In an effort to educate seniors, and consumers of all ages, on the risks and dangers associated with unapproved drugs, Jim Martin, chairman of 60 Plus, released an audio news clip today with important information on the issue.  In the clip, Martin urges the FDA to fully enforce its unapproved drugs initiative.

Listen to the podcast here.

Transcript:

Transcript (Run Time — 1:12)
Citing potential health-risks for seniors, the “60 Plus Association” recently launched an advocacy-effort urging the Food and Drug Administration to enhance its management of unapproved drugs.  “60 Plus” chairman, Jim Martin, discusses the purpose behind the campaign…

Jim Martin:
“Unlike generic drugs, unapproved drugs have never been tested for safety and efficacy by the FDA.  Often, there’s little information available, regarding their proper use and dosage-not to mention little in the way of warnings that are meant to help patients avoid dangerous drug-to-drug interactions.  The FDA itself says that ‘up to several-thousand’ unapproved drugs are currently available in the U-S.  And, many doctors are unaware of the problem-as they write more than 70-million prescriptions for unapproved drugs, every year.  Many of America’s pharmacists are largely unaware as well, as a 2006 nationwide study of 500 pharmacists found that 91% of them incorrectly assumed that all of the products they dispense are FDA approved.  Americans entrust their safety to the FDA:  That’s why we’re urging it to fully enforce its unapproved drugs initiative.  Americans deserve the safest drug supply possible.”

For more information on the 60 Plus Association campaign, visit www.KeepSeniorsSafe.com.