-December 28, 2007
Since 10 or more drug recalls occurred in 2007, the FDA and some companies are attempting to get word out regarding harmful drugs faster.
Patients Getting Delayed Information
Some patients who were taking Chantix to quit smoking reportedly missed the FDA’s warning in November that the medication is linked to suicidal thoughts and drowsiness.
According to officials, the delayed information is because, while drugmakers can issue press releases on warnings, neither the FDA nor the drug manufacturers has a responsibility to notify those taking the medication.
After discoveries of health risks associated with the diabetes drug, Avandia, the FDA and drug companies are attempting to better regulate their system.
Ways to Become Informed
- FDA Email Alerts - Earlier this month the FDA created a faster alert system for patients. The new system generates e-mails immediately after the agency makes a statement, or in some cases, before.
- iGuard - iGuard allows patients to list the drugs they are taking and sends these consumers free recall and warning alerts via e-mail.
- Electronic Medical Records - When a serious warning is issued by the FDA, Allscripts alerts the practices and gives them the name, address and phone number of the patients listed as taking the medication.
- Physician Alerts - Some companies have begun sending alerts to physicians through their mobile phones informing them of drug warnings.
- Alerts from Health Insurers - Health insurers and some pharmacy chains have also started sending out warning e-mails to their patients when a drug warning or recall occurs.
(Source: Washington Post)
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