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FDA Takes a Closer Look at Tylenol
I've never been able to get a clear answer on whether Tylenol plus alcohol can harm your liver. Though acetaminophen can lead to liver damage when taken in large doses, many questions remain about its short-term dangers, particularly when combined with recreational drinking. Now, the FDA wants some answers.
Zicam Cold Medicine Pulled From Shelves
Earlier today, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for consumers to stop using Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel, as well as adult and kid-size Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs.
The over-the-counter, homeopathic cold medicine contains zinc and can cause long-lasting or permanent loss of smell. Since 1999, the FDA has received 130 reports of loss of smell associated with these Zicam products.
FDA Lists Drugs Under Investigation
Ever been prescribed a drug by your doctor and wondered how safe or unsafe it is?
The FDA has recently begun posting a list of prescription drugs under investigation for safety problems on its site. Currently there are only about 20 meds on the list, but the FDA will continue to update it each quarter.
FDA Gives the OK on Eating Tomatoes
If you've been avoiding certain tomatoes since this horrific salmonella outbreak, go ahead and bite into any tomato you want. Since no strain of salmonella Saintpaul was found on any farms that were tested, the FDA believes that consumers can now enjoy all types of fresh tomatoes.
The mystery still stands though as to what caused this outbreak in the first place, which has now sickened 1,220 people in 42 states — the earliest case on April 10 and the latest so far on July 4.
You Asked: Is Homeopathic Medicine Regulated by the FDA?
You're asking and I'm answering.
Dear Fit,
I recently went to see a naturopath about my eczema and she gave me some homeopathic medicine. I'm a little nervous about taking these weird little pills.
Antibiotics Causing Tendon Troubles?
I thought antibiotics were beneficial in fighting infection, but it looks like some antibiotics may be causing some harm as well. The FDA is forcing companies to put a black box warning on certain antibiotics because they've been found to lead to tendinitis and ruptured tendons. Yikes!
Artificial Food Dyes Linked to Hyperactivity?
Fruity Loops, Fruity Pebbles, and other technicolor cereals could be bad for kids, and not just because of the sugar high. Turns out, the food dyes used to create such candylicious treats could be contributing to childhood hyperactivity and other behavior issues.
Last week, the Center for Science in the Public Interest began urging the Food and Drug Administration to outlaw eight artificial food dyes, citing three decades' worth of studies that suggest the artificial dyes could exacerbate kids' behavioral problems.
Is Stevia Safe?
If you're trying to eat healthier, you may be trying to ditch foods made with white sugar and artificial sweeteners. What about the sweetener stevia? Have you ever heard of it?
Label Able: Treated by Irradiation
When you're buying chicken at the store, and the package says "treated with radiation," those little words may make you think twice. I know it sounds like something really bad for you, to eat meat that's gone through radiation, but it's actually a process approved by the FDA. If foods have been irradiated, the FDA requires that they are labeled with a statement such as "treated with radiation” or “treated by irradiation.” They must also show this international symbol for irradiation called the radura.
Downloadable Nutritional Charts
The government (and your mother) wants you to eat more veggies. In an effort to encourage retail stores that sell raw fruits, vegetables, and fish to participate in the voluntary point-of-purchase nutrition information program, the FDA has created downloadable posters for printing. It's hoping that you will see what is good for you and buy lots of fruits, veggies, and fish.
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