Men’s Health Network Launches "KNOW THE FACTS" Public Education Campaign on Unapproved Drugs
The “Know The Facts” campaign is raising awareness about the risks associated with prescribing and taking unapproved drugs that have not been subjected to the rigorous Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) review process. The campaign includes a policy statement, a white paper on unapproved drugs authored by Dr. Salvatore Giorgianni, Pharm.D., and a response mechanism whereby consumers can voice their support for swift enforcement action against unapproved drugs which have not been proven to be safe and effective.
The "Know the Facts" Campaign:
- Calls on FDA to continue to exercise its enforcement authority by moving quickly to remove unapproved products from the market when a safe, FDA-approved alternative is available
- Urges health care providers and medical associations to avoid the use of unapproved drugs whenever there are safe, FDA-approved versions available
- Calls on patients to discuss with their physicians whether unapproved drugs are included as part of their care, to understand the risks and benefits of using unapproved drug therapies, and to seek out alternative treatments wherever possible
- Urges manufacturers of unapproved drugs to do the right thing and seek FDA approval by conducting the necessary studies
What Can I do?
1. Get Educated.
- Read our "Policy Statement on Unapproved Drugs" here. (PDF)
- Read the White Paper, "Unapproved Drugs in America," here. (PDF)
2. Take Action.
- Sign our petition here
- Write a letter to your representatives urging action on removing unapproved drugs from the market when FDA-approved alternatives are made available
3. Contact us for further information at: info@menshealthnetwork.org