Insect bite & Repellent

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.

The causes of mosquito bites are attributed to female mosquitoes seeking a blood meal for reproduction. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, body heat, and certain chemicals in our sweat. Mosquitoes are more active during dusk and dawn and are prevalent in areas with standing water, which serves as breeding grounds for their larvae.

Diagnosing mosquito-borne illnesses is typically done by healthcare professionals based on clinical symptoms, travel history, and diagnostic tests. Common mosquito-borne diseases include:
Malaria: Diagnosed through blood tests to detect the presence of the malarial parasite.
Dengue Fever: Diagnosed by testing for dengue virus-specific antibodies in the blood.
Zika Virus: Diagnosed through blood or urine tests to detect Zika virus RNA.
West Nile Virus: Diagnosed through serological tests that detect specific antibodies in the blood.
Chikungunya: Diagnosed through serological tests that detect antibodies specific to the Chikungunya virus.

Mosquito repellents are the first line of defense against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illnesses. Common types of mosquito repellents include:
DEET-Based Repellents: These contain the active ingredient DEET and offer long-lasting protection.
Picaridin Repellents: Picaridin is an alternative to DEET, offering effective protection against mosquitoes.
Natural Repellents: Some repellents use natural ingredients like lemon eucalyptus oil or citronella to deter mosquitoes.
Permethrin Treatment: Permethrin is applied to clothing and gear to repel mosquitoes on contact.
Electronic Devices: Wearable devices that emit ultrasonic sounds or use fans to create a mosquito-repelling zone.

Preventive measures for avoiding mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases include:
Use Mosquito Repellent: Apply a suitable mosquito repellent before going outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
Wear Protective Clothing: Cover exposed skin with long sleeves and pants. Use permethrin-treated clothing for added protection.
Avoid Standing Water: Eliminate sources of standing water, such as in containers or gutters, to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Use Bed Nets: In areas with malaria or other mosquito-borne diseases, sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets.
Stay Insect-Proof: Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of indoor spaces.
Be Informed: Stay updated on mosquito-borne disease risks and any travel advisories for specific regions.

Read more about Insect bite relief on the NHS website, following the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/