ANNOUNCEMENTS

FDA Case Studies for Health Professional College Curricula

The Office of Health and Constituent Affairs has created two case studies which can be integrated into the curriculum at colleges that educate health professionals (e.g. schools of nursing, medicine, pharmacy, biomedical engineering). The goal of the first case study is to develop a culture of safety, accountability and shared responsibility in these students before they begin working with patients in the clinical setting. The second case study highlights available FDA resources that practicing clinicians can refer to for medical product information. More information

FDA confirms elevated levels of belladonna in certain homeopathic teething products

FDA announced that its laboratory analysis found inconsistent amounts of belladonna, a toxic substance, in certain homeopathic teething tablets, sometimes far exceeding the amount claimed on the label. The agency is warning consumers that homeopathic teething tablets containing belladonna pose an unnecessary risk to infants and children and urges consumers not to use these products.

“The body’s response to belladonna in children under two years of age is unpredictable and puts them at unnecessary risk,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. ”We recommend that parents and caregivers not give these homeopathic teething tablets to children and seek advice from their health care professional for safe alternatives.” More information