ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Video, downloadable MPEG4, contact information and more available at http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/fda/50878/.
STORY SUMMARY:
Millions of people benefit from FDA approved medications and are living longer productive lives. However, when medications are used incorrectly, they can cause serious injuries even death. Many of these injuries can be prevented. Did you know that...?
- About half of people who use medicines do not use them as directed.
- 82% of adults in the U.S. take at least one medication and 29% take five or more.
- Up to 50% of the harm from medication use could be prevented.
In order to help raise awareness about safe medication use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Women's Health has created a new public service announcement (PSA) enclosed for your use. The FDA works to assure the safety, efficacy, and security of products that your viewers use every day including drugs, cosmetics, foods, medical devices, and products such as microwaves and x-ray machines. The FDA is also responsible for helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines to improve their health.
In this :60 PSA titled, "Use Medicines Wisely", the FDA provides several tips to help the public safely use their prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Viewers are reminded to:
- Make a list of the medicines they take
- Keep their medication list with them at all times
- Know the name of each medicine; why they are taking it; how much to take and when
- Talk with their doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to find out how to safely use their medicines.
Viewers are also encouraged to visit www.fda.gov/womenshealthsafemeds for more information.
While this PSA has no end date for use, we hope you will air it as soon and as often as possible throughout October, "Talk about Prescriptions Month", and throughout the year.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and support!
VIDEO PROVIDED BY: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR HARD COPY, PLEASE CALL:
MultiVu Media Relations, 800-653-5313 EXT. 3
/PRNewswire -- Oct. 1, 2011/
SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
