FDA Consumer Health Information Updates http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/ContactFDA/StayInformed/RSSFeeds/Consumers/rss.xml en-us Thu, 23 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400 michael.ermarth@fda.hhs.gov (Michael Ermarth) FDA's Office of Women's Health offers many resources to educate women about the safe use of FDA-approved drugs and devices for the treatment and prevention of heart disease. This includes information about conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can increase a woman's risk. Thu, 23 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm353680.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm353680.htm FDA’s MedWatch Safety Alerts alert consumers to problems with quality or safety of medical products. The April listing includes products such as anti-seizure medications, multivitamin supplements, mattress covers, blood glucose meters and compounded drugs. Tue, 21 May 2013 08:02:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm353341.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm353341.htm This page contains the most recent Consumer Update data available and links to past Consumer Update Analytics web pages. Mon, 20 May 2013 09:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm215588.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm215588.htm FDA has taken steps on multiple fronts to protect consumers from the skin damage that can be caused by too much exposure to the sun. This is the first summer in which FDA's new rules governing sunscreen labeling are in effect. And FDA is supporting "Don’t Fry Day" on May 24. Wed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm352255.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm352255.htm GMOs, genetically modified organisms, biotech foods, or genetically engineered foods - whatever name they're called - seem to be a captivating topic. Learn more about them and how they are regulated in this FDA Consumer Update. Tue, 14 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm352067.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm352067.htm Pregnant and breastfeeding women can turn to FDA's Office of Women's Health for important health information, including details about the risks and benefits of taking medication during this special time. Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm351130.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm351130.htm Keep Listeria at bay by keeping your refrigerator temperature low and carefully cleaning kitchen surfaces. Fri, 10 May 2013 09:45:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm274114.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm274114.htm Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation - whether outdoors from the sun, or indoors under a sunlamp - causes damage to your skin, including skin cancer. Find out how FDA is proposing to change how it regulates sunlamps, including requiring labeling recommending that young people not use these devices. Tue, 07 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm350790.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm350790.htm Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine Michael R. Taylor discusses his concerns about the increasing number of caffeinated products and their impact on children. Thu, 02 May 2013 16:30:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm350570.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm350570.htm David White, chief science officer in FDA's Office of Food and Veterinary Medicine, and Edward Cox, director of FDA's Office of Antimicrobial Products, explain the efforts FDA is making to combat the public health impact of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:30:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm349953.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm349953.htm FDA is working to increase minority participation in the clinical trials that test new medical products. Members of minority groups are move vulnerable to certain diseases, but are under-represented in these trials. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm349063.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm349063.htm A tool invented by FDA scientists is being deployed in a partnership to fight counterfeit malaria drugs. Testing is planned in Ghana. More than a third of malaria drugs in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia are counterfeit or substandard. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:30:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm349110.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm349110.htm FDA's Patient Liaison Program helps to bring the unique perspective of patients, family members, caregivers and patient advocates to the decision-making processes of the FDA. Learn the many ways you can get involved and become part of the process that regulates food and drugs. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:30:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm348661.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm348661.htm At FDA, achieving equality in health and health care is part of the mission of the Office of Minority Health. The office was established in 2010 to help the agency address the needs of Americans who may be more vulnerable because of their race, ethnicity or other factors. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm347896.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm347896.htm FDA is inviting consumer comments on a petition from two dairy industry groups to change the standard of identity for flavored milk and 17 other dairy products. This would make it possible for manufacturers of some artificially sweetened dairy products to avoid stating that fact on the front of their packaging. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm347194.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm347194.htm FDA's efforts to get dietary supplements containing the stimulant DMAA off the market illustrates the agency's role in regulating dietary supplements and serves as a warning to consumers. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm347270.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm347270.htm At the Food and Drug Administration's National Center for Toxicological Research in Arkansas, scientists are using zebrafish as models for studying how certain drugs could affect humans. See how these tiny, transparent fish may make a difference to your health someday. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm343940.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm343940.htm FDA finds that labels on over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy products can be changed to allow consumers to use them longer and at the same time as other nicotine-containing products. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm345087.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm345087.htm Are temporary tattoos just a little harmless fun? Not necessarily, say FDA experts. Learn the potential dangers of temporary tattoos made with henna ink and how they have sent many people to the emergency room. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:56:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm343932.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm343932.htm Migraines affect more than 30 million Americans. Learn about what causes migraines, the newest, FDA-approved form of migraine treatment—a patch—as well as other treatments and things you can do to prevent these painful headaches. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm343935.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm343935.htm