Assessing the overuse of medicines - Busfield
What is the term for the process by which social, behavioural, or bodily conditions are treated with, or considered to need treatment with?
pharmaceuticalisation
What is the term for the process in which drug use becomes more common, accepted, and viewed as a normal part of society, particularly among young people?
Normalization of Drug Use
What is the name of the medication originally developed to help people with diabetes regulate their blood glucose levels that has also become popular for weight loss?
Ozempic
What does GLP-1 stand for?
Glucagon-like peptide-1
What is one major consequence of overusing antibiotics, especially when they are used to treat viral infections?
Antibiotic Resistance
Name one reason why people may use prescription medications for non-medical purposes.
Seeking Pleasure/ Getting High, Managing Stress, Coping with Academic Pressures, and Helping Themselves Function
According to the article, why is it misleading to describe Ozempic as a “miracle cure” for obesity?
It does not cure obesity, people may even regain weight after stopping the medication, meaning they may need to continue taking it long-term
what do GLP-1 receptor agonists help manage?
Help manage blood sugar and in some patients, obesity
What are 3 of the Five-part framework for understanding medication use and misuse
1. Underuse
2. Risk vs. benefits
3. Not needed
4. Wrong dose or mix
5. Name brand vs. generic
How can race and social class influence whether pharmaceutical use is viewed as legitimate medical treatment or as problematic drug use?
White and Middle class people have more access to medical authority and prescriptions, while marginalized groups may experience barriers by having their pain dismissed or stigmatized.
How can the promotion of Ozempic as a weight-loss solution affect society’s attitudes toward body size?
Reinforces unrealistic beauty standards and suggesting that certain bodies are undesirable or need to be eliminated.
Name two potential side effects of using GLP-1 medications without proper medical supervision.
Nausea, vomiting, dehydration, headaches, pancreatitis, gallstones, or kidney problems
According to the reading, name two factors that can contribute to the overuse of medicines.
Pharmaceutical Company Marketing, Lowering Diagnostic Threshold, Doctors Prescribing Medicines When NOT Necessary, and Prescribing Meds Despite Limited Effectiveness/Harmful Side Effects
how can the normalisation of pharmaceutical drug use challenge the distinction between medical and non-medical drug use?
Making medications intended to treat health conditions seem like acceptable lifestyle choices for other purposes (Cosmetic Weight Loss)
What does the term “pre-emptive obesity biopolitics” mean?
Efforts to monitor and manage people’s bodies and weight before they develop obesity, often to prevent future health risks and encourage socially accepted body standards.
What is one major ethical concern about social media-driven, off-label use of Ozempic by healthy individuals?
Can contribute to medication shortages, making it harder for patients with diabetes or obesity who medically need the drug to access it