Good morning! In today's issue, we look at recent developments regarding costs and potential side effects of GLP-1 drugs.

Also, read about survey results on how adult patients are using AI chatbots to get health information, and what the potential risks are.

Florastor contains S. boulardii CNCM I-745^®, a proprietary yeast probiotic strain clinically shown to reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in adults by 84% (P<0.05) and children by 78%. Plus, Florastor can be taken concomitantly with antibiotics. By recommending Florastor as a daily adjunct to antibiotic therapy, you can help patients experience less AAD and achieve a more resilient gut.
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Frustration with the medical system is driving a growing number of patients to seek health advice from AI chatbots like ChatGPT, according to a KFF survey, with one-sixth of adults and one-quarter of adults under 30 using chatbots for health information. However, experts warn of the risks of inaccurate information and overly agreeable responses.

A subanalysis of Phase 3 trials found 1% tapinarof cream was effective and safe for children with atopic dermatitis, including those with comorbid allergic conditions. The data, presented at a meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, showed significant improvements in skin clearance, eczema severity and patient-reported outcomes by the first week of treatment.

A research letter published in JAMA Network Open found a 11.5-fold increase in early measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations in Texas during this year's measles outbreak, with 20% of first doses given to children ages 6 to 11 months. The CDC recommended early MMR vaccination for infants in affected areas. "Routine well-child visits likely provided valuable opportunities to implement early vaccination recommendations, demonstrating how established care patterns can be used to rapidly increase community protection," said study co-author Brianna Goodwin Cartwright.

Some users of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are experiencing hair loss, a side effect linked to significant weight loss that leads to telogen effluvium. Experts emphasize that the hair loss is usually temporary and advise users to monitor their nutrition and consult a clinician if they notice increased shedding.

Listening to or playing music regularly was associated with lower rates of dementia, according to a study based on data for 10,893 people age 70 and older in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Study participants who listened to music did better on tests of memory and cognition. Researchers said the study cannot show a causal link, but other studies have found that music activates multiple regions of the brain, which could promote new neural pathways.

Telemedicine can improve psychological well-being and quality of life for patients with dementia, ease symptoms of depression and anxiety and alleviate caregiver burdens, according to a review in JMIR Mental Health. However, the technology's effectiveness can vary, and it is less beneficial for people with advanced dementia or those without adequate support.

Novo Nordisk has lowered direct-to-consumer prices for Wegovy and Ozempic from $499 to $349 a month, with the highest dose of Ozempic remaining at $499. A temporary offer allows new patients to access lower doses for $199 monthly for the first two months. This move follows the administration's agreements with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly & Co. to make GLP-1 drugs more accessible and affordable, including Medicare coverage for certain patients.