Health and Me

Ishita Roy

FDA Updates COVID Vaccine Labels Over Rare Heart Inflammation Risk: What You Need to Know?

Rare Heart Side Effect Prompts FDA to Revise COVID Vaccine Labels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (<span>FDA</span>) has updated its warning labels for the two most widely used COVID-19 vaccines — Pfizer and Moderna — to provide more detailed information about the rare risk of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. The condition has primarily been observed in younger males and was first identified shortly after the vaccines became widely available in 2021.

<h2>FDA Demands More Detailed Labeling</h2>

Though both vaccine makers had already included myocarditis warnings in their prescribing information, the FDA formally asked them in April to expand these details. The agency can mandate label changes, but such updates are typically negotiated with drugmakers.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/you-dont-need-10000-steps-to-reduce-heart-and-cognitive-risk-heres-the-exact-number-of-steps-you-need-article-152163783" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">You Don't Need 10,000 Steps To Reduce Heart And Cognitive Risk - Here's The Exact Number Of Steps You Need</a>

The revised warning now estimates that 8 cases of myocarditis occur per 1 million people who received the 2023–2024 COVID vaccines in the age group of 6 months to 64 years. The update also clarifies that the risk is highest among males aged 12 to 24, a slight expansion from the earlier label, which focused on boys aged 12 to 17.

<h2> Conflicting Safety Findings at Top U.S. Agencies</h2>

Interestingly, this update appears to contradict some earlier findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC had previously stated that, based on vaccine safety data through 2022, there was no significant increase in myocarditis risk linked to COVID-19 vaccines. They also pointed out that vaccine-related myocarditis cases tend to be mild and resolve quickly, especially when compared to heart inflammation caused by the COVID-19 infection itself.

<h2>How This New Expert Panel Will Strengthen Vaccine Oversight</h2>

The timing of the FDA’s label change aligns with broader shifts in vaccine policy under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A longtime vaccine skeptic, Kennedy recently dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel and appointed a new group, some of whom have expressed anti-vaccine sentiments in the past. This week marked their first meeting, where ongoing use of COVID-19 vaccines, especially among vulnerable groups like pregnant women, was discussed.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/airborne-fungi-might-predict-surges-in-covid-and-flu-researchers-say-article-152124040" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Can Airborne Fungi Predict COVID and Flu Outbreaks? New Research Says Yes </a>

<h2>Covid Vaccine: New Restrictions and Requirements Under Review</h2>

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, appointed by Kennedy, has taken several steps to limit the scope of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Recently, he restricted annual COVID-19 booster shots to seniors and high-risk individuals. Makary has also suggested that seasonal updates to vaccines — meant to better match circulating virus strains — should be treated as entirely new products requiring additional clinical testing.

<h2>Focus Should Be on Understanding Risk, Not Curtailing Vaccines</h2>

While acknowledging that myocarditis should not be dismissed, some public health experts believe the FDA’s latest approach is flawed. “We should be investigating who is prone to myocarditis to see if we can predict and mitigate that risk,” said Dr. Robert Morris, a public health specialist at the University of Washington. “They are right to raise the concern, but not with these broad warning changes," as reported by Associated Press. 

