Top in endocrinology: Estrogen therapy and COVID-19, generic levothyroxine
A recent study showed that postmenopausal women who were prescribed estrogen therapy had a significantly lower risk for death after contracting COVID-19 compared with a control group. It was the top story in endocrinology last week.
The second top story evaluated the effects of switching generic levothyroxine preparations on hormone levels. Guidelines published by the American Thyroid Association advise providers to avoid switching generic levothyroxine products from different manufacturers, leading providers to prescribe brand-name levothyroxine for most adults with hypothyroidism, according to researchers. However, a new study found that switching generic levothyroxine preparations did not significantly affect thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.
Read these and more top stories in endocrinology below:
Estrogen therapy halved COVID-19 death risk among postmenopausal women
Menopausal hormone therapy significantly decreased the odds of death from COVID-19 among postmenopausal women, according to data from a nationwide registry-based study. Read more.
Switching generic levothyroxine preparations does not affect thyroid hormone levels
Adults who switch generic levothyroxine preparations from one manufacturer to another do not have a difference in mean thyroid-stimulating hormone levels compared with those who do not switch, according to study data. Read more.
CGM granted breakthrough device designation for in-hospital use
The FDA has granted breakthrough device designation for the use of Dexcom’s continuous glucose monitoring system in the hospital setting, according to an industry press release. Read more.
Vitamin D-calcium supplement effect on tibia similar to that of placebo
U.S. Army recruits taking a daily calcium and vitamin D supplement during basic training had no change in tibial microarchitecture compared with placebo, according to study data published in Bone. Read more.
Nonprofit to offer biosimilar insulins at low cost regardless of insurance status
The nonprofit generic pharmaceutical company Civica will manufacture and distribute biosimilar versions of three widely prescribed insulins priced at $30 per vial or $55 for five pens, according to a press release from JDRF. Read more.