Health Highlights: Dec. 12, 2018

• Tweet
• Pin It

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Some E-Cig Liquids Contain Erectile Dysfunction Drugs: FDA

Consumers should not use two e-cigarette liquids that contain erectile dysfunction drugs because they may pose health risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.

The two HelloCig e-liquids contain tadalafil and sildenafil, the main ingredients in two of the most popular male enhancement drugs (Cialis and Viagra) on the market, according to the FDA, CNN reported.

Lab tests found both sildenafil and tadalafil in E-Cialis HelloCig E-Liquid and sildenafil in E-Rimonabant HelloCig E-Liquid. The e-liquids are made by HelloCig Electronic Technology Co. Ltd. of Shanghia, China.

“These FDA-approved prescription drugs are not approved for inclusion in e-liquid products sold over the counter and are therefore being sold illegally,” the FDA said.

Because the products are not properly labeled, they could pose a risk to people who take nitrates for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease.

The undeclared ingredients in the e-liquids “may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels,” according to the FDA, CNN reported.

No adverse events related to the two e-cigarette liquids have been reported to the FDA.

The agency sent a warning letter to HelloCig in October, but the company has not responded, CNN reported.

—–

McDonald’s to Reduce Antibiotic Use in Beef

McDonald’s says it’s taking steps to reduce the use of antibiotics in its beef.

The fast food giant will partner with beef suppliers in its top 10 beef sourcing markets to assess current antibiotic use, the company announced Tuesday.

Based on what it learns, McDonald’s will establish reduction targets for medically important antibiotics for those markets by the end of 2020. Starting in 2022, the company will report its progress on those targets.

The policy applies to 85 percent of McDonald’s global beef supply chain.

“Our overall approach to responsible use of antibiotics focuses on refining their selection and administration, reducing their use, and ultimately replacing antibiotics with long-term solutions to prevent diseases and protect animal health and welfare. With this in mind, we remain committed to treating animals when needed,” a McDonald’s news release said.

The company also announced that it has joined the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Antimicrobial Resistance Challenge. It was launched in September 2018 and is a year-long effort to speed up the fight against antibiotic resistance, which is a serious global public health threat.

—–

Jimmy Dean Sausage Links Recalled for Possible Metal Pieces

More than 29,000 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat, Jimmy Dean Heat ‘n Serve Original Sausage Links have been recalled because they may contain metal pieces, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) says.

The 23.4-oz pouches of pork and poultry sausage links were produced and packaged on Aug. 4, 201, have a use by date of Jan. 31, 19, the case code A6382168, a time stamp range of 11:58 through 01:49, and the establishment number “EST. 19085.”

On Dec. 10, FSIS was notified by manufacturer CTI Foods LLC of Owingsville, Ky. that it had received five consumer complaints of metal pieces in the products.

No confirmed cases of injury caused by the recalled products have been reported to FSIS, which advises consumers with these products to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

For more information, consumers can call the Jimmy Dean customer service line at 1-855-382-3101.

Copyright © 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

• Tweet
• Pin It