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Publisher: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

FDA Offers Tips About Medical Devices and Hurricane Disasters view detail comment email this

"In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and in preparation for other disaster situations, FDA is offering tips to help people who use medical devices." Topics include power outages (and potential carbon monoxide problems when using generators), water contamination, re-use of medical devices, sterility, dealing with heat and humidity, and treating snakebites. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/safety/emergencysituations/ucm055987.htm
Topics: Electrical Energy, Home & Housing, Hurricane Katrina, Technology

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Antidepressant Use in Children, Adolescents, and Adults view detail comment email this

In March 2004 "the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) request[ed] a Warning Statement in the labeling for certain antidepressants to encourage close observation of adult and pediatric patients treated with these agents for worsening depression or the emergence of suicidality." This site includes the public health advisory, background information on the Suicidality Classification Project, and questions and answers on antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/UCM096273
Topics: Death & Dying, Drugs & Medications by Type, Mental Conditions

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Thimerosal in Vaccines view detail comment email this

"Thimerosal is a [mercury-containing] preservative that has been used in some vaccines since the 1930's." Site includes a FAQ discussing topics such as removing thimerosal from vaccines and the potential relationship between autism and thimerosal, information about the toxicity of thimerosal, and tables with thimerosal content of vaccines. From the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER).
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/UCM096228
Topics: Infectious Diseases, Medical Treatments & Devices, Mental Conditions, Pollutants & Toxic Substances, Public Health & Safety

Last updated Sep 8, 2009


Infant Formula view detail comment email this

This U.S. government site about infant formula includes "information about FDA's regulation of commercial infant formulas, commonly asked questions about infant formulas, links to other relevant resources, and how to report problems." Also includes alerts and safety information, and information about "new" ingredients such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/InfantFormula/default.htm
Topics: Beverages, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Fish, Meat, & Dairy, Nutrition & Food Safety, The Human Body

Last updated Sep 17, 2009


Buying Medicine From Outside the United States view detail comment email this

This document outlines potential concerns with pharmaceutical products purchased from "an Internet site, from a storefront business that offers to order medicine for you, or during visits outside the United States." Addresses quality assurance, labeling, counterfeit potential, untested substances, and related topics. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/BuyingMedicinefromOutsidetheUnitedStates/default.htm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Drugs, Finance

Last updated Jul 7, 2009


Influenza Virus Vaccine Safety & Availability view detail comment email this

Background information and updates from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on flu vaccines, including results of FDA inspections and testing of vaccines and general information about flu shots, nasal flu vaccines, and antiviral drugs.
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/ucm110288.htm
Topics: Infectious Diseases, Medical Treatments & Devices, Nutrition & Food Safety, Public Health & Safety

Last updated Jun 29, 2009


U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine: Pet Foods view detail comment email this

"The FDA regulates that can of cat food, bag of dog food, or box of dog treats or snacks in your pantry. The FDA's regulation of pet food is similar to that for other animal feeds." This site provides news releases, information about governing regulations, information for consumers (such as on interpreting pet food labels and selecting nutritious pet food), and links to related information. Searchable.
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/Products/AnimalFoodFeeds/PetFood/default.htm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Nutrition & Food Safety, Pets, Recipes & Food Preparation

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Postmarket Drug Safety Information for Patients and Providers view detail comment email this

In 2005 the FDA proposed creating the Drug Watch Web Page, a new program that would communicate "the most up-to-date information possible on emerging [drug] safety issues to the public, even before FDA ... decides whether a regulatory action is appropriate." Includes guidance from the FDA, drug specific information for health professionals and consumers, and related information. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/default.htm
Topics: Drugs

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Thalidomide Information view detail comment email this

Consumer information about thalidomide, "a drug that was marketed outside of the United States in the late 1950's and early 1960's. It was used as a sleeping pill, and to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. However, its use by pregnant women resulted in the birth of thousands of deformed babies." Provides a FAQ, precautions and warnings, and related information about the drug. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm107296.htm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Diseases & Conditions, Medical Treatments & Devices, Reproductive and Sexual Health

Last updated Jul 7, 2009


Milestones in U.S. Food and Drug Law History view detail comment email this

This timeline from 1820 to 2005 provides a brief history of food and drug regulation in the United States.
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/WhatWeDo/History/Milestones/default.htm
Topics: Drugs, Law by Subject, Nutrition & Food Safety

Last updated Sep 8, 2009


Microwave Oven Radiation view detail comment email this

Information about the safety of microwave oven radiation. Microwaves are "of a form of 'electromagnetic' radiation." Issues addressed include leakage of radiation, an overview of microwave oven safety standards, and tips on safe microwave oven operation. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH).
http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/ResourcesforYouRadiationEmittingProducts/Consumers/ucm142616.htm
Topics: Recipes & Food Preparation, Technology

Last updated Sep 8, 2009


FDA Heart Health view detail comment email this

This website provides information about "the products used to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiovascular disease. It includes full descriptions and patient instructions for many medications, medical devices, and diagnostic tests for cardiovascular disease." Articles (and links to other content) describe angina, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, coronary artery bypass surgery, stents, pacemakers, and related topics. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm047462.htm
Topics: Diseases & Conditions

