Everything you need to know about the new weight loss drugs

In 2023, there has been a major spike in sales of “new weight loss drugs” because of claims of improved health as well as lower weight. Since obesity can increase the chances of developing cancer or cancer recurring after treatment, many cancer patients are considering whether to take these drugs. Prescriptions exceeded 9 million in the last 3 months of 2022! It can be tricky sorting through all the information to find out what is true and what is misleading. Our new article about these drugs tells you what you need to know here, including up-to-date information about how safe and effective these drugs are – or are not.

How to choose safe cosmetic products

Cosmetics are not just make-up – they include shampoo, soap, and other products used by men, women, and children. U.S. consumers use, on average, 6 to 12 cosmetic products daily, containing nearly 200 chemicals. This chemical exposure can be risky especially if all the ingredients haven’t been tested to make sure they are safe and effective for everyone. Find out what the law requires and doesn’t require, and learn about ingredients in cosmetics that can be harmful to your health. Read our article here.

NCHR endorses Senate bill to improve drug safety information

NCHR was proud to endorse the new Updated Drug Labeling for Patient Safety Act, which will enable generic drugs to update safety information about their products, thus providing essential safety information for patients and consumers. Currently, generic drugs are not allowed to improve safety warnings on their labels. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Chris Coons (D-DE) To learn more about this important bill, see here. Click this link to contact your Senators to ask them to co-sponsor.

NCHR supports improved communications around medical device recalls



NCHR was also proud to endorse the new Medical Device Recall Improvement Act, which would improve communication between medical device manufacturers, hospitals, health care professionals, and patients when medical devices are recalled. Currently, device manufacturers are required to notify the physicians and facilities that buy their devices when there is a recall, but patients are often not informed – even for life-threatening implanted devices that are in their bodies. The bill was introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). To learn more about the bill see here. Click these links to contact your Senators and Congressman to ask them to co-sponsor.

NCHR comments on FDA’s proposed guidance of cosmetic product facilities and products

As they implement a new law, FDA’s guidance recommends that companies that make cosmetic products should register with the FDA and make public a list of the ingredients used in their products. Cosmetic products have had a history of containing dangerous chemicals including phthalates which have lead to diseases including cancer, and NCHR says this guidance will help improve consumers’ health. Read our comments on FDA's proposed guidance here.

NCHR comments on unsanitary tattoo inks 

Tattoos are more popular than ever in the United States, and experts estimate that one-third of Americans with tattoos had contaminated ink. These inks have also been found to include dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, and even printer toner which have been linked to various cancers. Read our comment on the FDA guidance here.

NCHR comments to FDA on noncompliance with required studies for drugs sold in the U.S

Too many companies have not completed studies that they were required to conduct after their drug or product is allowed to be sold in the U.S. Approximately one-third of the companies have not completed their studies on time, putting patients at risk because it is not certain whether the product is safe and effective. FDA needs to enforce these requirements. Read our comment here.

Study finds significant chemical exposures in women with cancer

A September 2023 study published by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that women who have either breast, ovarian, skin, or uterine cancer tend to have higher levels of hormone disrupting chemicals such as PFAS and BPA in their bodies.  These cancers are related to hormones and this new study provides further evidence that these chemicals can cause cancer, yet they are still frequently found in everyday products like plastics and food packaging. You can read more here.

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