatal if consumed.

Uzbekistan Cough Syrup Death Case

After the trial of August 2023, an Uzbekistan court sentenced 23 people to prison over the deaths of 68 children linked to contaminated cough syrup. Among them were Singh Ragvendra Pratar, reports BBC, who was given the longest sentence of 20 years. He was the executive director at Quaramax Medical, who distributed the contaminated cough syrups manufactured by Marion Biotech in India.

WHO in January 2023, also said that the products manufactured by Marion Biotech were "substandard" and that the firm had failed to provide guarantees about their safety. After this, India's health ministry suspended production at the company. The authorities stated that they were "permanently" cancelling the company's license.

The popular weight-loss drug Ozempic, and similar GLP=1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro and known for a little more than fat loss jabs. They have a more complicate side to it. This is all about the sagging breasts, surprise pregnancies to confusing cancer scans, and many more such side effects. Of course due to its consequence of helping people use weight, have these drugs gained popularity, but also because these injections are producing ripple effects fat beyond the waistline.

Ozempic Breasts

If 'Ozempic Face' was not enough - a term used for facial sagging after rapid weight loss, then there is a new cosmetic concern: Ozempic breasts.

Also Read: Tramadol: Is It Time To Reconsider This Go-to Drug For Treating Chronic Pain?

Women using this weekly injection have reported dropping, deflated breasts after they have shred pounds quickly. Experts have also stressed that this is not a drug-specific effect and could happen to anyone who lost a significant amount of fat in a short time.

“In the breast area, rapid fat loss can leave the skin envelope empty, causing the breasts to look deflated and the nipples facing downward,” explained Dr. Ronald F. Rosso, medical director at Peninsula Plastic Surgery in California, as reported in Healthline. “It’s very similar to what we see after more traditional weight-loss surgeries such as gastric bypass.”

Women who have experienced pregnancy and breastfeeding may be at a greater risk, said Dr Walter J Joseph, a California-based aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon. For them, less cleavage and fullness, translates into a "sad looking" breast appearance.

The best measure? Experts suggest a well-fitted bra throughout the day. "It won't reverse the change, but it can help with comfort and prevent further sagging," said Dr Elie Levine, director of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC PLLC.

Plastic Surgery May Solve Your Problems

Not just Ozempic Breasts, but even Ozempic Butt, a droopy backside has made it to the list. For those seeking to restore firmness and shape, procedures like butt lifting and breast lifts for Ozempic breasts are available, including mastopexy.

What happens in this surgery is doctors remove the sagging skin, reshape the tissue and reposition the nipple to face forward rather than downward. The lift can also be paired with implants for added fullness.

“Patients should wait until they reach and maintain their goal weight before considering surgery,” advised Dr. Christopher Costa, as reported in the NY Post. Dr Costa is the founder of Platinum Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas. “Your body after Ozempic may be completely different, and it’s important to give it time to stabilize before making permanent changes.”

Dr Costa also noted in a 2022 study found two-thirds users regained the lost weight within a year of stopping GLP-1 drugs. Thus timing is the key to avoid repeating costly procedures. “If you’re not ready for surgery, embrace your new look,” he added. “Buy new clothes that flatter your shape, celebrate the healthier version of you.”

Ozempic Breast Is Not Just Sagging, It Is Also Swelling

Not all complaints are about sagging, some are also about sore and swollen breasts, especially in the early weeks of treatment.

"They feel bigger and tender, like the first trimester of pregnancy," shared a Reddit user. Experts suggest that it is due to the hormonal shifts that your body undergoes or due to the temporary inflammation.

What could work? Massaging, is what Dr Elie Levine recommends. This could boost circulation. Other than that, one can also use painkillers, or cool compresses for relief.

After Tylenol, a popular pain medicine in the US was in debate of whether it causes autism, the debate has now shifted to Tramadol.

What Is Tramadol?

It is an opioid pain medicine used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and addiction. It alters how the brain and the nervous system respond to pain.

What's New About Tramadol?

New research published in the BMJ Evidence Based Medicine indicates that tramadol offers only a slight alleviation from chronic pain and may not be as effective. The research also notes that the side effects maybe overweighing the benefits.

Also Read: ‘Ozempic Breasts’ Are Real — The Shocking Side Effect No One Warned Women About

This prescription only drug is branded under various names, including Maxitram, Marol, Zydol, Zamadol, Tramulief, and Tramquel. It is used to treat pain, especially after surgery or a significant injury.