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Over-the-Counter Medicines: What's Right For You? view detail comment email this

Guide to understanding and deciding whether to use nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Subjects include how to read a label, drug interactions, checking for expired medicine, pregnancy and breast-feeding, giving OTC medicine to children, child-resistant packaging, and protecting yourself from tampering. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm133301.htm
Topics: Drugs & Medications by Type

Last updated Jul 7, 2009


FDA Centennial, 1906-2006 view detail comment email this

Historical articles and other material gathered for the 2006 centennial of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Features historical images, "This Week in FDA History," a quiz, and event listings. Includes a link to the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health's centennial page, with a timeline of milestones in the history of that center.
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/WhatWeDo/History/CentennialofFDA/default.htm
Topics: Federal (U.S.) Government, Health

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research: Tissue view detail comment email this

Background documents and notices about implants and transplants of human tissue and cells. Includes sections on adverse reaction reporting for cellular and tissue-based products, charts showing donor screening tests, documents on xenotransplantation (transplantation of nonhuman animal source cells, tissue, and organs to humans), safety notices (including FDA investigations), and related material. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/CbER/tiss.htm
Topics: Medical Treatments & Devices

Last updated May 2, 2006


Food Safety Information for Hurricanes, Power Outages, & Floods view detail comment email this

Collection of publications on consumer and industry food safety during hurricanes, flooding, and power outages. Consumer material addresses what to do before, during, and after these events, and industry publications provide guidance for restaurants, grocers, and transporters of food products. From the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodDefense/Emergencies/FloodsHurricanesPowerOutages/default.htm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Home & Housing, Nutrition & Food Safety

Last updated Sep 8, 2009


Backgrounder: Keystone Forum on Away-From-Home Foods: Opportunities for Preventing Weight Gain and Obesity Report view detail comment email this

Recommendations to the food industries for "improving consumers' ability to manage calorie intake from foods prepared and purchased away-from-home." Discusses menu design, cooking techniques, portion size, providing nutritional information to customers, and other concepts. Includes the full report, a backgrounder, FAQ, and an audio of a press briefing. Report prepared by the Keystone Forum for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/ReportsResearch/ucm082064.htm
Topics: Diseases & Conditions, Food & Cooking, Nutrition & Food Safety

Last updated Jun 3, 2009


U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Breast Implants view detail comment email this

Material for consumers to help "make an informed decision as to whether or not to get breast implants. There is information related to both approved breast implants and investigational (under study for safety and effectiveness) breast implants." Includes a FAQ, backgrounder on platinum in silicone breast implants, silicone gel implant approvals, a brochure and photos of complications, and related material.
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/default.htm
Topics: Medical Treatments & Devices

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Sleep Disorder (Sedative-Hypnotic) Drug Information view detail comment email this

Brief information about "sedative-hypnotic drug products, a class of drugs used to induce and/or maintain sleep," risks of which include "severe allergic reactions and complex sleep-related behaviors, [such as] sleep driving ... defined as driving while not fully awake after ingestion of a sedative-hypnotic product, with no memory of the event." Includes a list of specific drugs, and a link to a related press release. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm101557.htm
Topics: Diseases & Conditions, Drugs

Last updated Jul 7, 2009


U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Inspections, Compliance, Enforcements and Recalls view detail comment email this

Collection of documents about U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) programs related to inspections and compliance, product recalls, and foodborne illness. Includes documents on procedures and guidance for inspecting food and drug products and industries, FDA investigations, and related material. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/ComplianceEnforcement/default.htm
Topics: Drugs, Nutrition & Food Safety

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Make Your Calories Count view detail comment email this

This "interactive learning program ... provides consumers with information to help plan a healthful diet while managing calorie intake [by using the information on food labels]. ... For simplicity, the program presents two nutrients that should be limited (saturated fat and sodium) and two nutrients that should be consumed in adequate amounts (fiber and calcium)." From the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/ConsumerInformation/ucm114022.htm
Topics: Nutrition & Food Safety

Last updated Sep 8, 2009


Melamine Pet Food Recall of 2007 view detail comment email this

Updates about the status of the recall of pet foods that began in March 2007 and arose because of the use of imported wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate, which has been found to contain melamine and melamine-related compounds. Includes a list of recalled pet food products (browse by cat or dog food brand or do a search), details about FDA actions, news, and recall notices. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/RecallsWithdrawals/ucm129575.htm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Pets

Last updated Sep 8, 2009


Nutrient Content Claims view detail comment email this

Compilation of documents concerning food label claims (such as free, zero, low, reduced, light, and lean) in reference to nutrient content such as calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugars, and vitamins. Provides definitions and related rulings. From the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/LabelClaims/NutrientContentClaims/default.htm
Topics: Nutrition & Food Safety

Last updated Jul 7, 2009


Isotretinoin (Marketed as Accutane) Capsule Information view detail comment email this

