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March 29
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
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Product Safety Bar

stivargaStivarga approved for advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors
FDA expanded the approved use of Stivarga (regorafenib) to treat patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that cannot be surgically removed and no longer respond to other FDA-approved treatments for this disease. More informationFDA alerts health care providers of recall of anemia drug Omontys
FDA is alerting health care providers and patients of a voluntary nationwide recall of all lots of Omontys Injection by Affymax, Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif., and Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Limited, of Deerfield, Ill. The recall is due to reports of anaphylaxis, a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction. Omontys is used to treat anemia in adult dialysis patients. More information

Affymax and Takeda Announce a Nationwide Voluntary Recall of All Lots of OMONTYS® (peginesatide) Injection
Affymax, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFY) and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) have decided to voluntarily recall all lots of OMONTYS® (peginesatide) new postmarketing reports regarding serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening or fatal.
More information

burgandy finger

Comunicaciones de la FDA sobre la seguridad de los medicamentos en español
Descargo de responsabilidad: La FDA reconoce la necesidad de proporcionar información sobre seguridad importante en idiomas distintos al inglés. Hacemos lo mejor posible  para proporcionar  versiones en español precisas y oportunas de nuestras Comunicaciones de Seguridad de Medicamentos. Sin embargo, en caso que existiera discrepancias entre las versiones en ingles y en español, la información contenida en la versión en inglés es la que se considera como versión oficial. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contáctese con Division of Drug Information en druginfo@fda.hhs.gov. Comunicaciones de la FDA
MedWatch Image
For more important safety information on human drug and devices or to report a serious problem, please visit MedWatch

Product Short and DC

medicine cabinetFDA recognizes the significant public health consequences that can result from drug shortages and takes tremendous efforts within its legal authority to address and prevent drug shortages. These shortages occur for many reasons, including manufacturing and quality problems, delays, and discontinuations.

When quality/manufacturing issues are discovered by the company or the public and reported to FDA or are found by FDA upon inspection, the FDA works closely with the firm to address risks involved to prevent harm to patients.  FDA also considers the impact a shortage would have on patient care and access and works with the firm to restore supplies while also ensuring safety for patients.
More information

 

Drug Shortages Voluntarily Reported by Manufacturers During the Past 2 Weeks:

 

  • Alteplase (Cathflo Activase)
  • Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Tablets
  • Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets
  • Methylphenidate Hydrochloride ER Tablets
  • Methylin Chewable Tablets

 

Drugs to be Discontinued Announced During Past 2 Weeks:

 

  • Cefuroxime Sodium
  • Lisinopril and Hydrochlorthiazide (Prinzide) Tablets

 

 

 

 

 

 

finger

 


Product Approval Bar

drawing of 4 womenOsphena approved for postmenopausal women experiencing pain during sex
FDA approved Osphena (ospemifene) to treat women experiencing moderate to severe dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause. Dyspareunia is a condition associated with declining levels of estrogen hormones during menopause. Less estrogen can make vaginal tissues thinner, drier and more fragile, resulting in pain during sexual intercourse. More informationNew silicone gel-filled breast implant approved
The FDA approved the Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Gel Filled Breast Implant to increase breast size (augmentation) in women at least 22 years old and to rebuild breast tissue (reconstruction) in women of any age. Natrelle 410 implants are manufactured by Allergan, Inc. The FDA based its approval on seven years of data from 941 women. More information

New treatment for late-stage breast cancer approved
FDA approved Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine), a new therapy for patients with HER2-positive, late-stage (metastatic) breast cancer. HER2 is a protein involved in normal cell growth. It is found in increased amounts on some types of cancer cells (HER2-positive), including some breast cancers. In these HER2-positive breast cancers, the increased amount of the HER2 protein contributes to cancer cell growth and survival. More information

Drugs@FDAFor information on drug approvals or to view prescribing information and patient information, please visit Drugs@FDA or DailyMed.