Makary and his team had previously questioned the government’s booster recommendations. In a 2022 paper, he and two FDA colleagues argued that mandating boosters for young people might lead to more harm than good, a position that diverged from CDC guidance at the time.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its warning labels for the two most widely used COVID-19 vaccines — Pfizer and Moderna — to provide more detailed information about the rare risk of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. The condition has primarily been observed in younger males and was first identified shortly after the vaccines became widely available in 2021.FDA Demands More Detailed LabelingThough both vaccine makers had already included myocarditis warnings in their prescribing information, the FDA formally asked them in April to expand these details. The agency can mandate label changes, but such updates are typically negotiated with drugmakers.Also Read: You Don't Need 10,000 Steps To Reduce Heart And Cognitive Risk - Here's The Exact Number Of Steps You NeedThe revised warning now estimates that 8 cases of myocarditis occur per 1 million people who received the 2023–2024 COVID vaccines in the age group of 6 months to 64 years. The update also clarifies that the risk is highest among males aged 12 to 24, a slight expansion from the earlier label, which focused on boys aged 12 to 17. Conflicting Safety Findings at Top U.S. AgenciesInterestingly, this update appears to contradict some earlier findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC had previously stated that, based on vaccine safety data through 2022, there was no significant increase in myocarditis risk linked to COVID-19 vaccines. They also pointed out that vaccine-related myocarditis cases tend to be mild and resolve quickly, especially when compared to heart inflammation caused by the COVID-19 infection itself.How This New Expert Panel Will Strengthen Vaccine OversightThe timing of the FDA’s label change aligns with broader shifts in vaccine policy under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A longtime vaccine skeptic, Kennedy recently dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel and appointed a new group, some of whom have expressed anti-vaccine sentiments in the past. This week marked their first meeting, where ongoing use of COVID-19 vaccines, especially among vulnerable groups like pregnant women, was discussed.Also Read: Can Airborne Fungi Predict COVID and Flu Outbreaks? New Research Says Yes Covid Vaccine: New Restrictions and Requirements Under ReviewFDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, appointed by Kennedy, has taken several steps to limit the scope of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Recently, he restricted annual COVID-19 booster shots to seniors and high-risk individuals. Makary has also suggested that seasonal updates to vaccines — meant to better match circulating virus strains — should be treated as entirely new products requiring additional clinical testing.Focus Should Be on Understanding Risk, Not Curtailing VaccinesWhile acknowledging that myocarditis should not be dismissed, some public health experts believe the FDA’s latest approach is flawed. “We should be investigating who is prone to myocarditis to see if we can predict and mitigate that risk,” said Dr. Robert Morris, a public health specialist at the University of Washington. “They are right to raise the concern, but not with these broad warning changes," as reported by Associated Press. Makary and his team had previously questioned the government’s booster recommendations. In a 2022 paper, he and two FDA colleagues argued that mandating boosters for young people might lead to more harm than good, a position that diverged from CDC guidance at the time.

rare heart side effect prompts fda to revise covid vaccine labels

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AI Diet Advice Turns Dangerous: ChatGPT Plan Lands Man In ER With Bromide Poisoning

ai diet advice turns dangerous: chatgpt plan lands man in er with bromide poisoning

A 52-year-old man has died and 9 others have been hospitalized in Italy after eating a <span>broccoli</span> and sausage sandwich suspected to be contaminated with a deadly toxin. All cases have been traced back to the same street vendor on the seafront of Diamante, in the province of Cosenza.

<h4>Victim Fell Ill During Drive Home</h4>

The victim, identified as artist and musician Luigi Di Sarno, was returning from a family vacation in Calabria when he and relatives stopped at the food truck. All five family members ate the same sandwich and soon developed symptoms consistent with <span>botulism</span>.

Di Sarno reportedly began feeling unwell while driving along a highway near Lagonegro in Potenza. He pulled over in the town of Basilicata, where emergency services were called, but he died before reaching the hospital. Two of his relatives remain in serious condition.

<h4>Rare But Deadly Illness Suspected</h4>

Botulism is caused by toxins from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which attack the nervous system, leading to breathing difficulties, muscle paralysis, and, in about 10% of cases, death. The infection is rare but can occur when certain foods, including broccoli, are improperly processed or stored.

Authorities believe <span>contaminated broccoli</span> in oil used for the sandwiches is the likely source. Local prosecutors in Paola immediately ordered all jars of broccoli in oil to be seized, along with the food truck where the meals were prepared.

<h4>Wider Health Concerns Across Italy</h4>

The outbreak has sparked nationwide concern. Just weeks earlier, eight people were hospitalized after eating contaminated guacamole at a food festival in Sardinia. Those cases were also linked to botulism.

In both incidents, Italy’s strict emergency protocol for botulism was activated. The Calabria Region’s Department of Health and Welfare confirmed that the Poison Control Centre in Pavia is the only facility authorized to manage such cases. The Ministry of Health stores the antitoxin in secure locations and distributes it solely through the Lombardy center.

The first doses of the antitoxin were sent from the Military Pharmacy in Taranto to treat initial patients. As more cases emerged, additional supplies were rushed in. Health officials have now ordered a nationwide recall of broccoli products to prevent further infections.

An autopsy will be conducted to confirm Di Sarno’s exact cause of death, though investigators say early evidence strongly points to botulism. Authorities continue to trace all potential exposure points while urging the public to avoid suspect broccoli products until the source is fully contained.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), foodborne botulism is a serious, and fatal disease, though it is relatively rare. It is an intoxication caused by ingestion of potent neurotoxins, the botulinum toxins, which are formed in contaminated foods. 

