U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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FDA Consumer Magazine

Volume 38, Number 2 | March-April 2004

Departments

Observations
A message from the editor of FDA Consumer.

Updates
The latest information on FDA-related issues, gathered from FDA Press Releases, Talk Papers, and other sources.

Research Notebook
Reports from public health and medical research.

FDA Consumer Quiz
Test your knowledge about the topics covered in this issue.

fda.gov
Places of interest on FDA's Website and other government and health-related sites.

The Last Word
Commentary: The State of Pain Management

Features

Ephedra Ban: No Shortage of Reasons
Dietary supplements that contain ephedrine alkaloids present unreasonable risks of illness or injury.

FDA Launches Campaign on OTC Pain Relief Products
The agency reminds consumers that it's important to follow directions carefully.

A Look at the 2003-2004 Flu Season
An early flu season reinforces the value of vaccination.

Cover Story
Joint Replacement: An Inside Look

Hip and knee joint replacements are helping people of all ages live pain-free, active lives.

GRAS: Time Tested, and Trusted, Food Ingredients
Familiar food ingredients that are "generally recognized as safe."

Managing Chronic Pain
A look at the physical and emotional impact of pain that doesn't go away.

Agencies Team Up to Protect Food Supply
The FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection collaborate to ensure the safety of America's food imports.

Science Meets Beauty: Using Medicine to Improve Appearances
The FDA evaluates cosmetic treatments, such as products designed to restore a youthful appearance, and approves those shown to be safe and effective.

FDA Crackdown on Illegal Products
How the FDA protects consumers from dangerous drugs and dietary supplements.

FDA Consumer is the official magazine of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Text in the articles in FDA Consumer may be republished without permission. Credit to FDA Consumer as the source is appreciated.


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