FDA Patient Network Newsletter - February 1, 2017 | CONSUMER UPDATES

What to Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Opioids Every patient should ask questions when getting a new prescription. This is especially important when your doctor, dentist or other health care professional prescribes you an opioid, such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine and morphine. What should you ask? Questions and Answers How to Dispose of Unused Medicines Is your medicine cabinet full of expired drugs or medications you no longer use? How should you dispose of them? Many community-based drug “take-back” programs offer the best option. Otherwise, almost all medicines can be thrown in the household trash, but consumers should take the precautions described below. A small number of medicines may be especially harmful if taken by someone other than the person for whom the medicine was prescribed. Many of these medicines have specific disposal instructions on their labeling or patient information leaflet to immediately flush them down the sink or toilet when they are no longer needed. Click here for a list of medicines recommended for disposal by flushing. More information

Is Rinsing Your Sinuses With Neti Pots Safe? Little teapots with long spouts have become a fixture in many homes to flush out clogged nasal passages and help people breathe easier. Along with other nasal irrigation systems, these devices — commonly called neti pots — use a saline, or saltwater, solution to treat congested sinuses, colds and allergies. They’re also used to moisten nasal passages exposed to dry indoor air. But be careful. According to FDA, improper use of these neti pots and other nasal rinsing devices can increase your risk of infection. More information

More Consumer Updates
For previously published Consumer Update articles that are timely and easy-to-read and cover all FDA activities and regulated products. More information

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