Comments and Guidances

regulations.gov

Request for Comments: Clinical Development Programs for Disease-Modifying Agents for Peripheral Neuropathy and Public Workshop
FDA will be holding an open public hearing and workshop to further the understanding of the development of disease-modifying agents for the treatment of painful peripheral neuropathies. Discussion will focus on possible therapeutic targets for these agents, the types of painful peripheral neuropathies amenable to treatment with disease-modifying agents, and clinical trial design. To attend workshop, registration is required by February 1, 2013. Comments are due by March 11, 2013. More information

Request for Comments: Draft Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff – Design Considerations for Devices Intended for Home Use
FDA is announcing the availability of the draft guidance entitled “Design Considerations for Devices Intended for Home Use.” This document is intended to assist manufacturers in designing and developing home use medical devices that comply with applicable standards of safety and effectiveness and other regulatory requirements. Home use devices are associated with unique risks created by the interactions among the user (often a layperson), the use environment, and the device. This document identifies several factors that manufacturers should consider, especially during device design and development, and provides recommendations for reducing or minimizing these unique risks. Comments are due by March 13, 2013. More information

Drug shortage medicine cabinet Request for Comments: Food and Drug Administration Drug Shortages Task Force and Strategic Plan
To assist FDA in drafting a strategic plan on drug shortages as required by the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, the Agency is seeking public comment from interested persons on certain questions related to drug and biological product shortages. Comments are due by March 14, 2013.
More information

 

Request for Comments: Draft Guidances for Industry on Abuse-Deterrent Opioids – Evaluation and Labeling
This draft guidance is intended to provide industry with a framework for evaluating and labeling abuse-deterrent opioid products. The draft guidance discusses how the potentially abuse-deterrent properties of an opioid analgesic formulated to deter abuse should be studied, specifically addressing in vitro studies, pharmacokinetic studies, human abuse potential studies, and postmarket studies. The draft guidance also describes the types of information and claims that may be suitable for inclusion in labeling. Comments are due by March 15, 2013. More information

 

Request for Comments: Draft Guidance for Industry on Enrichment Strategies for Clinical Trials to Support Approval of Human Drugs and Biological Products
FDA is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled “Enrichment Strategies for Clinical Trials to Support Approval of Human Drugs and Biological Products.” This document provides guidance to industry on enrichment strategies that can be used in clinical trials intended to support effectiveness and safety claims in new drug applications (NDAs) and biologics license applications (BLAs). Comments due by March 18, 2013. More information

 

Request for Comments: Draft Guidance for S10 Photosafety Evaluation of Pharmaceuticals
FDA is announcing the availability of a draft guidance entitled “S10 Photosafety Evaluation of Pharmaceuticals.” The draft guidance was prepared under the auspices of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. The draft guidance includes criteria for initiation of and triggers for additional photosafety testing and should be read in conjunction with the ICH M3(R2) guidance, section XIV(14) Photosafety Testing. Comments are due by March 21, 2013. More information

 

Request for Comments: Considerations Regarding Food and Drug Administration Review and Regulation of Drugs for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
FDA is holding this public hearing to allow patients, caregivers, advocates, health care providers, academia, industry, and other interested persons to give their perspectives on various aspects of the development of drugs for the treatment or management of ALS. The input from this public hearing will help inform the work of FDA offices that review applications for drugs for the treatment of ALS. Comments are due by March 25, 2013. More information

 

Request for Comments: Clinical Flow Cytometry in Hematologic Malignancies
FDA is announcing the following public workshop entitled “Clinical Flow Cytometry in Hematologic Malignancies.” The purpose of this public workshop is to seek public input from academia, Government, laboratorians, industry, clinicians, patients and other stakeholders on the role of clinical flow cytometry in hematologic malignancies, in order to develop a specific regulatory policy for this class of in vitro diagnostic devices. Comments are due by March 29, 2012. More information

 

Request for Comment: Smokeless Tobacco Product Warning Statement
FDA is establishing a public docket to obtain comments, supported by scientific evidence, regarding what changes to the smokeless tobacco product warnings, if any, would promote greater public understanding of the risks associated with the use of smokeless tobacco products. Comments are due by April 1, 2013. More information

 

Request for Comments: Impact of Approved Drug Labeling on Chronic Opioid Therapy
FDA invites comments on the public health benefits and risks, including the potential for abuse, of drugs containing hydrocodone either combined with other analgesics or as an antitussive. Over the past several years, the role of opioid drugs in treating chronic pain has been an increasingly common subject of public discussion. FDA and other policymakers have been at the forefront of these debates, striving to find a balance between minimizing opioid drug abuse and misuse, while simultaneously enabling appropriate access to pain-relieving drugs. Comments are due by April 8, 2013. More information