WHO notes: "spores produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum are heat-resistant and exist widely in the environment, and in the absence of oxygen they germinate, grow and then excrete toxins. There are 7 distinct forms of botulinum toxin, types A–G. Four of these (types A, B, E and rarely F) cause human botulism. Types C, D and E cause illness in other mammals, birds and fish."

<ul><li>Flaccid Paralysis that can cause respiratory failure</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Weakness</li><li>Vertigo</li><li>Difficulty in swallowing or speaking</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Constipation</li><li>Abnormal swelling</li><li>Weakness in neck and arms</li></ul>

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A 52-year-old man has died and 9 others have been hospitalized in Italy after eating a broccoli and sausage sandwich suspected to be contaminated with a deadly toxin. All cases have been traced back to the same street vendor on the seafront of Diamante, in the province of Cosenza.Victim Fell Ill During Drive HomeThe victim, identified as artist and musician Luigi Di Sarno, was returning from a family vacation in Calabria when he and relatives stopped at the food truck. All five family members ate the same sandwich and soon developed symptoms consistent with botulism.Di Sarno reportedly began feeling unwell while driving along a highway near Lagonegro in Potenza. He pulled over in the town of Basilicata, where emergency services were called, but he died before reaching the hospital. Two of his relatives remain in serious condition.Rare But Deadly Illness SuspectedBotulism is caused by toxins from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which attack the nervous system, leading to breathing difficulties, muscle paralysis, and, in about 10% of cases, death. The infection is rare but can occur when certain foods, including broccoli, are improperly processed or stored.Authorities believe contaminated broccoli in oil used for the sandwiches is the likely source. Local prosecutors in Paola immediately ordered all jars of broccoli in oil to be seized, along with the food truck where the meals were prepared.Wider Health Concerns Across ItalyThe outbreak has sparked nationwide concern. Just weeks earlier, eight people were hospitalized after eating contaminated guacamole at a food festival in Sardinia. Those cases were also linked to botulism.In both incidents, Italy’s strict emergency protocol for botulism was activated. The Calabria Region’s Department of Health and Welfare confirmed that the Poison Control Centre in Pavia is the only facility authorized to manage such cases. The Ministry of Health stores the antitoxin in secure locations and distributes it solely through the Lombardy center.The first doses of the antitoxin were sent from the Military Pharmacy in Taranto to treat initial patients. As more cases emerged, additional supplies were rushed in. Health officials have now ordered a nationwide recall of broccoli products to prevent further infections.An autopsy will be conducted to confirm Di Sarno’s exact cause of death, though investigators say early evidence strongly points to botulism. Authorities continue to trace all potential exposure points while urging the public to avoid suspect broccoli products until the source is fully contained.What Is Botulism?As per the World Health Organization (WHO), foodborne botulism is a serious, and fatal disease, though it is relatively rare. It is an intoxication caused by ingestion of potent neurotoxins, the botulinum toxins, which are formed in contaminated foods. WHO notes: "spores produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum are heat-resistant and exist widely in the environment, and in the absence of oxygen they germinate, grow and then excrete toxins. There are 7 distinct forms of botulinum toxin, types A–G. Four of these (types A, B, E and rarely F) cause human botulism. Types C, D and E cause illness in other mammals, birds and fish."Common SymptomsFlaccid Paralysis that can cause respiratory failureFatigueWeaknessVertigoDifficulty in swallowing or speakingVomitingDiarrheaConstipationAbnormal swellingWeakness in neck and arms

man killed eating broccoli sandwich, 9 more rushed to hospital, all linked to one street vendor in italy

US To Destroy $9.7 Million In Birth Control, The Plan Could Trigger Spike in Unsafe Abortions, Say Experts

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<strong><span rel="noindex">Birth Control</span> Incineration: </strong>The US government plans to incinerate more than $9.7 million worth of contraceptives funded by the United States Agency for International Development (<span>USAID</span>). The stockpile, stored in a Belgian warehouse since the Trump administration froze foreign aid and shut down USAID operations, includes birth control pills, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and injectable contraceptives.

According to <em>The New York Times</em>, the destruction will cost over $160,000 in transportation and incineration fees. The medical waste is expected to be burned at a facility in France, even though many of the supplies will not expire until at least 2027, with some lasting until 2029.

