White Paper: The Hazards of Unapproved Drugs and Importance of Utilizing Approved Drugs

Clifton, NJ, March 17, 2014 --(PR.com)-- In an ongoing effort to promote the usage of FDA-approved drugs, Medicast, Inc., a medical education organization, has released a White Paper — The Hazards of Unapproved Drugs and Importance of Utilizing Approved Drugs.

The White Paper was developed by a leading hospital pharmacist – Cindy Ippoliti, Pharm.D., NYP/Weill Cornell, who advocates the use of safe and effective FDA-approved drugs. Cindy was assisted by Christan Thomas, Pharm.D. and Frank Cirrone, Pharm.D., NYP/Weill Cornell.

Each year dozens of drugs that are proven to be safe and effective are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, many unapproved products remain on the market, “grandfathered” by older regulations. The FDA has expressed serious concerns that drugs marketed without the required FDA approvals may not meet modern standards for safety, effectiveness, quality and labeling. In recognition of this issue, the FDA launched a safety initiative in 2006 with the goal of removing unapproved drugs from the market.

“The use of unapproved drugs can not only lead to legal action, but also poses a significant public health concern — particularly for those agents that have been previously 'grandfathered' into the system. Once an FDA-approved formulation becomes available, early adoption is key for financial peace of mind, patient safety, and quality healthcare delivery. Continued use of non-approved drugs when a safe, FDA-approved product is available is not in the public interest and can lead to legal lawsuits.” — Cindy Ippoliti, Pharm.D., NYP/Weill Cornell