two elderly women taking a walkRequest for Comments: Draft Guidance for Industry on Alzheimer’s Disease – Developing Drugs for the Early Stage Disease
This guidance outlines FDA’s current thinking as to how a sponsor could demonstrate efficacy in clinical trials in patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that occur before the onset of overt dementia. Specifically, this guidance addresses FDA’s current thinking regarding the selection of patients with early AD, or who are determined to be at risk of developing AD, for enrollment into clinical trials. Comments are due by April 9, 2012. More informationRequest for Comments: Effective Date of Requirement for Premarket Approval for Two Class III Preamendments Devices
FDA is proposing to require the filing of a premarket approval application (PMA) or a notice of completion of a product development protocol (PDP) for the following two class III preamendments devices: Hip joint metal/metal semi- constrained, with a cemented acetabular component, prosthesis; and hip joint metal/metal semi-constrained, with an uncemented acetabular component, prosthesis. The Agency is also summarizing its proposed findings regarding the degree of risk of illness or injury designed to be eliminated or reduced by requiring the devices to meet the statute’s approval requirements and the benefits to the public from the use of the devices. This action implements certain statutory requirements. Comments are due April 18, 2013. More information

Request for Comments: Draft Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff – Providing Information About Pediatric Uses of Medical Devices
This proposed rule would require each applicant who submits an humanitarian device exemption, premarket approval (PMA), supplement to a PMA, or product development protocol to include, if “readily available,” a description of any pediatric subpopulations that suffer from the disease or condition that the device is intended to treat, diagnose, or cure, and the number of affected pediatric patients. FDA is proposing to codify a definition of “readily-available” and also issue a draft guidance document to explain the Agency’s current thinking on the meaning of “readily-available information” and how to comply with the requirements set forth in section 515A of the FD&C Act. Comments are due by April 22, 2013. More information

 

Food Safety

 

Request for Comments and Information on Initiating a Risk Assessment for Establishing Food Allergen Thresholds
Food allergy is an immune-mediated sensitivity to foods that can lead to life-threatening adverse reactions. Because there is no cure for food allergy, allergic consumers must use avoidance to prevent allergic reactions. Successful avoidance requires, among other things, that allergic consumers and their caregivers be able to read and understand the ingredient lists on packaged foods. Comments are due by May 13, 2013. More information

Request for Comments: FDA proposes new food safety standards for foodborne illness prevention and produce safety
FDA proposed two new food safety rules that will help prevent foodborne illness. The proposed rules implement the landmark, bipartisan FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and are available for public comment for the next 120 days. The FDA encourages Americans to review and comment on these important proposed rules. Since January 2011, FDA staff have toured farms and facilities nationwide and participated in hundreds of meetings and presentations with global regulatory partners, industry stakeholders, consumer groups, farmers, state and local officials, and the research community. Comments are due by May 16, 2013. More information

Announcements Bar

Comments picFDA seeks input on minimizing disruptions to medical device supply chain during extreme weather events
The FDA is seeking input from industry and the public on the effects of extreme weather and natural disasters on the production and supply of medical devices. The FDA will use the information to identify steps that the agency, manufacturers, and the public can take to prepare for such events. More information

Dr.HamburgFDA joins with health professional organizations in encouraging prescribers to seek training to safely prescribe opioid pain medicines, by: Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner FDA
More than 15,500 people died in the United States in 2009 after overdosing on narcotic pain relievers. That’s a 300 percent increase over the last 20 years. And for each death, there are an additional ten treatment admissions, 32 emergency department visits and 825 nonmedical users of these drugs.FDA is extremely concerned about the inappropriate use of opioids, which has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., becoming a major public health challenge. While much of the problem is attributable to illicit use which can include sharing medication with family and friends or theft of the drug from home medicine cabinets, legitimate use of medications for pain may also lead to unnecessary adverse events, addiction, and death for some patients. Our nation’s front-line health care professionals, especially physicians and other prescribers can play an important role in efforts to reduce this trend. To read the rest of this blog, see FDA Voice Blog, March 1, 2013.

Kathy

 

 

 

Rare Disorders Without Borders: An International Strategy, by: Katherine Needleman, Ph.D.
The development of 200 new therapies for rare diseases and diagnostic tests for most rare diseases would alleviate untold suffering. So with great enthusiasm, FDA’s Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD) has joined a global effort to make those goals a reality by 2020.

These are the goals of the International Rare Disease Research Consortium (IRDiRC),  launched by the European Commission and the U.S. National Institutes of Health in April 2011 to foster collaboration in rare disease research. FDA’s OOPD recently joined IRDiRC’s Executive Committee. When the consortium holds its first major conference in Dublin in April, top experts and researchers from around the world will share information and foster collaborations.