Consumer information about isotretinoin (Accutane), an approved drug "used to treat the most severe form of acne (nodular acne) that cannot be cleared up by any other acne treatments." Describes risks to pregnant women (such as birth defects, miscarriage, and premature births), potential depression and suicidal thoughts and actions for all users, a warning about purchasing the drug over the Internet, and related publications. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm094305.htm
Topics: Diseases & Conditions, Drugs

Last updated Jun 30, 2009


U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Recalls, Market Withdrawals, and Safety Alerts view detail comment email this

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides information about "the most significant product actions of the last 60 days, based on the extent of distribution and the degree of health risk. The recalls on the list are mainly Class I [reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to product will cause serious adverse health consequences]." Products include food, drugs, and medical devices. Users may sign up for alerts to stay current.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm
Topics: Drugs, Nutrition & Food Safety

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


FDA Releases Recommendations Regarding Use of Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Products view detail comment email this

Material about the January 2008 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendation "that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants and children less than 2 years of age because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur from such use." Provides a press release, public health advisory, and questions and answers for consumers. From the FDA.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2008/ucm116839.htm
Topics: Drugs, Drugs & Medications by Type, Infectious Diseases

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Quick Information For Your Health view detail comment email this

"The following titles represent easy-to-read health information available in both English and Spanish. Some titles are available as printable PDFs and as printed brochures for ordering." Brochure topics include diabetes, arthritis treatments, giving medicine to children, volunteering for clinical trials and medical treatments, and using medicine safely. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/englow.html
Topics: Drugs, Public Health & Safety

Last updated Mar 25, 2008


Irradiated Food and Packaging view detail comment email this

Background, consumer information, and updates about U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation of "the use of irradiation in the treatment of food and food packaging." Includes an August 2008 fact sheet about irradiation of iceberg lettuce and spinach, a food safety and irradiation FAQ, Federal Register documents, guidance and regulations, industry materials, and more. From the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/IrradiatedFoodPackaging/default.htm
Topics: Nutrition & Food Safety

Last updated Sep 17, 2009


Genetically Engineered Animals view detail comment email this

Collection of documents related to draft guidance released September 18, 2008, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine "to clarify the Agency's regulation of Genetically Engineered (GE) Animals." Includes a press release, text of the draft guidance, fact sheet, consumer article, GE animals graphic, and consumer, industry, and general Q&A documents. From the FDA.
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/GeneticEngineering/GeneticallyEngineeredAnimals/default.htm
Topics: Social Issues

Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Melamine Contamination in China view detail comment email this

Advisories and alerts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on "reports from China of infant formula contaminated with melamine." Provides a list of imported products (including infant formula from China in general, specific drinks, candy, and baked goods) that the public is advised not to consume due to possible melamine contamination, recalls, a consumer FAQ on melamine and melamine contamination, and related FDA announcements.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm179005.htm
Topics: Nutrition & Food Safety, Pollutants & Toxic Substances

Last updated Sep 8, 2009


Food Protection Plan view detail comment email this

Website for this U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "strategy to protect the nation's food supply from both unintentional contamination and deliberate attack." Provides the text of the plan, a fact sheet, questions and answers, progress summaries, photos, audio and video clips, news updates, and links to related food safety resources. From the FDA.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodSafetyPrograms/FoodProtectionPlan2007/default.htm
Topics: Nutrition & Food Safety

Last updated Sep 8, 2009


Drug Interactions: What You Should Know view detail comment email this

Fact sheet about drug interactions (drug-drug, drug-food/beverage, drug-condition), which "may make your drug less effective, cause unexpected side effects, or increase the action of a particular drug. Some drug interactions can even be harmful to you." Includes a section on reading labels on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and examples of drug interaction warnings. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/ucm163354.htm
Topics: Drugs

Last updated Aug 11, 2009


Pistachio Product Recalls: Salmonella view detail comment email this

Notices and alerts concerning U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) investigations of "Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif. ... Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products." Includes updates on recalls of specific products, links to background on Salmonella, and related material. From the FDA.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/MajorProductRecalls/Pistachio/default.htm
Topics: Beans, Grains, Nuts, & Seeds, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Nutrition & Food Safety

Last updated Sep 8, 2009


Plan B and Plan B One-Step Tablets Information view detail comment email this

Collection of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) documents concerning the contraceptive drug Plan B, "often referred to as emergency contraception or the 'morning after pill.'" Includes historical information and details about the March 2009 federal court order "directing the FDA, within 30 days, to permit the Plan B drug sponsor to make Plan B available to women 17 and older without a prescription. The government will not appeal this decision." From the FDA.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/UCM109775
Topics: Reproductive and Sexual Health, Women's Health

Last updated Sep 8, 2009


FDA 2009 H1N1 (Swine) Flu Virus view detail comment email this

This page compiles news, advisories, and fact sheets for consumers and health professionals about 2009 H1N1 flu (swine flu) virus. It includes a fraud alert about websites claiming to sell prevention and treatment products, information about antiviral drugs and influenza medications, and updates about U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involvement with and response to the H1N1 flu virus threat. Also includes information about personal protective equipment (such as face masks). From the FDA.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm150305.htm
Topics: Infectious Diseases

Last updated Oct 28, 2009





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