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FDA warning on nitrous oxide abuse: Hidden Dangers Revealed

FDA warning on nitrous oxide abuse

United States: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a critical public health alert warning citizens about the misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. In a statement released on Friday, the agency emphasized that inhaling nitrous oxide-containing products can pose serious health risks, potentially resulting in permanent damage or even death.

This FDA warning on nitrous oxide abuse is part of a broader initiative to address increasing reports of recreational misuse, particularly among teenagers and young adults.

What Is Nitrous Oxide and Why Is It Abused?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that induces short-term euphoria, relaxation, and sometimes hallucinations when inhaled. According to Reuters, users often experience a sense of detachment from reality, which makes it appealing for recreational purposes.

FDA warning on nitrous oxide abuse
FDA warning on nitrous oxide abuse

While nitrous oxide has legitimate medical uses—such as in anesthesia and pain relief—it also serves as a propellant in whipped cream dispensers and industrial applications. Unfortunately, its accessibility has led to widespread abuse.

In many cases, individuals misuse the gas by inhaling it directly from whipped cream chargers or larger canisters. These items are readily available online and in some stores under brand names such as Galaxy Gas, Baking Bad, and Miami Magic, making it dangerously easy for minors to obtain.

FDA Warning on Nitrous Oxide Abuse: Why Now?

The FDA warning on nitrous oxide abuse stems from a rising number of serious medical incidents reported across the country. These include:

  • Loss of motor control
  • Oxygen deprivation
  • Blood clots
  • Brain damage
  • Psychosis
  • Paralysis
  • In extreme cases, death

The FDA stressed that all forms of misuse—regardless of canister size or product branding—are dangerous. The agency is now monitoring adverse events and collecting data from healthcare facilities to determine how widespread the problem is.

Although the FDA has yet to outline a concrete regulatory response, its public health communication is a critical first step in raising awareness.

FDA Sounds the Alarm on Health Risks 

The FDA issued warnings about unsafe usage of these products in any type or size of canister or tank or charger combination which poses serious health threats that can lead to blood clots along with loss of consciousness, paralysis, psychiatric problems and fatal outcomes. 

The regulating agency continues to track reports of negative side effects from nitrous oxide inhalation and plans to respond accordingly but did not provide precise details about their actions, as reported by Reuters. 

How Other Countries Are Handling It 

Britain implemented a complete ban on recreational nitrous oxide usage and its possession in 2023 because it both boosted social disturbances and presented health risks to users. 

Easy Access, But High Risk

Despite the severe health consequences, nitrous oxide remains shockingly easy to obtain. Online platforms and vape shops often sell it without age verification. Many young users don’t realize the extent of the health hazards until it’s too late.


Social media has also played a role in popularizing nitrous oxide abuse. Short videos and viral content often portray it as harmless fun, completely ignoring the long-term neurological and psychiatric effects it can cause.

As part of its outreach, the FDA is working to educate both consumers and retailers about the risks and legal implications of misuse.

How Other Countries Are Responding

The FDA warning on nitrous oxide abuse comes in the wake of international policy changes. For example, the United Kingdom implemented a full ban on the recreational use and possession of nitrous oxide in 2023. The move came after a spike in anti-social behavior and hospital admissions linked to the substance.

Other European countries are reviewing their drug policy frameworks, with some considering classifying nitrous oxide under controlled substances legislation. Public health advocates in the U.S. are calling for similar legal reforms, arguing that unrestricted access contributes to rising misuse rates.

A Growing Concern in the U.S.

Health officials and addiction specialists in the U.S. are becoming increasingly alarmed. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has noted a sharp uptick in nitrous oxide-related emergency room visits over the past five years. The demographic most affected includes individuals aged 15 to 29, many of whom are unaware of the full risks.

Schools, community health centers, and parent organizations are beginning to launch awareness campaigns. They aim to combat the myth that laughing gas is “safe” or “harmless” simply because it’s legal and used in food products.

In response to the FDA warning on nitrous oxide abuse, several actions can be taken to mitigate the risk:


  1. Stricter age verification for purchasing nitrous oxide cartridges.
  2. Warning labels and educational inserts included with commercial products.
  3. Public awareness campaigns targeting students and young adults.
  4. Retailer accountability laws similar to those governing tobacco and alcohol.

Parents are also encouraged to talk to their children about the dangers of nitrous oxide, especially since many teens believe it’s less harmful than other inhalants or substances.

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FDA Approves Self-Injectable Vyvgart Hytrulo for gMG and CIDP 

FDA Approves Self-Injectable Vyvgart Hytrulo for gMG and CIDP 

United States: The U.S. FDA has approved Vyvgart Hytrulo’s (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) self-administered form for treating adult gMG patients who carry anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and adult CIDP patients, as reported by HealthDay. 

Fast and Easy Subcutaneous Injection 

The Vyvgart Hytrulo prefilled syringe now functions as an approved subcutaneous device that needs 20 to 30 seconds during patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional administration.  

Testing between the Vyvgart Hytrulo prefilled syringe, and the Vyvgart Hytrulo vial led to the approval of this product by the FDA. The human factors validation studies demonstrated that both gMG or CIDP patients, along with their caregivers, could execute acceptable prefilled syringe preparation and administration of Vyvgart Hytrulo safely and effectively, as reported by HealthDay. 

