NCL And FDA Team Up To Warn Consumers Of Food And Drug Interactions

The National Consumers League and the Food and Drug Administration have launched a public education campaign to educate consumers about serious health conditions or side effects associated with drug interactions. With Americans relying heavily on prescription medicines to maintain good health, the issue of interactions between prescription drugs and certain foods is becoming increasingly important.

"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." To fill this need, the National Consumers League is publishing a brochure to alert consumers to possible dangers.

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.

"The Food & Drug Interactions brochure is a useful reference for anyone who takes medicine," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, 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 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.

The Food & Drug Interactions brochure is available by calling 1-800-639-8140, visiting www.nclnet.org or writing to The National Consumers League, 1701 K Street, NW, Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20006.