To read the rest of this blog, see FDA Voice blog, February 28, 2013


Mike LandaWe’re Taking Steps to Enhance the Safety of Cantaloupe for Consumers, by: Michael M. Landa
The growing and harvest season for cantaloupe in the United States is beginning and FDA is working with its state partners and the produce industry to make sure that this is a good, safe year for lovers of this nutritious fruit. As FDA works on implementing the produce safety standards mandated by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, it is essential that those involved in growing, harvesting, and distributing cantaloupe – and produce in general – follow agricultural practices that FDA and the produce industry have identified as effective in minimizing the risk of contamination. FDA is now issuing a letter to firms that handle cantaloupe to help reduce the chance that the fruit may be contaminated by harmful bacteria. Our letter has two key messages. To read the rest of this blog, see FDA Voice Blog, February 25, 2013

Ucoming Meetings Bar

Advisory Committee Meeting at FDA

FDA advisory committee meetings are free and open to the public. No prior registration is required to attend. Interested persons may present data, information, or views, orally at the meeting, or in writing, on issues pending before the committee.
Other types of meetings listed may require prior registration and fees. Click on “More information” for details about each meeting.

March

 

 

 

 

POSTPONED Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: March 7, 2013

 

 

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: March 14, 2013
The committee will meet in open session to discuss FDA’s draft risk assessment model for potential exposure to the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) agent in Red Blood Cells for transfusion in the United States. More information

Pediatric Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: March 14, 2013
The committee will meet to discuss pediatric-focused safety reviews, as mandated by the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act and the Pediatric Research Equity Act, for Acterma (tocilizumab), Alimta (pemetrexed disodium), Creon (pancrelipase), Gadavist (gadobutrol), Hizentra [Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human), 20% Liquid], Inomax (nitric oxide), Invega (paliperidone), Kedbumin (albumin human), Kytril Injection (granisetron hydrochloride), Lamictal XR (lamotrigine), Menactra [Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine], Moxeza (moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5%), Natroba (spinosad), Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium), Nexium IV (esomeprazole sodium), Uroxatral (alfuzosin hydrochloride), and Zenpep (pancrelipase).  Also, there will be an Informational Update on Codeine. More information

Neonatal Subcommittee of the Pediatric Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: March 15, 2013
The committee will convene a non-voting session to establish an operational framework for the subcommittee as well as discuss and comment on nonspecific matters pertaining to neonatology. The subcommittee will also comment on ways to approach the challenges and identify different programmatic strategies for advancing the knowledge necessary to developing neonatal regulatory science. More information

 

 

ashtrayPublic Workshop: Third Party Governance of Industry-Sponsored Tobacco Product Research
Dates: March 19-20, 2013
The purpose of the workshop is to discuss the recommendation in the Institute of Medicine’s report, “Scientific Standards for Studies on Modified Risk Tobacco Products,” that sponsors of Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) applications use independent third parties to undertake one or more key functions in tobacco product research (third party governance). FDA is also considering third party governance as it relates more generally to tobacco research. Our goal is to receive input from interested stakeholders regarding features from existing third party governance models that may be applicable to tobacco product research. More informationCirculatory System Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: March 20, 2013
The committee will discuss, make recommendations, and vote on information related to the premarket approval application for the MitraClip Delivery System sponsored by Abbott Vascular. The system consists of three major components: the delivery catheter, the steerable sleeve, and the MitraClip device. The MitraClip device is a single sized, percutaneously implanted mechanical clip for the reduction of mitral regurgitation. More information

 

Public Conference: Detecting and Evaluating Drug Induced Liver Injury – What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What Should we do about It?
Dates: March 20-21, 2013
The purpose is to discuss, debate, and build consensus among stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, health care providers, patient groups, and regulatory bodies on how best to detect and assess the severity, extent, and likelihood of drug causation of liver injury and dysfunction in people using drugs for any medical purpose. More information

Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: March 21, 2013
The committee will discuss new drug application (NDA) 204442, PROBUPHINE (buprenorphine hydrochloride and ethylene vinyl acetate) subdermal implant, submitted by Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and its safety and efficacy for the proposed indication of maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. More information

