FDA Consumer Magazine -- December 1990
Table of Contents

The Pill: 30 Years of Safety Concerns
When the birth control pill was first introduced in 1960, the response of many Americans was like love at first sight. But soon, safety concerns took the blush off the romance, leading to reformulation and the safer lower doses now available.

Modern Diagnostics Help Detect Cancer Early
Many tests to find cancer early have improved chances that the disease can be treated in time to save lieves. But to take advantage of this technology, peolpe sometimes first need to overcome their fear of the disease.

Genetic Screening: Fetal Signposts on a Journey of Discovery
Like explorers of old, scientists are discovering the unexpected as they undertake to map all human genes. On this voyage, identification of genes for inherited disorders are leading to ways to prevent or treat these conditions in babies.

Fat Substitutes : A Taste of the Future?
"Ice Cream" without fat is one promise held out by a number of fat substitutes newly approved by FDA or under development. But questions about consumer acceptance and long-term dietary advantage make the ultimate fate of some "unfats" unclear.

Getting Information from FDA
Wending your way through the bureaucracy on a quest for information can be bewildering. With a little preparation, though, you canknow what information is available from FDA, how to get it - and when you'd do better asking someone else.

How to Take Your Medicine: Beta Blocker Drugs
One of the most common therapies for high blood pressure is discussed in a continuation of the series on proper drug use.

(Hypertext updated by clb 1998-MAY-12)