This is also a popular choice in US, however, the new evidence shows that it only offers limited impact on chronic pain and could actually be associated with the high risk of serious effects, including heart diseases.

Also Read: Tylenol And Autism: Trump Announces Link Between The Two, Science Does Not Back Him

Tramadol Ineffective? What Is It Based On?

The team of researchers assessed 19 published clinical trials that involved 6,506 people with chronic pain. Five of the trials studied the impact of tramadol on neuropathic pain, nine focused on osteoarthritis, four looked at chronic low back pain, and one looked at fibromyalgia.

The prescribed period for most people were two to 16 weeks. Pooled data analysis showed that tramadol did ease the pain, the effect was small as compared to what would be considered clinically effective.

Researchers also noted a doubling in the risk of harms, which were associated with the popular pain killer drug, as compared to placebo drugs. They had a higher proportion of side effects, which include: chest pain, heart disease, and congestive heart failure. Some patients also suffered nausea, dizziness, constipation, and sleepiness. The researchers concluded: "Approximately 60 million worldwide experience the addictive effects of opioids."

The researchers further noted: "In 2019, drug use was responsible for approximately 600,000 deaths, with nearly 80 per cent of these fatalities associated with opioids and approximately 25 per cent resulting from opioid overdose. Given this trend and the present findings, the use of tramadol and other opioids should be minimised to the greatest extend possible."

Read More: Tylenol And Autism: Trump, RFK Jr., And Officials To Link The Two In An Announcement Soon

Opioid And Its Link To Cardiovascular Health

As per a 2023 study, published in Cureus, titled: Opioid Impacts on Cardiovascular Health cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a major contributor to global mortality, and opioid use impacts cardiovascular health. Opioid receptors belong to the G protein, and these long-term opioid receptors have been linked to increased inflammatory responses and elevated production of reactive oxygen species, when it comes to cardiovascular health. These processes can contribute to cardiovascular complications such as microvascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis. This contrasts with the effects of acute receptor activation.

Japan's flu season has arrived earlier than usual, as a result, this has marked the country's second-earliest start in two decades. As per the reports by Japan Times and South China Morning Post, the health authorities too confirmed that influenza cases have surpassed the one-per-hospital threshold across roughly 3,000 medical institution. This, as official signalled, level is what marked the flu season.

As per Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, an average of 1.04 flu patients were reported per hospital in the week beginning September 22, landing up to Sunday. On October 3, the Health Ministry declared an epidemic after 4,030 people were treated at designated medical institutions. The number show an increase from 957 cases, from the week before that.

Where Are The Cases Rising?

The highest infection rates so far have been seen in Okinawa, averaging nearly nine patients per institution, followed by Tokyo, Kagoshima, and Fukuoka. In contrast, regions such as Tottori and Akita have recorded very few cases. The health ministry has urged residents to take routine preventive steps, washing hands frequently, wearing masks in crowded places, and getting vaccinated.

Read: Japan Flu Outbreak: How Climate Change Has Resulted In The Early Arrival Of Viruses

Is There An Evolving Virus?

Health experts, as reported by South China Morning Post have said that the early wave may suggest that influenza viruses are now evolving. It also mean that they are spreading more easily.

“The flu season has started really early this year, but in the changing global environment, this might become a more common scenario,” said Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, in an interview with the media outlet This Week in Asia.

Around 135 schools and childcare centres were temporarily closed in the week Japan treated over 4,000 patients.

What Can Work? Is There A Need To Worry?

Researchers suggest several reasons for this early and rapid spread. One major factor is increased global travel and tourism in the post-pandemic era, which allows viruses to move more freely between populations.

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“We are seeing a greater circulation of people, both in Japan and globally, with people taking the virus to new places,” Tsukamoto explained. This constant movement can expose viruses to new environments, and in turn, encourage them to adapt faster.

There is also emerging evidence that indicates that some influenza strains are developing resistance to conventional treatments, a trend that scientists say warrants close observation but not panic. For now, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Tsukamoto noted that while influenza is rarely dangerous for healthy adults, it can pose risks for young children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses, who should consider getting vaccinated early.

However, experts have pointed out to not worry and follow "common sense precautions". These include good hand hygiene, proper ventilation, mask-wearing in crowded places, and timely vaccination. “For people who are healthy, the flu should not be too dangerous, although it could be unpleasant,” said Tsukamoto.