September 14, 2017. It is important for this panel and the FDA to make decisions about drug labeling based on good science and strong data. We concur with the 2016 Advisory Committee that because pediatric patients are vulnerable to drug use and addiction due to ongoing brain development; proper prescribing, patient selection, and education are crucial to optimize safety in this population. Results of Study 3031 do not provide sufficient evidence to inform health care providers about the safe use and proper dosing of Butrans in the management of pain for pediatric patients. We urge this Advisory Committee to advocate for pediatric patient safety and urge the FDA to require that the drug be appropriately evaluated before allowing information about Butrans to the pediatric section of the labeling.
Read More »We’re Speaking Out on Health Issues
NCHR scientists and health policy experts provide written and oral statements on a wide range of topics.
Here are many of the ways we have been Speaking Out on Health Policy Issues for the last few years. Whether the topic is legislation intended to cure diseases, proposed bans on BPA or other chemicals that disrupt your hormones, the importance of including women, people of color, and patients over 65 in clinical trials, or many other topics, you’ll gain a better understanding of our evidence-based analyses by reading these letters, statements, and testimony.
Here are the ways we have been Speaking out on Medical Treatments and Products, such as prescription drugs and medical devices that the FDA is considering approving, or is considering taking off the market because of serious risks. Whether the topic is Chantix, Addyi, Yaz, Essure, or medical products you’ve never heard of, you can find out more about what is known and not known about the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of products by looking through this section of our website.
NCHR Comments to CPSC on the Organohalogen Flame Retardant Petition
September 14, 2017. In order to keep our children safe, it is essential to regulate OFRs collectively as a class unless and until there is scientific evidence that one or more particular OFRs is proven to be safe, and then treat that specific OFR differently.
Read More »NCHR Testimony at the FDA Advisory Committee Meeting on Codeine in Children’s Prescription Cough Medication
September 11, 2017. There are serious risks and no clear benefits for cough medicine with codeine for children of any age. And while we can’t say for certain whether giving opioids to children has long-term negative effects contributing to opioid abuse by teenagers, that logically makes sense. Why not prevent opioid use in children when we can?
Read More »NCHR Comment on the USPSTF’s Draft Research Plan for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
September 6, 2017. We support the efforts of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to carefully draft a research plan to guide the systematic review of available evidence for primary care screening to identify and treat AAA. We have two recommendations that would strengthen the USPSTF draft research plan.
Read More »Letter from NCHR about Dangerous Playgrounds and Athletic Fields to the Mayor and City Council of Washington, DC
August 28 2017: The National Center for Health Research (NCHR) is calling on D.C. leaders to halt the use of artificial turf and rubber playground surfaces. They highlight dangers such as lead exposure, excessive heat, and increased injury risks, emphasizing the need for safer, natural alternatives to protect children’s health.
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