FDA Consumer Magazine -- April 1991
Table of Contents

Some of the following articles are not online. Please see how to order publications if you are interested in receiving a copy.

Is There Gender Bias in Drug Testing?
Robert Temple, MD, director of FDA's Office of Drug Evaluation I, and Margaret Jensvold, MD, director of the Institute for Research on Women's Health, discuss whether drugs are sufficiently tested in women.

Electric Cadavers, "Metiphor," and Other Medical Software Marvels
"Grateful Med," "Fluids," "Metiphor," virtual reality, and electric cadavers are just some of the programs and buzzwords in the futuristic world of medical software affecting many areas of health care.

Balloons, Lasers, and Scapers: Help for Hearts and Blood Vessels
To help unclog heart and leg arteries, doctors can choose from a growing array of tools. The now common heart bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty are being joined by high-tech motorized devices and lasers.

Osteoporosis Treatment Advances
Although scientists are still not sure what causes this sometimes disabling bone condition of advancing age, increasing knowledge about prevention and treatment may help baby boomers and other generations to lessen its impact.

Overuse Hazardous: Laxatives Rarely Needed
Though laxatives have appropriate uses, too often consumers over-rely on them. This can pose numerous risks, even with over-the-counter products.

How to Take Your Medicine: Erythromycin
A drug commonly prescribed to fight infections and treat acne is discussed in this ninth article of a series on proper drug use.

(Hypertext updated by clb March 16, 1998)