Glenmark Recalls Birth Control Pills In US Over Manufacturing Issues

Updated Oct 20, 2025 | 07:23 AM IST

SummaryGlenmark Pharmaceuticals has recalled 26,928 packs of oral contraceptive pills, including Viorele and Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol, in the US due to failed impurity and degradation specifications, the USFDA reported. The Class II recall, initiated on September 3, 2025, indicates potential temporary health effects. Dr Reddy’s Laboratories also recalled a muscle relaxant injection.
Glenmark Recalls Birth Control Pills In US Over Manufacturing Issues

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Glenmark, a leading Indian drugmaker, has recalled its products in the US over manufacturing issue, confirmed the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

What Did The USFDA Say?

The USFDA released an Enforcement Report, which noted that the US-based unit of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals in recalling 26,928 packs of oral contraceptive medicines in the US. The company's unit based in Mahwah, New Jersey, has now recalled the affected lot of the following birth control pills:

  • Viorele
  • Desogestrel
  • Ehinyl Estradiol

The report also noted that Ethinyl Estradiol tablets were recalled due to "failed impurities and degradation specifications". The affected drugs were produced in the company's Mumbai headquarters' Goa manufacturing facility. This is because India has the highest number of USFDA-compliant pharmaceutical plants outside of the US.

The drug firm also issued a notice for Class II nationwide recall on September 3, 2025.

What Does Class II Recall Mean?

The USFDA notes that recalls are actions taken by the firm to remove and product from the market and could be conducted by company's own initiative, or by the FDA request or order.

Class II recall means a situation in which the use of or the exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequence is remote.

What Are The Different Categories Of Recalls?

As per the USFDA, there are 5 different categories of recalls, namely:

  • Class I Recall
  • Class II Recall
  • Class II Recall
  • Market Withdrawal
  • Medical Device Safety Alert

  • Class I recall: a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

  • Class II recall: a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

  • Class III recall: a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

  • Market withdrawal: occurs when a product has a minor violation that would not be subject to FDA legal action. The firm removes the product from the market or corrects the violation. For example, a product removed from the market due to tampering, without evidence of manufacturing or distribution problems, would be a market withdrawal.

  • Medical device safety alert: issued in situations where a medical device may present an unreasonable risk of substantial harm. In some case, these situations also are considered recalls.

Are There Any Other Drugs Being Recalled?

Dr Reddy's Laboratories, another major Indian drugmaker, has also recalled its muscle relaxant in the US. The company's Princeton, New Jersey-based subsidiary has recalled 571 vials of Succinylcholine Chloride Injection. The recall was initiated due to "out-of-specification results during the 6-month stability testing," according to USFDA.

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World Osteoporosis Day 2025: Theme, Origin, And Significance

Updated Oct 20, 2025 | 08:03 AM IST

SummaryWorld Osteoporosis Day, observed on October 20, raises awareness about bone health and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The 2025 theme, “It’s Unacceptable,” highlights the global crisis of underdiagnosis and poor care. Affecting over 500 million people, osteoporosis causes fragile bones, fractures, chronic pain, and loss of independence. Read on.
World Osteoporosis Day 2025: Theme, Origin, And Significance

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Every year on October 20, World Osteoporosis Day is marked, to put the spotlight on osteoporosis. The day marks a year-long campaign, which is dedicated to raising global awareness of bone health, and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases.

Osteoporosis is a serious condition where bones lose its density and strength, and it thus makes them fragile and more likely to break. It is often called the 'silent disease', and most people don't even realize that they have it until a fracture happens.

The most common fracture in this condition is in hip, spine, wrist, or shoulder. These fractures can result in long hospital stays, and lead to loss of independence, and reduced quality of life.

World Osteoporosis Day 2025 Theme

This year's theme is 'It's Unacceptable'.

This puts the spotlight on the persistent and preventable crisis in osteoporosis care.

This condition affects over 500 million people worldwide, and most remain severely underdiagnosed and undertreated. Up to 80% of patients with osteoporotic fractures do not receive any follow-up diagnosis or treatment.

This theme furthermore makes an effort for everyone to make noise for the silent disease.

