| For Immediate Release | CONTACT: | Holly Anderson, ext. 114 |
| 11/20/98 | ||
| (202) 835-3323 | ||
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY, November 18, 1998 - The National Consumers League and the Food and Drug Administration launched a public education campaign today educating consumers about serious health conditions or side effects associated with drug interactions. Americans rely heavily on prescription medicines to maintain good health making the issue of interactions between prescription drugs and certain foods of increasing importance.
The National Consumers League is publishing a brochure to alert consumers to possible drug interactions. "Approximately 85 million American adults take one or more prescription medicines," said Linda Golodner, president of the National Consumers League. "Yet, despite this widespread use, many consumers do not know about potential risks, side effects and possible` drug interactions."
"The Food & Drug Interactions brochure is a useful reference for anyone who takes medicine," said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at FDA. "To use medicine safely, it's important to follow directions about what you eat and drink and when you do so. That way, you can avoid harmful food and drug interactions and get the most benefit from your medicine. If you have any symptoms of a food and drug interaction, you should contact your health care provider immediately."
The Food & Drug Interactions brochure includes several examples of food that may cause adverse reactions when taken in combination with drugs, discusses why some medications may be safer than others when taken in combination and contains information on new medications including allergy treatments, pain therapy and cholesterol lowering therapy.
"Even within the same drug categories there are important
differences," said Michael Bottorff, Pharm.D., University
of Cincinnati, College of Pharmacy. "For example, some drugs
may be less likely to cause interactions because they are metabolized
differently than other drugs in the same category. Talk to your
doctor or pharmacist."
Other examples in the brochure include which antibiotics should
be taken with food to avoid stomach upset and information on foods,
like fruit juices and milk that may cause reactions with some
medications.
The effects of drug interactions can range from mild to severe and may include weakness, fatigue, muscle aches and rash. In addition, the effects of food and drug interactions can often be confused with common medical problems such as arthritis pain or a cold or flu.
Because of the tremendous demand for the Food & Drug Interactions brochure, we can no longer offer it free of charge. If you would like a copy of the brochure, please send $2 for postage and handling to the National Consumers League, 1701 K Street, NW, Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20006.
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. The NCL's three-pronged approach of research, education and advocacy has made it an effective representative and source of information for consumers and workers. NCL is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to representing consumers on issues of concern.
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. The NCL's three-pronged approach of research, education and advocacy has made it an effective representative and source of information for consumers and workers. NCL is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to representing consumers on issues of concern.
For more information, write or call the National Consumers League at 1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 1200, Washington, D.C. 20006, (202) 835-3323.