<h4>State Department Defends Decision</h4>

In a statement to<em> The Hill</em>, the US State Department said it made a “preliminary decision” to destroy what it described as “abortifacient” products. However, USAID is prohibited by law from purchasing drugs or devices that induce abortions, and none of the items in the Belgian warehouse fit that description, according to T<em>he New York Times</em>.

The department also cited the Kemp-Kasten amendment, which blocks US assistance to organizations involved in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. Officials argued that the policy applies to non-abortifacient contraceptives if supplied to groups that fail to comply with US policy commitments.

<h4>Impact on Global Family Planning</h4>

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) warned the move will deprive 1.4 million women and girls across Africa of access to essential reproductive care. Around 77% of the contraceptives were intended for Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Tanzania will lose over one million injectable contraceptives and 365,100 implants, representing about 28% of its annual need. Mali will face a shortage of 1.1 million oral contraceptives and nearly 96,000 implants. Zambia will lose 48,400 implants and 295,000 injectable doses, while Kenya will fall short of its contraceptive implant needs by more than 100,000 units.

The Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition estimates the loss will result in 362,000 unintended pregnancies, 161,000 unplanned births and tens of thousands of unsafe abortions.

<h4>Offers to Redistribute Supplies Rejected</h4>

Global health organizations, including the United Nations Population Fund and MSI Reproductive Choices, offered to take the supplies at no cost to the US taxpayer. These offers were declined. French <span>reproductive rights</span> groups have urged their government to intervene, but officials say they have no legal authority to seize the goods.

Sarah Shaw, advocacy director at MSI Reproductive Choices, called the decision “egregious,” adding, “Women are going to die because they’ve not had access to those contraceptives,” reports <em>The New York Times</em>.

<h4>Strained Health Systems in Affected Countries</h4>

Health advocates in the targeted countries say the loss of these supplies will have devastating effects. In Kenya, the Reproductive Health Network reports that long-term contraceptive stockpiles have already run out, leaving a 46% funding gap in the national family planning programme.

Nelly Munyasia, the network’s executive director, told the <em>Guardian</em>, this shortage will worsen maternal mortality rates. “Nearly one in five girls aged 15 to 19 are already pregnant or have given birth. Unsafe abortions remain among the five leading causes of maternal deaths in Kenya,” she said.

In Tanzania, the shortage is already limiting women’s choices for family planning. Dr. Bakari of Umati, an IPPF member organisation, warned that the cuts “directly impact clients’ options” and are likely to result in more unplanned pregnancies, as the <em>Guardian</em> reports.

<h4>Political and Legal Justifications</h4>

The State Department maintains the destruction is in line with US laws that prevent funding organizations providing abortion services or advocacy abroad. These rules were reinforced under the Trump administration and remain in place.

Officials claim they avoided $34.1 million in additional taxpayer costs by cancelling other pending orders. However, critics argue that burning millions of dollars’ worth of usable, in-demand contraceptives is a waste of resources that undermines global health efforts.

<h4>Uncertain Timeline for Destruction</h4>

Reports suggest the incineration was planned to begin in France by the end of July, but European governments, advocacy groups and an American congressional office have said it is unclear whether the process has started.

The decision has raised alarms in Brussels and Paris, with officials seeking ways to prevent the loss. So far, no resolution has been found.

For nearly a decade, USAID has been a critical supplier of reproductive health products in more than 30 countries, spending over $600 million on global family planning. Its sudden withdrawal from these programmes has created gaps that poorer nations are struggling to fill.

Siobhan Perkins, a former USAID procurement adviser, told to <em>The New York Times</em>, the contraceptives slated for destruction could have prevented hundreds of thousands of unintended pregnancies and saved more than 700 women’s lives.

“The guiding principle of public health should be to save lives and improve access,” she said. “Destroying these supplies does the opposite.”

