Health and Science
Dr. Robert Califf of the FDA Calls for Sweeping Review of Agency Opioid Policies
The FDA will "Assemble and consult with the Pediatric Advisory Committee regarding a framework for pediatric opioid labeling before any new labeling is approved; Develop changes to immediate-release opioid labeling, including additional warnings and safety information that incorporate elements similar to the extended-release/long-acting opioid analgesics labeling that is currently required." more »
Healthcare Enrollment Deadline January 31, 2016; Most Consumers Satisfied with Health Plans
Poll: Only 15% Of Uninsured Know Enrollment Deadline Is Approaching. And about two-thirds of those uninsured Americans surveyed had not been contacted about signing up for coverage before enrollment ends Jan. 31. Virtually no one knew that the fine for going without health insurance in 2016 has jumped to $695 per adult or 2.5 percent of household income ... whichever is higher. more »
Updated: The Zika Virus Information from the CDC; Science Friday (PRI, NPR) & World Health Organization Convenes Emergency Meeting
Pregnant women with a history of travel to an area with Zika virus transmission and who report two or more symptoms consistent with Zika virus disease (acute onset of fever, maculopapular rash, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis) during or within 2 weeks of travel, or who have ultrasound findings of fetal microcephaly or intracranial calcifications, should be tested for Zika virus infection in consultation with their state or local health department. Testing is not indicated for women without a travel history to an area with Zika virus transmission. more »
What Is In Those Pills? The FDA Does Not Evaluate a Supplement’s Contents or Effectiveness Before It Appears On Shelves
There is little to guarantee that any vitamin, mineral, probiotic, sports supplement, herbal treatment, or other dietary supplement is safe, effective, or even contains what’s on its label. Last year a NY Attorney General's investigation found that several popular store-brand supplements at four major retailers — GNC, Target, Walgreens and Walmart — contained contaminants not listed among the labeled ingredients. Just 21 percent of them actually had the DNA of the plant species they purported to be vending. more »