The disease is more common among women, as 1 in 3 women, as compared to 1 in 5 men aged 50+ are prone to osteoporotic fracture in their remaining lifetime. These fractures could lead to chronic pain and disability, loss of independence, increased risk of further fractures, and even premature deaths.

Thus the theme 'It's Unacceptable', highlights that it is simply unacceptable that patients continue to receive inadequate care, and people are still not aware of the condition.

Origin Of World Osteoporosis Day

The World Osteoporosis Day was first launched in 1996 by the United Kingdom's National Osteoporosis Society, with support from the European Commission. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), then took over the global coordination in 1997, turning it into a worldwide awareness campaign that takes place annually on October 20. The World Health Organization (WHO) also co-sponsored the event in 1998 and 1999, helping to raise its international profile.

Significance of World Osteoporosis Day 2025

Why is it important to observe a day on this, internationally? The reason is, this condition is very common, is among the most frequent health events, yet not much talked about. The IOF notes that in women osteoporotic fractures are more common than breast cancer. Women who are over the age of 45 account for more days in hospital than many other diseases, if they are osteoporotic. This comparison is done with other chronic diseases, including diabetes, myocardial infarction, and even breast cancer, notes IOF.

For men, in many countries, osteoporotic fractures account for more hospital bed days than those due to prostrate cancer.

IOF notes that osteoporosis is not prioritized in healthcare policy, and that it continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated, globally. Only 1 in 3 vertebral fractures come to clinical attention, and most spinal fractures are often diagnosed as simple 'back pain'. This is why there remains a high treatment gap. In Europe, 72% of women who are at a high risk of osteoporotic fractures do not receive treatment.

This is why awareness about this condition becomes more so important, especially when framing public policies, education campaigns, and preventative care, especially making people understand the importance of calcium and vitamin D.

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Cardiologist Warns Donald Trump’s Medicines Could Be Slowing Him Down, Here’s Why

Updated Oct 19, 2025 | 08:00 PM IST

SummaryA British cardiologist has raised concerns that President Donald Trump’s medications, including statins and aspirin, may be contributing to fatigue and reduced energy. Experts note that cholesterol-lowering drugs can sometimes cause side effects such as muscle pain and brain fog, particularly in older adults.
donald trump health condition

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Donald Trump Health News: A British cardiologist and adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested that President Donald Trump may seem “slowed down” because of his medications. Speaking to the European Parliament, Dr. Aseem Malhotra, who works with the lobby group Make America Healthy Again, said the 79-year-old president could be experiencing fatigue from cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, and aspirin. Keep reading to know how.

Cardiologist Suggests Trump’s Medications Could Be Slowing Him Down

A British cardiologist and adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Aseem Malhotra, has suggested that President Donald Trump may appear to be slowing down due to his medications. Speaking to the European Parliament at the launch of the health advocacy group Make Europe Healthy Again (MEHA), Malhotra pointed to cholesterol-lowering drugs, or statins, and aspirin as potential contributors to fatigue in the 79-year-old president, as per The Independent.

Statins May Offer Little Benefit for Healthy Seniors

Malhotra noted that Trump takes two cholesterol-lowering medications despite having no history of cardiovascular disease. “If you’re over 75 and have no cardiovascular disease, the benefit of statins is very limited,” he said. “You would have to treat 446 people to prevent a single cardiovascular event, meaning there’s no significant benefit.”

Malhotra, known for his skepticism toward vaccines and statins, has previously been criticized by medical experts for promoting views considered misinformation. He has also been a close ally of Kennedy.

Donald Trump's Health Update

Malhotra’s comments come amid ongoing speculation about Trump’s cognitive and physical health. Observers have pointed to occasional gaffes and name mix-ups as possible signs of cognitive decline. Despite this, the White House maintains that the president is in “excellent overall health,” following a recent routine check-up at Walter Reed Medical Center.

Physical health concerns have also been raised after Trump was frequently photographed with bruising on his right hand. White House officials attribute this to frequent handshakes and his use of aspirin for cardiovascular protection. Earlier this year, the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common, non-life-threatening condition in older adults that affects blood flow from the legs to the heart.

