FDA reform labelling

NEW YORK - Responding to years of criticism that the labels of prescription drugs do not do enough to impact the way doctors and patients use medicines, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is announcing a plan to put much clearer and more concise prescribing information on the package inserts for new drugs.

According to the FDA, 300,000 people are injured in some way because of drug side effects each year--a flaw the agency blames partly on confusing medical information.

In a prepared statement, FDA Acting Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., said, "The new label design makes it easier for doctor to get access to important information and benefits, and this in turn will help them have more meaningful discussions with their patients."

http://www.forbes.com/sciencesandmedicine/2006/01/18/fda-drug-labeling-cx_mh_0118fda.html?partner=rss