FDA Women's Health Update: Read about Caregiving, Diabetes and more

Message from the Director

During this time of thanksgiving, we express gratitude to our partners, stakeholders, and especially caregivers. FDA supports caregivers by providing science-based information to help women mange the care of their loved ones. Visit our Tips for Caregivers webpage and follow us on Twitter as we share resources to support women who take care of others. We are also thankful for our colleagues at FDA who approve safe treatments and produce tools to support women who manage their chronic health conditions and who promote healthy living for others in their communities. During National Diabetes Month, I encourage you to learn about FDA-approved diabetes treatments and educational resources available to aid women managing diabetes.  As you prepare for the upcoming holiday season, we will continue to provide safety messages and alerts to help keep your family healthy during these celebratory times. Visit FDA’s Holiday Food Safety webpage, read our new article on the representation of women and minorities in clinical trials, and share the other resources in this update with the women in your community. Marsha Henderson, Associate Commissioner for Women’s Health

New Article: Are Women and Minorities Adequately Represented in New Drug Testing?

A new article in the Journal of Women’s Health highlights a study that surveyed the demographics of clinical trial participants and the presence of efficacy and safety analyses by sex for new drugs approved between 2013 and 2015 by the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Read the article, “Representation of Women and Minorities in Clinical Trials for New Molecular Entities and Original Therapeutic Biologics Approved by FDA CDER from 2013 to 2015.” Learn more about Women’s Health Research.

FDA Warns Against Use of Injectable Silicone for Body Contouring and Enhancement

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety communication to warn consumers and health care practitioners about the serious injuries and disfigurement that can result from using injectable silicone or products being falsely marketed as FDA-approved dermal fillers for the purpose of enhancing the size of their buttocks, breasts and other body parts. Read the Safety Communication. Share the Consumer Update and the Check Before You Inject checklist.

New Blog: 3 Tips for Safe Medication Use on Campus

Midterms, deadlines and fall activities are here. During high stress times like these, students may be tempted to use medicines to help them keep up with their busy schedules. Read our latest blog on the importance of warning students that misusing prescription medicines can be dangerous. Read “3 Tips for Safe Medication Use on Campus.” Get tips, sample messages and free resources for college women.

25th Anniversary of Mammography Quality Standards Act

FDA recently celebrated the anniversary of this important law that gave the FDA authority to improve the quality of mammography services by setting standards for image quality, radiation dose, personnel qualifications, and other requirements. Over the years, FDA’s MQSA program has continued to adapt and evolve along with the advances in breast imaging technology. Today, the nation’s 8,700 -plus mammography facilities are inspected every year, an immense task that is accomplished by both FDAinspectors and our state contracting partners. Read the 25th Anniversary Blog. Learn more about FDA’s MQSA Program.

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

Join the FDA in honoring American Indian and Alaska Native women by supporting them in caring for their health. Share FDA health and safety information to help women make informed choices about medicines, pregnancy, heart health, diabetes, HIV, and other health conditions. Download and order free fact sheets and medicine booklets.

Share Resources for Caregivers

November is National Family Caregiving Month! FDA has resources that caregivers can use to manage the care of their loved ones.  Visit the Tips for Caregivers webpage, www.fda.gov/caregivertips . Share resources for caregivers from @FDAWomen on Twitter.

Participate in Upcoming Opioids Activities

FDA continues to take steps to reduce the scope and human tragedy created by the epidemic of addition to opioids. Join FDA for two upcoming activities that will address this mission. Webinar: An Opioid Primer: Legislative, Policy, and Practice Implications – November 16, 2017 Public Workshop: Packaging, Storage, and Disposal Options to Enhance Opioid Safety-Exploring the Path Forward – December 11 - 12, 2017