United Health Foundation And FDA Partner To Promote The Safe Use Of Over-The-Counter Medications

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2005--The misuse of over-the-counter medications accounts for a reported 178,000 hospitalizations annually. In an effort to help people achieve safer health care outcomes, United Health Foundation, in partnership with the Food and Drug Administration, has launched a nationwide campaign to educate consumers about how to use over-the-counter drugs safely. "Over-the-counter medications are powerful drugs that must be used correctly if they are to work effectively," said Dr. Steven Galson, Acting Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research US Food and Drug Administration. "With the help of the United Health Foundation, we are educating consumers about important steps they can take, and how to work with their health professionals to use over-the-counter medications safely and appropriately for themselves and their families."