FitSugar

FDA Takes a Closer Look at Tylenol

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:16:06 -0700

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.

The agency is meeting to determine if and how it should revise its guidelines on acetaminophen, including recommended dosage and the possibility of pulling "combination drugs" like NyQuil from shelves. Here's why:

. . . overdoses of acetaminophen have been linked to 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and 458 deaths during the 1990s, according to the FDA, citing one study.

The agency cited another study, a 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention population-based report, that estimated that acetaminophen was the likely cause of most of the estimated 1,600 acute liver failures each year.

Especially troubling are products such as NyQuil and Pamprin that aren't expressly sold as pain relievers but which contain acetaminophen. With those scary statistics, it sounds like it's high time the FDA addressed this issue. Do you worry about your acetaminophen intake?

Zicam Cold Medicine Pulled From Shelves

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:45:00 -0700

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. In a few cases the loss of smell occurred after the first usage.

To see why the FDA never formally approved Zicam, read more.

The FDA never formally approved Zicam, marketed as a cold remedy to reduce symptoms like sore throat and stuffy nose, since homeopathic remedies are not required to go under federal review before launching. Because of this, the FDA is not initiating a formal recall, but has sent Matrixx, the makers of Zicam, a formal warning letter. Zicam products represented 40 percent of the company's sales for last year. Although Matrixx has settled hundreds of Zicam lawsuits over the years, the company said it will consider withdrawing the products, and has halted shipments of Zicam products. Matrixx claims that Zicam is “supported by the cumulative science and has been confirmed by a multidisciplinary panel of scientists.” The FDA responded that they were unaware of any data to support the health claims made about product.

Have you ever used Zicam? If so, how is your sense of smell?

FDA Lists Drugs Under Investigation

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

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. If a medication you're currently taking is classified as under investigation, don't freak out. Continue taking your medicine as prescribed and make an appointment to talk to your doctor as the potential risks may not outweigh the benefits of taking the medicine.

For all other prescription drugs check out my new Health Guide where you'll find thousands of overviews of common medications. It's very helpful, especially if you've thrown away the little foldout pamphlet that comes with all prescriptions.

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FDA Gives the OK on Eating Tomatoes

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:00:00 -0700

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. Hot peppers are still on the list of things to watch out for, so people with weakened immune systems and the elderly should avoid fresh jalapeños and serranos.

I'm wondering, have you been avoiding tomatoes recently? If so, will the FDA's announcement settle your mind and let you enjoy tomatoes again, or are you still a little leery?

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You Asked: Is Homeopathic Medicine Regulated by the FDA?

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0700

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. Are they regulated by the FDA?
-Skeptical Stacey

This is a great question since many people are trying alternative and complementary forms of medicine when the Western medicine route doesn't work. To see my answer, just read more.

The FDA does in fact regulate homeopathic medicine, but not in the same way or to the same degree as prescription drugs. In 1938, the US Congress passed a law declaring that homeopathic remedies must be regulated by the FDA in the same manner as nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Nowadays though, new OTC drugs are subjected to thorough testing and review by the FDA for both safety and effectiveness before they can hit the shelves, but oddly enough this requirement doesn't apply to homeopathic drugs. These medications are, however, required to meet certain legal standards for strength, quality, purity, and packaging. In 1988, the FDA began requiring all homeopathic medicines to be labeled as "homeopathic." Their labels must also list the ingredients, dilutions, instructions for use, and what specific medical problems the medicine is intended to treat. In the FDA's opinion, homeopathic medications contain little or no pharmacologically active ingredients, so there's no real safety concern and that's why the FDA isn't as strict about the regulations. I'm not sure how you'll take this info, but I'd talk to your regular doctor if you have any concerns.

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Antibiotics Causing Tendon Troubles?

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700

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! Flouroquinolone drugs, the potent class of antibiotics which include Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, Proquin, Noroxin, Floxin, and other medications are the drugs in question.

The FDA says that if you are currently taking any of these antibiotics and are suffering from tendon pain or inflammation, you should stop usage and contact your doctor. You want to be able to fight infections, but keep your tendons intact, too.

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Artificial Food Dyes Linked to Hyperactivity?

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:00:00 -0700

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. The FDA, meanwhile, disputes the claim. Here's more:

Over the years, the FDA has consistently disputed the center's assertion. . . Julie Zawisza, an FDA spokeswoman, said Tuesday that color additives undergo safety reviews prior to approval for marketing and that samples of each artificial coloring are tested. She said the agency reviewed one of the studies that the center cites in calling for a ban.

"(We) didn't find a reason to change our conclusions that the ingredients are safe for the general population," Zawisza said.

For more details on the debate and to see what I think, read more.

In lieu of a full ban, the group is asking the FDA to add warning labels to foods that contain any of eight dyes: Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3, and Yellow 6. With so many multicolored food products being marketed to kids, children are far more likely to consume these dyes than adults.

Considering that dyes are used primarily to make products more appealing to kids, it's no wonder that marketing-savvy companies want to keep using them. But since the unnatural ingredients add nothing to the food's nutritional value and may actually be harmful, I'm all for more regulation or at least warning labels, even if the connection to behavioral problem is up for debate. What do you think?

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Is Stevia Safe?

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:30:00 -0700

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? People are adding it to their coffee, flavoring their iced tea, and baking with it. Stevia is an herb from South America, and since the leaves from this plant have a sweet flavor that is 30 times sweeter than sugar, it's being used as an all natural sugar substitute. People watching their weight like the idea of stevia because it's calorie free. Is it safe though? To find out read more

It's a plant, so it must be safe, right? Well, the only problem is that although it's been approved in other countries such as China and Japan, the FDA considers it an unapproved food additive. At this time, the FDA feels that no one has provided them with adequate evidence proving that it's safe. It was however approved in 1994 to be sold as a dietary supplement, so that's why you can find it at some health and vitamin stores. What's more is that the Center for Science in the Public Interest thinks stevia should be avoided because studies show that sperm production was affected in rats, and there was an increase in cell production in their testicles. Hamsters fed a derivative of stevia gave birth to smaller and fewer babies. Studies also show that it may cause cancer.

I'm not sure I will be using it anytime soon and will just work it out to eat my sweets in moderation. How about you, do you use stevia? Tell me why you like it in the comments section below.

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Label Able: Treated by Irradiation

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 07:30:00 -0800

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.

Don't worry - eating food that's been treated with radiation won't make your eyes glow, or affect the nutrients in the food. What it will do is decrease your chance of eating food contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

Radiation is basically invisible waves that move through the air. Light, infrared heat, and microwaves are all forms of radiant energy. So are radio and TV waves, and toasting and broiling. Irradiation uses shorter wavelengths than radiation, and they're capable of damaging microorganisms, like the ones that can contaminate your food. It won't get rid of all the heeby jeebies that can make you sick, but it can definitely decrease your chances of food poisoning.

Downloadable Nutritional Charts

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:00:00 -0800

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.

These posters show nutrition information for the 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits, vegetables, and fish in the United States. I think it's interesting to see what the most consumed foods are, but you can also download these charts for your own personal use. They're pretty handy and good to check out so download them by clicking the links below: