FDA Consumer Health Information Updates http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/ContactFDA/StayInformed/RSSFeeds/Consumers/rss.xml en-us Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:00:00 -0400 michael.ermarth@fda.hhs.gov (Michael Ermarth) This page contains the most recent Consumer Update data available and links to past Consumer Update Analytics web pages. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm215588.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm215588.htm Drug companies spend $25 billion a year in the U.S. promoting prescription medications, including a growing amount spent of direct-to-consumer advertising. Thomas Abrams, director of FDA’s Office of Prescription Drug Promotions (OPDP), discusses what his staff does to monitor for truth and balance. Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm355270.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm355270.htm If you're part of what is called an "at-risk" or "vulnerable" population, a foodborne illness can be extremely dangerous. Learn which people are considered at risk and why, as well as safety precautions they can take to help prevent foodborne illness. Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm354783.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm354783.htm The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announces an initiative to get more consumers to report problems with drugs, devices and other products to MedWatch. Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm354560.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm354560.htm During allergy season, many turn to antihistamines for relief of allergy symptoms. But some antihistamines can make you drowsy, unfocused and slow to react. Learn what precautions you should take when using antihistamines. Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm354117.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm354117.htm The last two inhalers with ozone-depleting propellants will be taken off the market by the end of this year. People with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who use these inhalers should discuss alternatives with their doctors before the products are phased out. Tue, 28 May 2013 08:00:00 -0400 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm353701.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm353701.htm 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 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