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Birth Control Incineration: The US government plans to incinerate more than $9.7 million worth of contraceptives funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The stockpile, stored in a Belgian warehouse since the Trump administration froze foreign aid and shut down USAID operations, includes birth control pills, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and injectable contraceptives.According to The New York Times, the destruction will cost over $160,000 in transportation and incineration fees. The medical waste is expected to be burned at a facility in France, even though many of the supplies will not expire until at least 2027, with some lasting until 2029.State Department Defends DecisionIn a statement to The Hill, the US State Department said it made a “preliminary decision” to destroy what it described as “abortifacient” products. However, USAID is prohibited by law from purchasing drugs or devices that induce abortions, and none of the items in the Belgian warehouse fit that description, according to The New York Times.The department also cited the Kemp-Kasten amendment, which blocks US assistance to organizations involved in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. Officials argued that the policy applies to non-abortifacient contraceptives if supplied to groups that fail to comply with US policy commitments.Impact on Global Family PlanningThe International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) warned the move will deprive 1.4 million women and girls across Africa of access to essential reproductive care. Around 77% of the contraceptives were intended for Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).Tanzania will lose over one million injectable contraceptives and 365,100 implants, representing about 28% of its annual need. Mali will face a shortage of 1.1 million oral contraceptives and nearly 96,000 implants. Zambia will lose 48,400 implants and 295,000 injectable doses, while Kenya will fall short of its contraceptive implant needs by more than 100,000 units.The Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition estimates the loss will result in 362,000 unintended pregnancies, 161,000 unplanned births and tens of thousands of unsafe abortions.Offers to Redistribute Supplies RejectedGlobal health organizations, including the United Nations Population Fund and MSI Reproductive Choices, offered to take the supplies at no cost to the US taxpayer. These offers were declined. French reproductive rights groups have urged their government to intervene, but officials say they have no legal authority to seize the goods.Sarah Shaw, advocacy director at MSI Reproductive Choices, called the decision “egregious,” adding, “Women are going to die because they’ve not had access to those contraceptives,” reports The New York Times.Strained Health Systems in Affected CountriesHealth advocates in the targeted countries say the loss of these supplies will have devastating effects. In Kenya, the Reproductive Health Network reports that long-term contraceptive stockpiles have already run out, leaving a 46% funding gap in the national family planning programme.Nelly Munyasia, the network’s executive director, told the Guardian, this shortage will worsen maternal mortality rates. “Nearly one in five girls aged 15 to 19 are already pregnant or have given birth. Unsafe abortions remain among the five leading causes of maternal deaths in Kenya,” she said.In Tanzania, the shortage is already limiting women’s choices for family planning. Dr. Bakari of Umati, an IPPF member organisation, warned that the cuts “directly impact clients’ options” and are likely to result in more unplanned pregnancies, as the Guardian reports.Political and Legal JustificationsThe State Department maintains the destruction is in line with US laws that prevent funding organizations providing abortion services or advocacy abroad. These rules were reinforced under the Trump administration and remain in place.Officials claim they avoided $34.1 million in additional taxpayer costs by cancelling other pending orders. However, critics argue that burning millions of dollars’ worth of usable, in-demand contraceptives is a waste of resources that undermines global health efforts.Uncertain Timeline for DestructionReports suggest the incineration was planned to begin in France by the end of July, but European governments, advocacy groups and an American congressional office have said it is unclear whether the process has started.The decision has raised alarms in Brussels and Paris, with officials seeking ways to prevent the loss. So far, no resolution has been found.A Setback for Women’s HealthFor nearly a decade, USAID has been a critical supplier of reproductive health products in more than 30 countries, spending over $600 million on global family planning. Its sudden withdrawal from these programmes has created gaps that poorer nations are struggling to fill.Siobhan Perkins, a former USAID procurement adviser, told to The New York Times, the contraceptives slated for destruction could have prevented hundreds of thousands of unintended pregnancies and saved more than 700 women’s lives.“The guiding principle of public health should be to save lives and improve access,” she said. “Destroying these supplies does the opposite.”

us to destroy $9.7 million in birth control, the plan could trigger spike in unsafe abortions, say experts

Tanya Dutt

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Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the way we obtain information, particularly health advice. Chatbots such as ChatGPT respond with rapid answers to thousands of medical and lifestyle-related questions, filling in the gap between scientific understanding and common people. But when AI gives medical advice without context, the results are dangerous. A recent Annals of Internal Medicine Clinical Cases case shows just how perilous this can be—a 60-year-old man presented to the emergency room with <span>bromide poisoning</span> after undergoing a ChatGPT-recommended diet regimen that replaced table salt with sodium bromide.

The patient had first tried to limit his intake of chloride after reading the health dangers of high sodium chloride (table salt). Puzzled by the absence of information on reducing chloride, he approached ChatGPT for advice on substitutes. Although the actual conversation is not available to the public, medical researchers discovered that ChatGPT recommended bromide as a substitute for chloride. Encouraged by this, the man bought sodium bromide online and completely replaced it for his ordinary salt.

