Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:
Enrollment for Insurance Under Affordable Care Act Down From Last Year
Enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is down with just days left to sign up, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said Wednesday.
It said there are nearly 20 percent fewer new people signed up than at the same time last year, the Associated Press reported.
In most states, Saturday is the sign-up deadline for coverage beginning Jan. 1. A few states have later deadlines.
Unless there is a sudden spike in enrollment, the rate of uninsured Americans could rise after increases in coverage that have seen about 20 million people obtain health insurance, the AP reported.
On Monday, former President Barack Obama posted a video on social media urging young adults to sign up for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, often referred to as Obamacare.
That day featured the largest number of people trying to sign up this open enrollment season, the AP reported.
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Recalled Kotex Tampons Can Unravel Inside Body
Certain Kotex tampons are being recalled by Kimberly-Clark because they can unravel and leave pieces inside women's bodies.
There have been ""a small number of reports of infections, vaginal irritation, localized vaginal injury and other symptoms" among users of U by Kotex Sleek Tampons, regular absorbency, according to the company, CBS News reported.
The recall in the United States and Canada involves certain lots of the product made between Oct. 7, 2016, and Oct. 16, 2018, and distributed between Oct. 17, 2016, and Oct. 23, 2018.
Consumers with the recalled tampons should stop using them immediately and contact Kimberly-Clark at 1-888-255-3499, the company said.
It advised users who develop vaginal pain, bleeding, or discomfort, vaginal itching or swelling, bladder and/or vaginal bacterial and/or yeast infections, or other symptoms such as hot flashes, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting to seek immediate medical attention, CBS News reported.
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Some E-Cig Liquids Contain Erectile Dysfunction Drugs: FDA
Consumers should not use two e-cigarette liquids that contain erectile dysfunction drugs because they may pose health risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.
The two HelloCig e-liquids contain tadalafil and sildenafil, the main ingredients in two of the most popular male enhancement drugs (Cialis and Viagra) on the market, according to the FDA, CNN reported.
Lab tests found both sildenafil and tadalafil in E-Cialis HelloCig E-Liquid and sildenafil in E-Rimonabant HelloCig E-Liquid. The e-liquids are made by HelloCig Electronic Technology Co. Ltd. of Shanghia, China.
"These FDA-approved prescription drugs are not approved for inclusion in e-liquid products sold over the counter and are therefore being sold illegally," the FDA said.
Because the products are not properly labeled, they could pose a risk to people who take nitrates for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease.
The undeclared ingredients in the e-liquids "may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels," according to the FDA, CNN reported.
No adverse events related to the two e-cigarette liquids have been reported to the FDA.
The agency sent a warning letter to HelloCig in October, but the company has not responded, CNN reported.