Statin Side Effects and Trump’s Energy Levels

During his remarks, Malhotra highlighted that cholesterol medications can cause fatigue, muscle pain, and “brain fog.” He suggested that Trump might be experiencing a slight slowdown due to these drugs, in addition to possibly sleeping only four hours a night. Malhotra recommended that the president consider stopping statins and aspirin, saying he would likely feel better within weeks.

COVID-19 Booster and Health Status

Malhotra also commented on Trump receiving an updated COVID-19 booster and a flu shot, calling them unnecessary. “I believe he genuinely took the booster and wasn’t doing it for appearances,” Malhotra said, while also noting that Trump may have fallen victim to medical misinformation.

However, research continues to show that COVID-19 vaccines remain effective, particularly for those over 65. A study by the VA St. Louis Healthcare System involving nearly 300,000 veterans found that last season’s vaccine reduced emergency room visits by 29%, hospitalizations by 39%, and deaths by 64%. Combined, the overall effectiveness was around 28%, similar to flu vaccines, which typically provide 30–60% protection against severe illness.

While statins are not proven to cause dementia, the FDA issued a safety warning in 2012 noting that they can sometimes lead to “notable, but poorly defined memory loss or impairment,” which typically reverses after stopping the medication.

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Trump Announces Plans To Cut Ozempic Costs; Doctors Call It A Potential Gamechanger

Updated Oct 19, 2025 | 03:55 PM IST

SummaryPresident Trump announced plans to lower the cost of key medications, including Ozempic, promising more affordable access for Americans. The move could reduce prices from around $1,000 a month to roughly $150, aiming to ease the financial burden on patients and improve access to essential drugs. Keep reading for more details.
trump ozempic shot

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President Donald Trump announced that the cost of Novo Nordisk’s widely used diabetes and weight-loss drug, Ozempic, will be reduced. Speaking at a White House event focused on fertility treatments and drug pricing, Trump said the lower prices would follow prompt negotiations with the pharmaceutical company. “They’ll be much lower,” he told reporters, as per Fox News.

Trump Announces Plans To Cut Ozempic Costs

Novo Nordisk produces both Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but are approved for different purposes. Ozempic, approved in 2017, is primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes, with weight loss occurring as a side effect. Wegovy, approved four years later, is specifically intended for long-term weight management in adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes. In recent years, demand for both drugs has surged, especially among people looking to lose weight.

During a Thursday Oval Office news conference focused on in vitro fertilization drugs, President Trump mentioned the idea of lowering prices for other medications, including Ozempic. His Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator, Dr. Mehmet Oz, later cautioned that nothing had been finalized.

“In London, the same drug costs $130, but in New York, it’s $1,300,” Trump said during Thursday’s IVF announcement. “Now, instead of $1,300, people will be paying around $150.”

Still, Trump’s remarks generated significant attention. Patients struggling with the high cost of these drugs expressed hope for more affordable access, while doctors called the potential price reduction “huge for patients.” Wall Street also reacted: shares of Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, makers of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, dropped sharply, erasing tens of billions of dollars in market value.

Novo Nordisk Shares Fall After Trump’s Comment

Shares of Eli Lilly & Co. and Novo Nordisk dropped in late trading after President Trump suggested that the price of the popular diabetes drug Ozempic could fall to about $150 per month. Currently, the U.S. list price for a month’s supply is around $1,000, with Trump referring to it as “the fat loss drug.” In response, Novo’s American depositary receipts fell up to 4.7 percent, while Lilly’s shares dropped as much as 5.3 percent.

Novo Nordisk has been in discussions about lowering drug costs since Trump sent letters to 17 major pharmaceutical companies urging price cuts. Ozempic and its counterpart, Wegovy, were also selected for price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Most Favored Nation’ Drug Prices

President Trump has recently struck deals with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and EMD Serono under the ‘Most Favored Nation’ pricing framework, with more agreements promised. These deals offer medicines at Most Favored Nation prices to Medicaid, which already receives substantial discounts, and to certain drugs available directly to consumers without insurance through the TrumpRx platform.

In exchange, pharmaceutical companies receive relief from potential tariffs, provided they continue investing in U.S. manufacturing and research.

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