This uninformed decision under medical supervision proved catastrophic. Bromide, a toxic chemical once used extensively in over-the-counter sedatives and anticonvulsants in the 19th and 20th centuries, is capable of storing up in the body and inducing bromism—a neurotoxic syndrome associated with psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Although bromide was largely removed from medicines during the 1970s and 80s, it can still be found in certain dietary supplements and household cleaners and continues to result in occasional but severe poisonings.

Bromism, the condition diagnosed in this man, is a "toxidrome"—a syndrome resulting from toxin accumulation. Its signature is neuropsychiatric disturbance: paranoia, hallucinations, mania, agitation, delusions, impaired memory, and coordination of muscles. These symptoms result from bromide's interference with neuron function by accmulating in the body over time, especially when taken chronically.

Laboratory examination of the patient's blood showed a deceptively high level of chloride, a condition known as pseudohyperchloremia, due to the interference of bromide in laboratory tests. In combination with elevated blood alkalinity and carbon dioxide content, these indications directed physicians toward bromide poisoning.

The course of the man in the hospital was complicated by worsening paranoia and hallucinations, necessitating involuntary psychiatric hold and antipsychotic medication. Physical manifestations such as acne on his face, red facial growths, insomnia, fatigue, coordination problems of the muscles, and excessive thirst also confirmed the diagnosis.

<h2>Why It Is Important To Limits AI in Medical Advice?</h2>

This scenario highlights one of the most important defects in AI-provided health recommendations: decontextualized information. ChatGPT's suggestion to replace sodium chloride with sodium bromide demonstrates how AI can generate technically accurate yet practically hazardous responses when deprived of extensive context or clinical judgment. ChatGPT did not inquire why the patient was attempting to decrease chloride or caution against bromide's toxicity—steps a trained physician would take automatically.

Scholars repeated the question with ChatGPT 3.5 and also got recommendations such as bromide in place of chloride, but with reservations that "context matters." However, no warning was given explicitly, highlighting the danger of users following incomplete or unsafe recommendations.

This event is not singular. Researchers who have examined large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT discovered that these models are susceptible to "adversarial hallucinations" in which they produce false or deceptive clinical information. While engineering solutions can minimize such errors, they cannot eliminate them completely.

The advent of AI-driven health advice platforms is an unprecedented chance but also presents new challenges. To patients, the ease and cost-free nature of instant answers can override the need for expert counsel. To clinicians, such cases introduce another layer of complexity in assessing patient histories based on AI-driven recommendations.

Health professionals are now mandated to watch out for patients coming in for the origins of their medical knowledge, knowing full well that AI-fostered disinformation has tangible, risky implications. It also underscores the imperative for AI developers to include safety nets—context-sensitive alerts and requests for professional opinion—into these models.

<h2>How To Treat And Managing Bromide Toxicity</h2>

Treatment of bromism is largely supportive. The patient was hospitalized for monitoring and replacement of electrolytes and stabilization of his blood chemistry with intravenous fluids and treatment of electrolyte imbalance. The antipsychotic medication reduced his neuropsychiatric symptoms, and he was gradually tapered off the medications over a period of three weeks.

Post-discharge follow-ups were characterized by stability, confirming the reversibility of bromism if promptly diagnosed and treated. But delayed detection or exposure can cause permanent neurological impairment, highlighting the need for vigilance among clinicians as well as the general public.

This alarming case has lessons extending beyond one man's saga. AI models have enormous potential to level the field of medical knowledge, empower patients, and optimize healthcare delivery. But with weak safeguards, they can spread perilous misinformation.

Medical professionals emphasize that AI recommendations are never intended to supersede individualized assessment by experienced professionals. Algorithms are incapable of understanding the subtle implications to balance risks, ask insightful questions, or discuss a person's entire medical background. Individuals need to be prudent in using AI-made health recommendations and cross-check them with medical professionals.

AI is transforming the way individuals search for and obtain health information, obfuscating boundaries between professional consultation and self-directed care. This change requires accountability from all parties- developers, clinicians, regulators, and users.

