Healthcare Education Campaign: How to be an Informed Consumer

If you are considering undergoing a medical treatment or procedure, you have come to the right place. We at eHealthinfoline.com are devoted to public awareness and consumer safety is of utmost importance, which is why we have launched this education initiative. Below you will find a list of questions to ask your doctor before undergoing any treatment. After all, you only have one body, so be educated with what you’re putting into it.

1. What are the ingredients of the drug?
   
   It is important to know what ingredients are contained in the drug because this will give you a better understanding of the safety of the drug.
   
   
2. How can I be sure that the drug is safe? Is it FDA approved?
   
   In the United States, prescription drugs are required to undergo rigorous laboratory, animal, and human clinical testing before they can be put on the market. The FDA reviews results of these studies to verify the identity, potency, purity, and stability of the ingredients as well to verify that the drug is safe and effective for its intended use. Without FDA approval, safety cannot be confirmed.
   
   
3. Where do the ingredients come from?
   
   
4. Is there a standard dose of drug per administration?
   
   FDA approved drugs have a standardized protocol for dosing and administration in order to ensure the drug’s safety and efficacy.
   
   
5. Who is administering the drug? A board-certified physician/dermatologist/plastic surgeon?
   
   Board-certified physicians administering the drug have undergone the necessary training and therefore are of utmost importance.
   
   
6. Has the procedure been proven safe and effective through well-controlled studies?
   
   FDA-approved drugs are required to undergo well-controlled clinical trials. These indicate the drug’s safety and efficacy.
   
   
7. What are the side-effects?
   
   As a consumer, you need to know what to anticipate as far as side-effects.
   
   
8. What are the long-term effects of the drug?
   
   Study of long-term effects are critical and are required for any FDA-approved drug.
   
   

If undergoing cosmetic phosphatidylcholine-based injections (lipo-dissolve), or any other type of injectable, please see the questions outlined below pulled directly from the Physician’s Coalition for Injectable Safety Consumer Safety Alert.

1. Is the procedure recommended by a qualified doctor who regularly treats similar conditions, and in an appropriately licensed and equipped medical facility?
   
   
2. With regards to branding, is the drug approved by the U.S. FDA for cosmetic indications and is it appropriately labeled and packaged to reflect its authenticity and approval?
   
   
3. With regards to safety, has the proper process been followed? Has the physician evaluated conditions, recommended treatment, offered alternatives, and clearly defined the potential outcomes including any complications?
   

FDA Approval - What does it really mean? >>>