FDA Consumer Health Information Updates

From medical X-ray scanners used to see inside the body to surgical lasers used for cosmetic purposes or to improve eyesight, FDA ensures the safety and effectiveness of a wide range or products that emit radiation. To learn more, read these Consumer Updates.

From blood to vaccines, FDA protects and advances the public health by ensuring that biological products are safe, effective, and available to those who need them. Read these Consumer Updates to learn more.

Consumer articles about medical devices.

Timely articles and multimedia content about food and food-safety.

Consumer articles about over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA as food, not as drugs. However, many dietary supplements contain ingredients that have strong biological effects which may conflict with a medicine you are taking or a medical condition you may have. Products containing hidden drugs are also sometimes fal

Consumer articles about cosmetics.

Consumer articles from FDA about animal health and veterinary medicine.

Recalls are typically voluntary actions taken by a company to remove or correct products on the market that violate U.S. Food and Drug Administration laws and regulations. Recalls may be initiated proactively by a company, at FDA request, or ordered under statutory authority.

Tianeptine is not approved by the FDA for any medical use. Some companies are illegally marketing and selling tianeptine products and making dangerous and unproven claims that tianeptine can improve brain function and treat anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder, and other conditions.

Nasal irrigation devices, such as neti pots, can be effective for allergies, sinus infections and other conditions. But they must be used and cleaned properly and only with specific types of water.

The best way to dispose of your expired, unwanted, or unused medicines is through a drug take back program. Or you can do it at home. Check the FDA flush list.

A pulse oximeter, or pulse ox, is a device that estimates the amount of oxygen in the blood. Here’s what to know before using one.

Sugarless gum may contain xylitol, a class of sweetener known as sugar alcohol. Xylitol is present in many products and foods for human use, but can have devastating effects on your pet.

When a child’s sniffles and sneezes won’t go away for weeks, the cause might be allergies. The FDA regulates prescription and OTC medicines that offer allergy relief, plus allergen extracts to diagnose and treat allergies. Read and follow the directions when giving any medicine to children.

The FDA investigates foodborne illnesses for human foods and animal foods. FDA’s Vet-LIRN program can help your vet determine if the illness is a result of something your animal ate.

Certain UV wands may cause injuries within seconds and alternative disinfection methods should be used. The FDA issued a safety communication alerting consumers about these products.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen to anyone. And these types of injuries, even mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions), contribute to a substantial number of emergency room visits and can result in long term brain injuries and deaths.

When it comes to planning for emergencies, pet owners should consider their pets too. With some simple preparations now, you can make sure your pet will be protected, safe and healthy, during and after any emergency.

Just as FDA reviews drugs for humans for safety and effectiveness before they can go on the market, the agency does the same for treatments for animals. Learn how FDA brings new oncology treatments to market and questions to ask your vet about your dog's cancer diagnosis.