Top 5 most read national health articles in 2024

The top national health stories of 2024 focused on five medicines in short supply as we ring in the new year. |Image credit: MQ-Illustrations – Stock.adobe.com

Top national health news stories in 2024 included efforts to reduce out-of-pocket drug costs, new vaccine approvals, and treatment strategies for opioid use disorder (OUD). Other important articles include the implications of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as HHS Secretary and the continued shortage of essential medicines across the country, including drugs for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and insulin. I delved into the struggle.

Here are the five most-read population health articles of 2024. Check out all the news related to population health. here.

5. Medicare's high-cost drug list model could reduce out-of-pocket costs for 4 in 10 beneficiaries.

The proposed Medicare High-Value Drug List model (also known as the Medicare $2 Drug List) could have reduced out-of-pocket costs for 38% of beneficiaries in 2021. By capping the cost of 150 generic drugs at $2 per month, the model had a median annual savings of $11, but only 1.5% of beneficiaries saved more than $100 per year. The researchers highlight the potential benefit of more predictable out-of-pocket costs to improve medication adherence, and suggest further targeted targeting of high-priced brand-name drugs to further reduce spending disparities. He emphasized the need for policy.

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4. FDA approves first self-administered nasal spray influenza vaccine

In September, the FDA approved Flumist (AstraZeneca) for self-administration by adults up to age 49 and for caregiver-administered administration to children ages 2 to 17. This nasal spray influenza vaccine contains a live, attenuated influenza virus strain and provides a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional influenza shots. Usability studies have confirmed the vaccine's safety and efficacy when self-administered, providing new options to increase accessibility and increase vaccination rates.

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3. Methadone is associated with a reduced risk of treatment discontinuation in opioid use disorder

A population-based study found that methadone had a lower risk of treatment discontinuation compared with buprenorphine/naloxone in patients with OUD. In this analysis conducted in British Columbia, patients taking methadone had longer treatment durations (median 66 days vs. 30 days) and lower discontinuation rates (median 66 days vs. 30 days) than patients taking buprenorphine/naloxone. 81.5% vs. 88.8%). Experts say these findings highlight the need to revisit OUD treatment guidelines to better support treatment adherence and outcomes, especially as fentanyl use increases.

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2. 5 Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Health Policy Position

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health, Labor and Welfare in November, signaling a possible shift in U.S. public health policy. A prominent anti-vaccine activist and opponent of water fluoridation, Kennedy's other three positions include a focus on improving food quality, combating chronic disease and reevaluating FDA policy. It will be. Kennedy's nomination has created uncertainty in health policy, as his lack of experience in public health policy has raised concerns among experts, and his confirmation is subject to a Senate hearing.

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1. 5 essential medicines currently facing shortages

Although the number of drug shortages in the United States has decreased to 277 as of September 2024, many critical medicines remain in short supply, with half of all shortages lasting more than two years. The main drugs affected include ADHD medications, pain medications such as morphine and fentanyl, and chemotherapy drugs such as methotrexate and carboplatin. Diabetes/weight loss drugs such as insulin and semaglutide also face intermittent availability, creating challenges for patients who rely on them. These shortages are further exacerbated by ongoing supply chain issues, manufacturing delays, and increased demand.

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