Public Workshop: Innovations in Breast Cancer Drug Development – Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer Workshop
Date: March 22, 2013
This workshop will provide a forum to discuss issues related to breast cancer drug development in the neo-adjuvant setting. The topics will include: (1) how Neoadjuvant trials can expedite drug development, (2) the Collaborative Trials in Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer (CTNeoBC) meta-analysis results, and (3) the draft FDA Guidance for Industry: Use of Pathologic Complete Response in Neoadjuvant Treatment of High-Risk Early Stage Breast Cancer as an Endpoint to Support Accelerated Approval. More information

Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: April 5, 2013
The committee will discuss and make recommendations regarding the possible reclassification of Shortwave Diathermy devices. On July 6, 2012 (77 FR 39953), FDA issued a proposed rule which, if made final, would make Shortwave Diathermy devices Class III, requiring premarket approval. In response to the proposed rule, FDA received petitions under section 515(b)(2)(B) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requesting a change in classification. The reclassification petitions are available for public review and comment at www.regulations.gov under docket number FDA-2012-N-0378. More information

April

Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: April 8, 2013
The committee will discuss, make recommendations, and vote on information regarding the premarket approval application for the Trulign Toric posterior chamber intraocular lens sponsored by Bausch and Lomb. More information

Natural Disaster

 

Device Good Manufacturing Practice Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: April 11, 2013
The committee will discuss the potential effects of extreme weather and natural disasters on medical device manufacturing chain processes and marketed medical device safety and quality. The committee will further discuss how to optimize the use of FDA’s current regulatory framework to address risks and vulnerabilities to the manufacturing chain resulting from extreme weather conditions. Future steps may be identified to help industry mitigate or better tolerate challenges to the manufacturing chain as a result of extreme weather conditions. More information

 

Medical Devices Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: April 25-26, 2013
On April 25, 2013, during session I, the committee will discuss and make recommendations on the appropriate regulatory classification for diagnostic devices known as methotrexate enzyme immunoassays.  Session II, the committee will discuss and make recommendations on the appropriate regulatory classification for diagnostic devices known as phencyclidine (PCP) enzyme immunoassays and PCP radioimmunoassays. More information

On April 26, 2013, the committee will discuss and make recommendations on the appropriate regulatory classification for diagnostic devices known as isoniazid test strips. Isoniazid test strips are considered pre-Amendment devices since they were in commercial distribution prior to May 28, 1976 when the Medical Device Amendments became effective. More information

Public Workshop: Accessible Medical Device Labeling in a Standard Content and Format
Dates: April 29-30, 2013
The purpose of the workshop is to discuss the growing need for medical device labeling to be delivered in a clear, concise, and readily accessible format so that patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers may access and utilize device labeling as efficiently and effectively as possible. This public workshop aims to engage stakeholders in active discussion with FDA and to encourage public comments regarding standard content and format for medical device labeling and the use of a repository containing medical device labeling. More information

May

Nurse taking patient BPOncologic Drug Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: May 2, 2013
During the morning session, the committee will discuss new drug application (NDA) 204408, with the established name tivozanib capsules, submitted by AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The proposed indication (use) for this product is for the treatment of advanced renal (kidney) cell carcinoma.During the afternoon session, the committee will discuss NDA 201848, a drug/device combination product with the proposed trade name Melblez Kit (Melblez (melphalan) for Injection for use with the Delcath Hepatic Delivery System), submitted by Delcath Systems, Inc. The proposed indication (use) for this product is for the treatment of patients with unresectable ocular melanoma that is metastatic to the liver. More information

Joint Meeting of the Medical Imaging Drugs Advisory Committee and Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: May 3, 2013
The committees will discuss the safety and efficacy of currently approved leukocyte growth factors (LGFs) as potential treatments for radiation-induced myelosuppression associated with a radiological/nuclear incident. (Myelosuppression is a reduction of blood cell production, which can be caused by radiation exposure.) More information

finger

Please visit FDA’s Advisory Committee page to obtain advisory committee meeting agendas, briefing materials, and meeting rosters prior to the meetings. You may also visit this page after meetings to obtain transcripts, presentations, and voting results. For additional information on other agency meetings please visit Meetings, Conferences, & Workshops.

Consumer Update bar

Fraud Alert6 Tip-offs to Rip-offs: Don’t Fall for Health Fraud Scams
You’ll never see these warnings on health products, but that’s what you ought to be thinking when you see claims like “miracle cure,” “revolutionary scientific breakthrough,” or “alternative to drugs or surgery.” 

