Government Resources |
Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online - With hundreds
of drug-dispensing Websites in business, how can consumers tell which sites are legitimate ones? FDA
provides Tips and Warnings for Consumers |
Center for Devices and Radiological Health Buying
Medical Devices Online - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants
you to know some of the advantages and pitfalls of buying medical products on the Internet. Buying on-line
offers privacy, convenience and potential cost-savings, but personal data given by the consumer can be
misused by unscrupulous dealers. |
Clinical Trials - The National Cancer Institute has clinical trials are research studies in which people
help doctors find ways to improve health and cancer care. Each study tries to answer scientific questions and
to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer. |
Consumer Drug
Information - Each of the Consumer Drug Information Sheets posted on
this site gives general information about newly approved prescription drugs. Only information about drugs
approved since January 1998 appears on this page. Since these drugs are newly approved, they may not yet
be on the market. For more information on drug availability, please check with your physician, pharmacist or
other health care provider. |
Contact FDA - This page lists the mailing address, phone numbers, and an employee
directory. |
FDA -
Bioterrorism - This page lists general information, biological agents, and
public health initiatives / actions / preparedness for bioterrorim. |
FDA - Med Watch - is Internet gateway for timely safety information on the drugs and other medical
products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. |
FDA - Problem Reporting - When problems with FDA-
regulated products occur, the agency wants to know about them and has several ways for the public to make
reports. Timely reporting by consumers, health professionals, and FDA-regulated companies allows the agency
to take prompt action. |
FDA - Vaccine Adverse Event Report System (VAERS) - is a
post-marketing safety surveillance program, collecting information about adverse events (side effects) that
occur after the administration of US licensed vaccines. Reports are welcome from all concerned individuals:
patients, parents, health care providers, pharmacists, and vaccine manufacturers. This page explains what
VAERS is and Frequently Asked Questions. |
FDA - Vaccine Adverse Event Report System (VAERS) -
accepts reports from the public of any unusual event which occurred after a vaccination was given. In order to
collect all information that may be of value, there is no restriction on the time lapse between the vaccination
and the start of the event, or between the event and the time the report is made. Our main concern is
identifying events which affect you and your family. This page explains the procedure in reporting and the
toll free number. |
FDA's Consumer Complaint Coordinators - To report
adverse reactions or other problems with FDA-regulated products, you may contact the FDA district office
consumer complaint coordinator for your geographic area. |
Important Information on Medical Devices - The Consumer
Staff of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) would like you to know about recent device-
related information, including recalls, health advisories, and clinical trials |
Importation of Prescription Medicines/Drugs - Traveler Alert - This website presents the FDA-developed guidance for the personal importation of
drugs from other countries. |
Purchasing Medications Outside the United States -
Occasionally, U.S. residents purposely travel to other countries to purchase medications (drugs) for personal
use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is concerned that medications purchased abroad may
present health risks to the user. |
Reporting Unlawful Sales of Medical Products on the Internet - If you find a Website you think is illegally selling human drugs, animal drugs,
medical devices, biological products, foods, dietary supplements or cosmetics over the Web, please select one
of the three options on this site to report it to the Food and Drug Administration. |
U.S. Food and Drug
Administration - has a mission is to promote and protect the public health
by helping safe and effective products reach the market in a timely way, and monitoring products for continued
safety after they are in use. |
Private Resources |
Best Buy Drugs - Consumer Reports - This website provides
information that will help you open a conversation with your doctor about prescription medicines, particularly
about which medicines will best meet you medical needs and give you the most value for your health care
dollar. |
Intellihealth.com - Providing credible information and useful products from the most trusted
sources. |
Merck
Manual Home Edition On-line - Access to the online medical
reference |
Using
Medications Wisely - AARP - Becoming your own medication manager, in
partner with your docotr and your pharmacist, is the best way to ensure that you are using medications wisely.
Get started with these free resources. |
Using the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder - Find information
about how to use the tools available to help you make a decision about a Medicare prescription drug
plan. |