For Consumers

Science-based health and safety information you can trust.

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Image of a mother holding her child, while reading a medicine label on the left. A father holding his child, while the child is holding a measuring cup with medicine on the right.

Should You Give Kids Medicine for Coughs and Colds?

Avoid using imported medicines, especially for children. Medications from other countries might not have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. These products may be addictive or contain other dangerous ingredients.

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Consejos útiles para los consumidores de la FDA

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Consumer Updates

Get timely, reliable, health and safety information about food, drugs, medical devices, vaccines, pet food, pet medicine and more.

Protect Yourself - Health Fraud Scams

Buying medicines online, health fraud, warnings and enforcement, safety alerts, and reporting problems to FDA.

Information by Audience

Health information for women and programs for diverse and under-served populations.

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What Does FDA Do?

The Food and Drug Administration regulates food, drugs, cosmetics, biologics, medical devices, and tobacco products. Researchers at the FDA even advance public health by helping to speed product innovations. More than 18,000 full time employees work across all 50 states and internationally. For over 100 years, the FDA has been working to carry out its mission of promoting and protecting public health, and that means your health.

Should You Give Kids Medicine for Coughs and Colds?

Mother and doctor reviewing an informed consent form while young daughter looks on

Should Your Child Participate in a Clinical Trial?

Clinical trials help provide reliable evidence needed when studying medical products to diagnose, prevent, treat, and sometimes even cure, childhood diseases.

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Protect Your Family From Fraudulent Flu Products

Influenza season may bring out dishonest sellers hawking fraudulent products that claim to prevent, treat, or cure the flu. These unproven products, sold online and in stores, haven’t been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. In fact, they might be dangerous to you and your family.