Health fraud scams have been around for hundreds of years. The snake oil salesmen of old have morphed into the deceptive, high-tech marketers of today. They prey on people’s desires for easy solutions to difficult health problems—from losing weight to curing serious diseases like cancer.

 

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a health product is fraudulent if it is deceptively promoted as being effective against a disease or health condition but has not been scientifically proven safe and effective for that purpose. To read the rest of the article, see Consumer Updates.


Fraud Alert and Dr. Hamburg

 

 

Don’t Get Scammed: Beware of Health Fraud
National Consumer Protection Week runs March 3–9, 2013. This coordinated campaign by federal, state, county and local government agencies, and non-profit partner organizations encourages consumers nationwide to make better-informed decisions.

 

In this video, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., and the FDA National Health Fraud Coordinator Gary Coody, R.Ph., discuss health fraud scams and give tips to consumers. Posted on March 5, 2013 by FDA Voice

For More Information:

 


generic drugsGeneric Drugs: Same Medicine, Lower Cost
Perhaps you’ve had this experience: You go to your local pharmacy to buy medicine. You’re inclined to go with the familiar brand name product, the one you know from commercials and other advertising. But the generic version is much less expensive.”If it’s so inexpensive, it must not be as effective or safe,” you think. You would be wrong.

You’re not alone. FDA pharmacist Brenda Stodart, Pharm.D., who for 14 years has answered questions on FDA’s Drug Information line (1-855-543-DRUG ) says, “Every day without fail we educate consumers and health care professionals about the safety and efficacy of generic drugs.”

To read the rest of the article, see Consumer Updates or for more facts about generic drugs


breast implant5 Things to Know About Breast Implants
Should I get breast implants? Are there alternatives? Will they need to be replaced? 

 

And if you decide to get implants, there are even more questions. Saline or silicone?  What style? How much monitoring is needed?Researching breast implants can be overwhelming and confusing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has online tools available to help women sort through the information and provides questions to consider before making the decision. To read the rest of the article, see Consumer Updates


More Consumer Updates
For previously published Consumer Update articles that are timely and easy-to-read and cover all FDA activities and regulated products. More information

Artículos en Español
Estos artículos para los consumidores incluyen información sobre la Administración de Medicamentos y Alimentos (FDA, Food and Drug Administration) y consejos para llevar una vida saludable. More information


Resources

Nurse using an IpadDevice Use Safety Tips
Medical Device Safety Tips highlight what can go wrong if labeling is overlooked or not followed, and provide advice on how to mitigate risks. More informationFDA Basics
Each month, different Centers and Offices at FDA will host an online session where the public can ask questions to senior FDA officials about a specific topic or just listen in to learn more about FDA. More information

Educational Videos About FDA
FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act: An FDA Primer
The Rulemaking Process: An FDA Primer
What is Regulatory Science

 

Janet WoodcockHave a question about what the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) does? Ask Janet Woodcock, M.D., Director, CDER, FDA
FDA will select some of your questions to answer each month. Due to the volume of e-mails we receive, we won’t be able to answer each question in this format. We may edit your questions for brevity or clarity. More information 

 

To read questions and answers, see MailBag.


Lynns 2 dogsAnimal Health Literacy
Animal Health Literacy means timely information for the benefit of all animals and their humans. With continuous communication and outreach, the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) strives to enhance the public trust, promote safe and effective use of the animal health products we regulate, and share our scientific endeavors. CVM provides reliable, science-based information to promote animal and human health. More information 

 

CVM Pet Facts
The Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) issues medical and feeding fact sheets to keep your pets healthy and safe.
More information


Tobacco Control ActTobacco Products
The Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) oversees the implementation of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Some of the Agency’s responsibilities under the law include setting performance standards, reviewing premarket applications for new and modified risk tobacco products, requiring new warning labels, and establishing and enforcing advertising and promotion restrictions. More informationTobacco Products Resources for You
Federal resources to help you quit using tobacco products and to help you learn more about youth tobacco prevention, effective treatment for nicotine addiction, and tobacco research and statistics. More information

Food Safety

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, known as CFSAN, carries out the mission of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Center provides services to consumers, domestic and foreign industry and other outside groups regarding field programs; agency administrative tasks; scientific analysis and support; and policy, planning and handling of critical issues related to food and cosmetics.
More information

 

Food Facts for You
The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, known as CFSAN, issues food facts for consumers to keep you and your family safe. More information

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SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
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Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys
Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
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