Oh look, AMD's decided to gift the world with "Instella," their shiny new #language #model that can probably tell you the square root of a ham sandwich. 
In the thrilling world of #Linux #drivers and #Radeon #RX 9070s, this is the equivalent of finding a free pen at a trade show. 
https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-Intella-Open-Source-LM #AMD #Instella #tech #news #HackerNews #ngated
I really hope I'm wrong. Really really REALLY hope I'm wrong. 
But for those of us reliant on #USA-manufactured medications (for whatever condition or purpose), we might want to start checking in with our pharmacies and even #HealthCanada regarding ensuring ongoing access to safe and effective #prescriptions.
Happy to hear further thoughts on this matter.
11/fin
Soooooo … I'm fretting that as we do not have a #Canadian manufacturer for Delatestyrl and the current #manufacturer in the #USA has placed the medication on long hold -- paired with the sudden and sweeping changes there that we see reported daily -- many Canadians may lose access to SEVERAL medications used to treat various conditions.
10/x
Likewise I am not up on every detail of changes made since the striking of #RoeVsWade, but IIRC several #American states have made the #prescribing or #dispensing of #medications known to be used for medical abortion illegal, even if the specific purpose for a specific patient is for another reason unconnected to abortion.
(Reminder: yes, many Rx can and are used for many different conditions, not just the thing they're most famous for)
9/x
Now I have ABSOLUTELY NOT had the energy to stay abreast of everything going on with our neighbours to the south, but I seem to recall that they just appointed a guy who doesn't believe in vaccinations or #medications for many conditions as the top health official.
And regardless of what rules and processes were once in place (for ANY department), we hear daily reports of the very same being completely ignored by those in charge.
8/x
I was basically told I probably shouldn't worry, as #Hikma is Canadian.
Except, once I had a few minutes to check, it isn't.
Oh sure, there's a Canadian company. It has a handful of employees whose mission is to market the many #pharmaceuticals manufactured by Hikma … in the #USA.
Which is most definitely not the same as a Canadian company/subsidiary manufacturing and distributing medications IN Canada.
7/x
To be clear, I affirmed that yes, #pharmacies should be focused on the #clinical not the #political, but I also pointed out that if political decisions result in shortages or removals of #medications, then no one will be providing clinical support to #patients, because necessary treatments won't exist.
6/x
They said that in response to my query about the manufacturer: is my #Rx actually made in #Canada or the #USA?
Because if the latter, then given the literal current condition of official USA federal websites, data and knowledge repositories, etc rapidly removing any reference to #trans people (among other #BannedWords), I am concerned the medication could be discontinued entirely.
5/x
Specific to #Delatestryl (an injectable form of #Rx #testosterone ), this has been the sixth shortage/hold (IIRC) since the #covid19 #pandemic began.
Both #cis and #trans people use this medication, and some alternate formulations exist, but they are not suitable for all patients.
2/x
Hey #trans #Canada, looks like we're completely SOL for #Delatestryl for now and perhaps … a lot longer than now.
The manufacturer is #Hikma Canada, and this medication currently has a "long hold" on it with NO announced (estimated or actual) date of resuming production.
I have some thoughts and they probably relate to anyone hereabouts who uses #Rx #medications, so consider reading along:
1/x
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy? (Download and archive this video.)
A hormone is a chemical messenger made by your body to send signals to some or all body cells. Some hormones are made in other bodies or through chemical processes, like other medications.
HRT is a medical treatment for certain conditions, including menopause for some people, or precocious puberty for others.
(Mostly) Older men and women also use it to affirm their gender experiences.
HRT has certain side effects on your body. You may find these desirable or unpleasant.
Any medical intervention can have therapeutic effects and side effects. Different people experience different outcomes.
Do you want or need to biohack your hormone levels to affect your body?
Please learn more from your GP, family doctor, primary care provider, or another trusted clinician with access to your personal medical records.
Some of the waiting lists can be quite long, or involve more steps than you may expect. So ask early, please!
copy of links in video description: https://lgbtqia.space/@MxVerda/113876807351799423
https://nebula.tv/videos/lilyalexandre-diy-hormone-therapy-everything-i-can-legally-tell-you/
from the vid: gender affirming care is suicide prevention. It's also preventative care against diseases of despair.
