Fungal Infections

The newest FDA-approved treatment for weight management and type 2 diabetes.

Includes tirzepatide, a medication that acts on two important hormones: GLP-1 and GIP.

This dual-action approach helps suppress appetite while also supporting better blood sugar regulation.

Intended to deliver improved results when used alongside lifestyle modifications.

Approved for weight management in adults who are overweight or obese.

Contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication.

Works by mimicking a natural hormone that influences the brain’s appetite regulation centers.

Supports reduced hunger and calorie consumption to encourage long-term weight loss.

Although oral and injectable weight loss medications can contain the same active ingredient (like semaglutide), their chemical formulations are specifically tailored to their method of delivery. Injectable medications are administered directly into the bloodstream, while oral medications must withstand the digestive process, resulting in different designs to maintain their effectiveness.

Key distinctions include:

• Injectables bypass the digestive tract, allowing for more efficient absorption; oral medications often require absorption enhancers.
• Oral tablets are formulated with protective coatings and carriers to withstand stomach acid.
• Injectables are often chemically more stable, especially for peptide-based drugs.
• Injectables generally allow for higher drug levels in the blood.
• Oral tablets contain more excipients (binders, coatings, etc.) than injectables.

Oral weight loss medications can be effective, but they don’t always function identically to injectable treatments. Even when containing the same active ingredient, oral medications are absorbed differently, which can slightly impact how much of the drug is available to work in the body.

That said, for many individuals, oral options offer a convenient and clinically effective alternative.

Key points:

• Oral medications may deliver lower drug levels into the bloodstream compared to injectables.
• Higher oral doses are often used to make up for reduced absorption.
• Clinical trials show that oral semaglutide (like Rybelsus) can produce weight loss comparable to injections in some individuals.
• For those who prefer to avoid injections, oral treatments provide an effective option when taken as directed and consistently.

Fungal infections are primarily caused by fungi, including yeasts and molds, that can be found in the environment. Common causes and risk factors include:
Dermatophytes: These fungi are responsible for most fungal skin infections, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail infections.
Candida: Candida species, including Candida albicans, can lead to oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and systemic candidiasis.
Environmental Exposure: Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making swimming pools, saunas, and communal showers common sources of infection.
Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV, cancer, or the use of immunosuppressive medications are more susceptible to fungal infections.
Poor Hygiene: Inadequate personal hygiene can increase the risk of fungal infections, especially in warm, humid climates.

Diagnosing fungal infections typically involves the following steps:
Clinical Assessment: Healthcare providers evaluate the appearance and location of skin, nails, or mucous membrane lesions.
Microscopic Examination: A sample of the affected tissue, nail, or secretion is examined under a microscope to identify fungal elements.
Culture Tests: Fungi may be cultured from samples to determine the specific species and assess their susceptibility to antifungal medications.
Biopsy: In severe or systemic fungal infections, a tissue biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

The treatment of fungal infections depends on the type, location, and severity of the infection. Common treatment options include:
Topical Antifungals: Creams, ointments, and powders containing antifungal agents are used for superficial skin and nail infections.
Oral Antifungals: Systemic fungal infections or those affecting nails may require oral medications, including fluconazole, itraconazole, or terbinafine.
Nail Treatments: For fungal nail infections, topical solutions or oral antifungals are used to eradicate the fungus.
Antifungal Shampoos: For conditions like scalp ringworm, medicated shampoos can be effective.
Prevention of Recurrence: Long-term prevention may involve lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Preventive measures to reduce the risk of fungal infections include:
Personal Hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene, especially in warm, humid environments.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share towels, clothing, or personal items that may harbor fungal spores.
Footwear: Use flip-flops or shower shoes in communal areas like swimming pools and gyms.
Antifungal Powders: In areas prone to moisture and sweating, apply antifungal powders to keep the skin dry.
Regular Skin Inspections: Check the skin and nails regularly for any signs of infection.

Read more about Fungal Infections on the NHS website, following the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antifungal-medicines/