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Booklet aimed at helping consumers make informed choices about medicines
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Council on Family Health (CFH) are urging people to take a more active role in their health care, especially when it comes to using medicines.
Be An Active Member of Your Health Care Team, developed by FDA in cooperation with CFH, features information that can help readers make informed choices about medicines and urges an open channel of communication between patients and their team of health care professionals.
"Doctors, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, and you make up your health care team," says Acting FDA Commissioner Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D. "To get the most benefit and to reduce the risks when using medicines, you need to be an active member of the team," Crawford adds.
The booklet outlines five ways to make medicine use SAFER:
As part of the Department of Health and Human Services' and FDA's continuing efforts to develop user-friendly health education materials for Latino Americans, Be An Active Member of Your Health Care Team is also available in Spanish. CFH is pleased to take part in this effort to make these important health messages available to a broader audience.
"The more information your health care team knows about you, the better you and your team can plan the care that's right for you," says CFH President Robert G. Donovan.
Donovan adds: "Tell your health care team about the medicines you use and about your medical history. It is important to get as much information as you can about your medicines and to read the label each time you buy an OTC medicine or fill your prescription. When buying an OTC, read the "Drug Facts" label carefully to make sure it is the right medicine for you."
The booklet also includes a "Question Guide" that can be used with your health care team to find out what you need to know about the medicines you already use or are thinking about using.
For a free copy, email dpapubs@fda.hhs.gov or call 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332), follow prompts 2-1-3-3 and request Be An Active Member of Your Health Care Team, specifying English or Spanish. To request a copy by mail or to view the guide online, go to www.cfhinfo.org.
Be An Active Member of Your Health Care Team
Be An Active Member of Your Health Care Team (Spanish)
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The Council on Family Health is a nonprofit organization established more than 35 years ago, dedicated to educating consumers about the proper use of nonprescription and prescription medicines and dietary supplements, home safety and personal health.