[embedded content] Español Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. It affects about 100,000 children and adults in the United States and millions of people worldwide. New treatments are needed to prevent and treat its serious complications. That’s why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working…
Halloween Safety: Costumes, Candy, and Colored Contact Lenses
Español Whether you’re a ghost or zombie, vampire or witch, poor costume choices—including decorative (colored) contact lenses and flammable costumes—and face paint allergies can cause injuries that haunt you long after Halloween. Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween by following these guidelines from FDA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Centers for Disease Control…
Black Licorice: Trick or Treat?
[embedded content] Español As it turns out, you really can overdose on candy—or, more precisely, black licorice. Days before the biggest candy eating holiday of the year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages moderation if you enjoy snacking on the old fashioned favorite. So, if you’re getting your stash ready for Halloween, here’s some…
Zantac (ranitidine): Safety Information – NDMA Found in Samples of Some Ranitidine Medicines
[Posted 09/13/2019] AUDIENCE: Consumer, Patient, Health Professional, Pharmacy ISSUE: FDA has learned that some ranitidine medicines, including some products commonly known as the brand-name drug Zantac, contain a nitrosamine impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) at low levels. NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) based on results from laboratory…
Ibrance (palbociclib), Kisqali (ribociclib), and Verzenio (abemaciclib): Drug Safety Communication – Due to Rare but Severe Lung Inflammation
[Posted 09/13/2019] AUDIENCE: Patient, Health Professional, Oncology ISSUE: FDA is warning that Ibrance (palbociclib), Kisqali (ribociclib), and Verzenio (abemaciclib) used to treat some patients with advanced breast cancers may cause rare but severe inflammation of the lungs. FDA has approved new warnings about this risk to the prescribing information and Patient Package Insert for the entire…
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing Vaping Products: Vaping Illnesses
[Posted 09/06/2019] AUDIENCE: Consumer, Health Professional BACKGROUND: Consumers are likely aware of the recent reports of respiratory illnesses – including some resulting in deaths – following the use of vaping products.The FDA is working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local public health partners to investigate…
Vaping Illnesses: Consumers can Help Protect Themselves by Avoiding Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-Containing Vaping Products
Image Consumers are likely aware of the recent reports of respiratory illnesses — including some resulting in deaths – following the use of vaping products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remains deeply concerned about these incidents and is working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as…
E-Cigarette Products: Safety Communication – Due to the Incidents of Severe Respiratory Disease Associated with Use of an E-Cigarette Product
[Posted 08/30/2019] AUDIENCE: Consumer, Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Health Professional, Pulmonology ISSUE: As of Aug. 27, 2019, 215 possible cases have been reported from 25 states, and additional reports of pulmonary illness are under investigation. States are completing their own investigations and verifications of cases based on Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently…
Hepatitis C Medicines (Mavyret, Zepatier, and Vosevi): Drug Safety Communication – Due to Rare Occurrence of Serious Liver Injury in Some patients with Advanced Liver Disease
[Posted 08/28/2019] AUDIENCE: Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease, Health Professional, Patient, Pharmacy ISSUE: FDA has received reports that the use of Mavyret, Zepatier, or Vosevi to treat chronic Hepatitis C in patients with moderate to severe liver impairment has resulted in rare cases of worsening liver function or liver failure. FDA identified 63 cases of worsening liver function called…
4 Tips for a Healthy and Stress-Free Lunchbox
[embedded content] Español Stumped by what to pack in your child’s lunchbox? Stop worrying and learn to love planning. Whether your child is an athlete who needs extra calories for that after-school game or a teenager trying to maintain a healthy weight, here are four tips from the Food and Drug Administration for making a…