Designed for Independence and Flexibility 

“Today’s FDA approval provides a new self-injection option across both approved indications in the U.S. that is designed for patients who seek more independence with their treatment,” Luc Truyen, M.D., Ph.D., the chief medical officer at argenx, said in a statement. “Whether patients prefer to receive their treatment in a physician’s office, at home, or while traveling, they can experience treatment on their own terms and continue to benefit from Vyvgart Hytrulo’s favorable safety profile and strong efficacy.” 

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Quick Walking May Prevent Heart Rhythm Issues 

Quick Walking May Prevent Heart Rhythm Issues 

United States: A new research finds that individuals who walk vigorously for long periods reduce their chances of developing heart rhythm abnormalities. 

Faster Walking, Healthier Heart 

The research in the Heart journal revealed that individuals walking over 4 miles per hour had a decreased chance of 43% developing heart rhythm abnormalities compared to walkers moving less than 3 miles per hour, as reported by HealthDay. 

According to researchers, the duration of movement together with average or brisk pace walking worked to decrease heart rhythm issues by 27%. 

Duration and Pace Matter 

“These new findings reinforce the promotion of faster walking pace in physical activity recommendations,” concluded the research team led by Jill Pell, chair of public health with the University of Glasgow in the U.K. “Walking at a brisk pace may have a role in … prevention of cardiac arrhythmias.” 

Inside the Research 

Study data originated from the UK Biobank health study, which encompassed 421,000 participants, with accelerometer-wearers representing 82,000 individuals who tracked their walking pace. 

A brisk walking pace existed in 41% of study participants, whereas an average walking pace occurred in 53%, and a slow pace was observed in less than 6%. 

The study results revealed that walking swiftly reduced heart rhythm issues by 43% or walking moderately reduced them by 35%. 

Atrial Fibrillation Risk Also Drops 

Analysis of data from UK Biobank demonstrates that brisk or average-paced walkers experienced a 46% and 38% decrease in atrial fibrillation risk rates, which elevates stroke risks, as reported by HealthDay. 

Quick Walking May Prevent Heart Rhythm Issues 
Quick Walking May Prevent Heart Rhythm Issues 

The connection between heart rhythm problems and walking pace appears to be shaped by 36% through inflammation alongside metabolic factors, according to expert estimation. 

What’s Behind the Benefits? 

Research from the past supports these findings because brisk walking leads to lower obesity levels and better blood sugar control, in addition to preventing diabetes and lowering high blood pressure, according to scientists. 

“This study is the first to explore the pathways underpinning the association between walking pace and arrhythmias and to provide evidence that metabolic and inflammatory factors may have a role,” researchers concluded. “Walking faster decreased the risk of obesity and inflammation, which, in turn, reduced the risk of arrhythmia.” 

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Smart Shirt Technology Monitors Heart Health in Real Time 

Smart Shirt Technology Monitors Heart Health in Real Time 

United States: The “smart shirt” coupled with an electrocardiogram (ECG) device enables researchers to detect people with elevated cardiovascular risks, according to recent study findings. 

The wearable shirt measures heart rate recovery after workouts, so it tracks how long it takes for the heart to stabilize, as reported by HealthDay. 

“The heart’s response to exercise provides us with an early indicator of changes in health, in particular cardiovascular function and mortality,” senior researcher Manuel Hernandez, a professor of biomedical and translational sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said in a news release. 

How It Works: Tracking the Heart’s Response to Exercise 

Researchers employed smart shirts developed by Carré Technologies based in Quebec for their investigation. Continuous heart performance measures are collected using sensors attached to the smart shirt that record heart rate and electrical cardiac activity. 

Study Participants Show Promising Insights 

The research team selected 38 participants from 20 to 76 years old to complete treadmill walking exercises. The seven participants underwent medical examinations, which revealed high blood pressure as their diagnosis. 

Sounds from the laboratory tests enabled researchers to establish risk prediction systems for targeting heart disease in individuals. 

Researchers declared the investigation kickstarts the development of heart health risk understanding for individuals. 

“We want to use it to provide us with some greater insight in terms of our underlying cardiovascular function,” Hernandez said. “And we want to make something that’s clinically actionable.” 

According to a co-author, wearable technology should give physicians access to a wealth of helpful data. 

A Game-Changer for Rural and Remote Healthcare 

“One would like to have a whole bunch of data from wearables, and then that data is transmitted to a doctor’s office, and the doctor can interpret it,” said co-researcher Richard Sowers, a professor of industrial & enterprise systems engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  

Based on Sowers’ statement in the news release, these wearable devices would benefit most people who live in rural areas and places where medical resources are scarce. 

Future investigations plan to extend study participant numbers and monitor their progress longitudinally, according to researchers. 

Research groups investigate various applications of the “smart shirt” technology. 

Global Use Cases Emerging 

During the European Association of Urology conference a month ago, scientists from Italy introduced a new tracking system using smart shirts to monitor the vital signs of patients after hospital discharge, as reported by HealthDay. 

“Our patients found the T-shirt easy to use, and over 90% reported it allowed them to feel safe and cared for while recuperating at home,” lead researcher Dr. Antonio Pastore, an associate professor of urology at Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, said in a news release. 

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