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ai medical misinformation

emergency room cases

Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the way we obtain information, particularly health advice. Chatbots such as ChatGPT respond with rapid answers to thousands of medical and lifestyle-related questions, filling in the gap between scientific understanding and common people. But when AI gives medical advice without context, the results are dangerous. A recent Annals of Internal Medicine Clinical Cases case shows just how perilous this can be—a 60-year-old man presented to the emergency room with bromide poisoning after undergoing a ChatGPT-recommended diet regimen that replaced table salt with sodium bromide.The patient had first tried to limit his intake of chloride after reading the health dangers of high sodium chloride (table salt). Puzzled by the absence of information on reducing chloride, he approached ChatGPT for advice on substitutes. Although the actual conversation is not available to the public, medical researchers discovered that ChatGPT recommended bromide as a substitute for chloride. Encouraged by this, the man bought sodium bromide online and completely replaced it for his ordinary salt.This uninformed decision under medical supervision proved catastrophic. Bromide, a toxic chemical once used extensively in over-the-counter sedatives and anticonvulsants in the 19th and 20th centuries, is capable of storing up in the body and inducing bromism—a neurotoxic syndrome associated with psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Although bromide was largely removed from medicines during the 1970s and 80s, it can still be found in certain dietary supplements and household cleaners and continues to result in occasional but severe poisonings.What Is Bromism?Bromism, the condition diagnosed in this man, is a "toxidrome"—a syndrome resulting from toxin accumulation. Its signature is neuropsychiatric disturbance: paranoia, hallucinations, mania, agitation, delusions, impaired memory, and coordination of muscles. These symptoms result from bromide's interference with neuron function by accmulating in the body over time, especially when taken chronically.Laboratory examination of the patient's blood showed a deceptively high level of chloride, a condition known as pseudohyperchloremia, due to the interference of bromide in laboratory tests. In combination with elevated blood alkalinity and carbon dioxide content, these indications directed physicians toward bromide poisoning.The course of the man in the hospital was complicated by worsening paranoia and hallucinations, necessitating involuntary psychiatric hold and antipsychotic medication. Physical manifestations such as acne on his face, red facial growths, insomnia, fatigue, coordination problems of the muscles, and excessive thirst also confirmed the diagnosis.Why It Is Important To Limits AI in Medical Advice?This scenario highlights one of the most important defects in AI-provided health recommendations: decontextualized information. ChatGPT's suggestion to replace sodium chloride with sodium bromide demonstrates how AI can generate technically accurate yet practically hazardous responses when deprived of extensive context or clinical judgment. ChatGPT did not inquire why the patient was attempting to decrease chloride or caution against bromide's toxicity—steps a trained physician would take automatically.Scholars repeated the question with ChatGPT 3.5 and also got recommendations such as bromide in place of chloride, but with reservations that "context matters." However, no warning was given explicitly, highlighting the danger of users following incomplete or unsafe recommendations.This event is not singular. Researchers who have examined large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT discovered that these models are susceptible to "adversarial hallucinations" in which they produce false or deceptive clinical information. While engineering solutions can minimize such errors, they cannot eliminate them completely.The advent of AI-driven health advice platforms is an unprecedented chance but also presents new challenges. To patients, the ease and cost-free nature of instant answers can override the need for expert counsel. To clinicians, such cases introduce another layer of complexity in assessing patient histories based on AI-driven recommendations.Health professionals are now mandated to watch out for patients coming in for the origins of their medical knowledge, knowing full well that AI-fostered disinformation has tangible, risky implications. It also underscores the imperative for AI developers to include safety nets—context-sensitive alerts and requests for professional opinion—into these models.How To Treat And Managing Bromide ToxicityTreatment of bromism is largely supportive. The patient was hospitalized for monitoring and replacement of electrolytes and stabilization of his blood chemistry with intravenous fluids and treatment of electrolyte imbalance. The antipsychotic medication reduced his neuropsychiatric symptoms, and he was gradually tapered off the medications over a period of three weeks.Post-discharge follow-ups were characterized by stability, confirming the reversibility of bromism if promptly diagnosed and treated. But delayed detection or exposure can cause permanent neurological impairment, highlighting the need for vigilance among clinicians as well as the general public.This alarming case has lessons extending beyond one man's saga. AI models have enormous potential to level the field of medical knowledge, empower patients, and optimize healthcare delivery. But with weak safeguards, they can spread perilous misinformation.Medical professionals emphasize that AI recommendations are never intended to supersede individualized assessment by experienced professionals. Algorithms are incapable of understanding the subtle implications to balance risks, ask insightful questions, or discuss a person's entire medical background. Individuals need to be prudent in using AI-made health recommendations and cross-check them with medical professionals.AI is transforming the way individuals search for and obtain health information, obfuscating boundaries between professional consultation and self-directed care. This change requires accountability from all parties- developers, clinicians, regulators, and users.

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