FDA warns new medications high respiratory risks: EE Health Regulators UU They warn that popular nervous system medicines can cause dangerous breathing problems when combined with opioids and certain other drugs.

The Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday it would add new warnings to the packaging for Neurontin, Lyrica, and generic versions, which are used to treat seizures, nervousness, restless legs syndrome, and other conditions.

The new labels will warn doctors against prescribing other breathing-delaying drugs, including opioid painkillers.

FDA warns new medications high respiratory risks

Respiratory hazards also apply to elderly patients and those with existing lung problems.

Medicines, commonly referred to as gabapentin and pregabalin, are among the most commonly prescribed in the US. UU

Both prescription and misuse have increased as doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers have reduced their use of opioids amid a nationwide epidemic.

Poison control centers have reported an increase in calls for nerve drugs, which are often abused in combination with opioids, cocaine and marijuana.

Neurontin and related generics have long been considered non-addictive and are not closely followed by regulators.

While nerve medications are not FDA-approved for conventional muscle and joint pain, doctors often prescribe them for these and other uses, including migraine treatment and psychiatric conditions.

Beef 'O' Brady employees in Sarasota County test positive for hepatitis A, health officials say

Another case of hepatitis A has been confirmed at a popular local restaurant.

A foodservice worker with Beef 'O' Brady's at 1037 Sumter Boulevard in North Port recently tested positive for hepatitis A, according to DOH-Sarasota.

Health officials say those who ate at the restaurant between December 7 and 20 are encouraged to be vaccinated against hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A has become an epidemic in the Tampa Bay area and state with more than 2,900 confirmed cases in Florida since January 2018.

Hepatitis A virus spreads when a person unknowingly swallows the virus from objects, food or beverages that have been contaminated with small undetected amounts of feces in an infected person.

DOH-Sarasota will be offering free hepatitis A vaccines at North Port Health Center on Outreach Way on December 22 and 23 from 10 p.m. to 2 p.m.

You can click here for a complete list of places where Hep may receive you. To vaccines in Sarasota County.