![[FDA Home Page]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081005124635im_/http://www.fda.gov/graphics/navigationbuttons/iconhome.gif){kind=small}
![[Table of Contents]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081005124635im_/http://www.fda.gov/icon/toc.gif){kind=icon}
![[U.S. Food and Drug Administration]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081005124635im_/http://www.fda.gov/graphics/header.gif){kind=small}
The Notebook: a potpourri of items of interest gathered from FDA news releases, other news sources, and the Federal Register (designated FR, with date of publication). The Federal Register is available in many public libraries. It is also available electronically through GPO Access at the Government Printing Office.
The first two doses of polio vaccine children receive should be inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), which is injected, recommends the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The next two doses should be oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). CDC advised the measures after more than 100 polio cases between 1980 and 1994 were linked to patients receiving only OPV. The recommendations call for the first dose of OPV at ages 12 to 18 months, by which time the IPV will have produced antibodies to protect against any potential exposure to polio from the oral vaccine. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Jan. 31)
Dairy products must adhere to the same standards as other foods for "lowfat" claims, FDA has confirmed. The agency denied requests for a hearing to reevaluate a final rule published last November. Beginning January 1998, the agency reiterated, dairy products containing more than 1 percent fat may no longer use the term "lowfat" on the label. Instead, these products must be labeled "reduced fat." (FR Feb. 24)
The cost of marijuana as a medical expense is not tax deductible, according to an Internal Revenue Service ruling announced Feb. 13. Regardless of state laws, the IRS ruled, marijuana cannot be procured legally under the Federal Controlled Substances Act and therefore may not be deducted for medical purposes. (Internal Revenue Bulletin 1997-9, March 3)
The first drug to prevent heartworm in cats is now available by prescription. Heartgard for Cats (ivermectin chewables) also may be used to remove and control certain kinds of hookworm in cats. The approved dose is once a month in cats 6 weeks and older during the mosquito season. An FDA final rule added the drug's Dec. 23, 1996, approval to the agency's animal drug regulations (FR Feb. 5)
Some children still are at risk of lead exposure despite a dramatic decline of blood lead levels in every segment of the U.S. population, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts believe the drop is the result of removing lead from gasoline, as well as other sources such as household paint, food containers, and plumbing systems. However, blood lead levels remain higher among children in low-income families, especially those living in older housing where leaded paints may have been used. Lead exposure in young children is of particular concern. They absorb lead more readily than adults and the developing nervous system is especially vulnerable to lead's effects. For a free pamphlet, in English or Spanish, about protecting against lead in homes, call (1-800) 424-LEAD. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Feb. 20)
U.S. approval of important new drugs outpaces both Germany and Japan but is similar to the United Kingdom, according to an article published last December in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The article examines approval dates of 214 drugs introduced into the world market from January 1990 through December 1994. For a free reprint of the article, write to Office of the Commissioner (HF-1), FDA, Rockville, MD 20857.
The risk of major depression increases 2 1/2 times in women who miscarry, according to a study by the New York State Psychiatric Institute. The study urges doctors to monitor miscarrying women after such a loss, especially those who are childless or have a history of depression, and to consider referring them to a mental health professional if needed. About a half million women miscarry annually in the United States. (Journal of the American Medical Association, Feb. 5)
A summary of a new report on sleep medications called "The Pharmacological Management of Insomnia" is available from the National Sleep Foundation. To obtain the summary, send a self-addressed, business-size envelope with 55 cents postage to the National Sleep Foundation, 729 15th St., 4th Floor, Department FD, Washington, DC 20005. A free brochure, "When You Can't Sleep," also is available on request.
FDA Consumer magazine (May-June 1997)