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Folic Acid
(02/08/10) The March of Dimes reports that the majority of women are unaware of the importance of folic acid in preventing birth defects. The most recent March of Dimes survey revealed that only 28 percent of women of childbearing age knew folic acid can prevent birth defects and only 11 said they knew that folic acid should be consumed prior to pregnancy. Folic acid is a B vitamin that can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord called neural tube defects (NTDs). Studies show that if all women consumed the recommended amount of folic acid before and during early pregnancy, up to 70 percent of all NTDs could be prevented. Get the facts about folic acid, and share what you know with the women in your life. 

Take action as a March of Dimes volunteer. There are rewarding activities for everyone, at every level and everywhere. 
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View the press release about United Health Foundation and FDA Partnering To Promote
the Safe Use of Over-The-Counter Medications

 

Sometimes it may be easy to forget that the over the counter (OTC) drugs that you can buy without a prescription are still drugs.   But they are, and the misuse of OTC drugs causes 178,000 hospitalizations a year.   According to the FDA, the best way to take your OTC is seriously. 
 


View the Ad  in English or Spanish

 OTC—Obey The Checklist: 
  • Always read and follow directions on the OTC Drug Facts label
  • Choose an OTC medicine that treats only the problem you have
  • If your medicine is causing a side effect speak to your doctor or another healthcare professional.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about an OTC medicine ask a health care professional.
  • Don't use expired medicines.


Keep yourself and your family safe with information from the FDA.

Use information, given by the FDA, to answer your questions, in language that won't require being a doctor to understand.

FDA tips for safe use of OTC pain relievers and fever reducers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers/fever reducers are safe and effective when used as directed. For some people with certain conditions or using specific medicines, pain relievers may cause serious problems. The Drug Facts label tells you when and how to use these medicines safely and effectively.
Learn more about how to take pain relievers correctly and safely. (Click here for the Spanish version.)

Find out how to read and follow directions on medicine labels.
 

 “The best way to take your over-the-counter pain reliever? Seriously.”
 Download this brochure.
"Over-the-Counter Medicines: What's Right for You?" Over-the-Counter Medicines:
What's Right for You?

Don't ignore the label when taking an OTC medicine. Know what to look for.

Avoid taking more than one medication with the same active ingredient.


 

Download the FDA's brochure in English or Spanish

Kids aren’t just small adults.

Learn more about medicines, children and the care every child deserves (Click here for the Spanish version)
“Kids Aren’t Just Small Adults.”
 Download this brochure


To obtain printed copies of any of these materials, please email your request by title to: dpapubs@cder.fda.gov. You can also call 301-827-1243 or 1-888-INFO-FDA

 

  

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Dr. Reed V. Tuckson.