News tagged with 'OTC'

In a final ruling, the FDA has determined over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil and Tylenol need to carry stronger warnings about the potential safety risks associated with use including liver damage and internal bleeding.

Drs. Margaret Hamburg and Joshua Sharfstein, both Harvard Medical School grads, have been chosen by President Obama to be the commissioner and deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.  They still must face confirmation hearings.

Today the FDA notified healthcare professionals that Plavix, (clopidogrel bisulfate) is less effective in preventing blood clots in some patients than others and it will try and determine whether the differences are due to genetic factors or mixing Plavix with other drugs. The news comes after studies found that the blockbuster drug had mixed reviews on effectiveness.

Over-the-counter topical anesthetics made with lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine and prilocane, are skin numbing products used to relieve itch and to prepare for cosmetic procedures. But the FDA reports two deaths of young women and several adverse reactions linked to the ointments and gels. 

Prescription drug advertisements are supposed to be regulated by the FDA for content, but there are no requirements to review the ads before consumers see them.  So the FDA is asking consumers to help report misleading and false ads with this web site.