FDANews.com

"At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Marshals seized today 12,682 applicator tubes of Age Intervention Eyelash, a product that may, in some users, lead to decreased vision. Authorities said the sales value of the seized tubes is approximately $2 million.  "Age Intervention Eyelash is sold and distributed by Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc., of San Jose, Calif.

The FDA considers Age Intervention Eyelash to be an unapproved and misbranded drug because Jan Marini Skin Research has promoted the product to increase eyelash growth. Before a new drug product may be legally marketed, it must be shown to be safe and effective, and approved by FDA.  The agency takes seriously its responsibility to protect Americans from unapproved drugs.

FDA also considers the seized Age Intervention Eyelash to be an adulterated cosmetic.  The product contains bimatoprost, an active ingredient in an FDA-approved drug to treat elevated intraocular pressure (elevated pressure inside the eye).  For patients using the prescription drug, using the Age Intervention Eyelash in addition to the drug may increase the risk of optic nerve damage because the extra dose of bimatoprost may decrease the prescription drug’s effectiveness.  Damage to the optic nerve may lead to decreased vision and possibly blindness."

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The following from FDA News: 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China, and issued an import alert to prevent toothpaste containing the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) from entering the United States.

DEG is used in antifreeze and as a solvent.

Consumers should examine toothpaste products for labeling that says the product is made in China. Out of an abundance of caution, FDA suggests that consumers throw away toothpaste with that labeling. FDA is concerned that these products may contain "diethylene glycol," also known as "diglycol" or "diglycol stearate."

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The FDA [Food and Drug Administration] has launched a special webpage to warn consumers about the dangers of buying Accutane online.  Isotretinoin is an FDA approved drug designed to treat sever nodular acne.  Although the drug has been proven to effectively treat acne, with improper use it may cause sever birth defects and mental health problems.  The FDA-sponsored site will provide consumers with information and advice about the drug.  Accutane is a prescribed drug and should only be used under the strict supervision of a physician or pharmacist.  The website will include ways to check if the drugs purchased through online sites are in fact from legitimate pharmacies.

For official FDA warning, click here

[ Via MedicalNewsToday.com ]

The FDA is warning consumers about certain products widely used to numb the skin during or after common cosmetic procedures.  Topical anesthetics in gel or cream form are usually applied to lessen a patients discomfort during these common procedures.  These seemingly harmless topical numbing creams may actually be life threatening if administered incorrectly, two young women have already died.

Look out for: lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, and prilocaine.  Some of these products are prescribed and some are available over the counter, specific doses do in fact numb the skin, however; an overdose can become toxic and may cause seizures, convolutions, comatose and even death.  If you are currently using any of these products you should consult with a doctor to prevent possible misuse.

FDA Public Health Advisory    [ Via KVUE.com ]