Facts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Be An Active Member Of Your Health Care Team (NAPSA)—To make the hest choices and to use medicines more effectively and safely, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (PDA), is encouraging consumers to hecome more involved in their health care. When it comes to using medi- cines, there is no such thing as ecormpletely safe. ALL medicines have risks. FDA approval of a drug siraply means that the bene- fits outweigh the known risks. Physicians, physician assis- tanis, nurses, pharmacists and you make up your health care team. To reduce the risks related to using medicines and to get the maximum benefit, you need to play an active role on the team. Consumers can become more active m the following ways: * Speak Up! The more infor- mation your health care team members knowabout you, the better. Discuss the following with your health care providers: Your medical history Allergies and sensitivities Prescription medicines and over the counter medicines you take routinely and occasionally Tietary supplements, including vitamins and herbals Ask Questions! Your health care team can help you make the best-informed choices but you have to ask the right questions. FDA and others have a list of questions to help guide you. Have your questions written down and take notes on the answers. * Learn The Facis! Learn it’s time more Americans get involved in their own health care, advise experts at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. and understand as much as you can about your medicine. Ask for written material from your providers and look at information from other reputable sources. * Follow Directions! When you are ready to use the medicine, get the best results and reduce the side effects by following the imstructions given te you by your prescriber and printed on the label. * Report Back To The Team! Pay attention to how youfeel, and notify your health care teamof any problems. The FDA has more information on how to be an active memberof your health care team. Go to www.fdagov/eder or call 1 (888) INFO-FDA.
