Under FDAs proposed program, the agency would work closely with health professional and consumer groups to establish broad standards for the information's content and format and its distribution. Pharmacists and other health professionals would select and distribute the information. FDA would like better quality information. Some people think risk information will scare patients, and they won't take their medicines properly. That isn't true.
Studies show patients can handle it and, in fact, want the information.
Before taking a new medicine, ask the name, dose, possible side effects, and reason for use. Have whoever gives you medicine check your ID bracelet or armband. Ask whether scheduled tests require drugs or dyes. If you've had a bad reaction to such substances before, tell the staff. But the rules don't always apply and, even when they do, the offer isn't always made, according to a national survey.