FDA Consumer Health Information E-Newsletter
July
3, 2007
SPOTLIGHT ON …
The Possible Dangers of Buying Medicine Online
In a recent case, several customers didn't get the medicines they ordered over the Internet. Instead, they received a product that contained haloperidol, a powerful anti-psychotic drug. Protect yourself by learning about safe online shopping.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/features/drugsonline0707.html
See a list of drugs NOT to buy online because of special safety restrictions
http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/dontBuyonNet.htm
CONSUMER UPDATES
Warning on Veggie Booty Snack Food
FDA is warning consumers not to eat Veggie Booty snack food due to possible contamination. The warning is based on 52 reports of illness across 17 states. Almost all of the illnesses have occurred in children under 10 years old.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/veggiebooty062907.html
How FDA Regulates Seafood
FDA Detains Imports of Farm-Raised Chinese Seafood
On June 28, 2007, FDA announced a broader import control of farm-raised catfish, basa, shrimp, dace (related to carp), and eel from China. This action will protect American consumers from unsafe residues detected in these products.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/seafood062807.html
Final Rule Promotes Safe Use of Dietary Supplements
Under a final rule announced on June 22, 2007, manufacturers are required to evaluate the identity, purity, quality, strength, and composition of dietary supplements.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/dietarysupps062207.html
6 Tips to Avoid Medication Mistakes
Health professionals share advice for safe medication use. Also, FDA recently cleared a "computerized medication box"--a device that sounds an alert when prescribed medications are scheduled to be taken.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/medtips062107.html
First Quick Test for Malaria
FDA has cleared for marketing the first authorized U.S. rapid test for detecting malaria, a disease caused by a parasite that is carried by a type of mosquito.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/malaria062707.html
Spot the Block: Get Your Food Facts First
FDA and the Cartoon Network are encouraging "tweens" to use the Nutrition Facts Label to make healthy food choices.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/spotblock070207.html
Living with Fibromyalgia, First Drug Approved
On June 21, 2007, FDA approved the first drug for treating fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by fatigue and widespread pain. Plus, see Lynne Matallana's story. Diagnosed at 39, she found that medication is only one part of treatment.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/fibromyalgia062107.html
Beware of Ticks…& Lyme Disease
Everyone is susceptible to tick bites, especially campers, hikers, and gardeners. Here's what you need to know about Lyme Disease prevention and treatment.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/lymedisease062707.html
FDA's Standards for High Quality Foods
In recent months, several newspapers came out in defense of a new cause: the quality of chocolate. But chocolate lovers can rest easy. FDA's food standards ensure the highest quality.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/foodstandards061807.html
New Option for Rare Form of Hypertension
FDA has approved Letairis (ambrisentan) to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by continuous high blood pressure within the arteries of the lungs.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/hypertension062007.html
CARVER + Shock: Enhancing Food Defense
A new risk-assessment tool helps processors protect food from deliberate contamination.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/carvershock061107.html
Making it Easier to Recognize Recalled Foods
FDA wants your feedback about a 6-month pilot program that posts photos and labels of certain recalled foods on the agency's Web site.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/recalledfoods061307.html
Initiative Focuses on Tomato Safety
An effort to reduce tomato-related foodborne illness will begin this summer in Virginia and in the fall for Florida.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/tomato061407.html
FDA Clears Respirators for Public Health Emergencies
FDA has cleared two respirators that can help reduce a person's exposure to airborne germs.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/respirators061107.html
Medication Guides for Certain Prescription Products
Many prescription medicines have Medication Guides, paper handouts that generally focus on a specific risk or aspect of patient adherence.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/medguides060607.html
Warning: Toothpaste from China
FDA is warning consumers to avoid using toothpaste labeled as made in China because of concerns that it may contain diethylene glycol (DEG), a poisonous chemical used to make antifreeze.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/toothpaste060107.html
See a list of recalled toothpaste products
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/toothpaste.html
Continuous 7-Day Glucose Monitoring System
A new device measures glucose levels every 5 minutes for up to 7 days in people with diabetes. The STS-7 System supplements standard fingerstick meters and test strips, providing diabetics ages 18 and older with a way to see trends and track patterns.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/glucose060407.html
Removing Hair Safely
FDA has received reports of serious and life-threatening side effects after use of large amounts of skin-numbing products for laser hair removal. Here's a look at common methods of hair removal.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/hair062707.html