New for Consumers

Release Date: July 2007

HEART MEDICINES TO HELP YOU

The airwaves are full of ads for medicines that can keep your heart healthy. But you need information that’s unbiased and not trying to sell you something. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Citizen Information Center have just what you need—a free Heart Medicines package that’s filled with straightforward, easy-to-understand descriptions of blood pressure and cholesterol drugs. The package’s publications make it easier to ask your doctor or pharmacist informed questions about these medications.

From ACE inhibitors to niacin, there are lots of different types of medicine you could be taking. The booklets in this free package provide a convenient way to look up and compare brand name and generic medications, along with a place to record important facts your doctor shares with you about how to take the medicine. It’s helpful to have all the instructions written down, especially if you need to remember possible drug interaction problems or situations when you shouldn’t take certain drugs. With this package, you can also learn how to read over-the-counter drug labels and ask informed questions about how the drugs might interact with cholesterol and blood pressure medicines.

Use advice and examples in the booklets to make sure your medications are working as effectively as possible. For instance, if you’re taking a statin to control your cholesterol, then you shouldn’t drink large amounts of grapefruit juice. And a fever or stomach pain might be just a passing bug, but either one could also be a sign of something serious. Checking the list of warning signs that accompany each medication’s description can help you figure out when to call your doctor.

Working with your doctor to keep your high blood pressure and cholesterol in check is easier with the Heart Medicines package. There are three easy ways to get your package:

  • Send your name and address to Heart Medicines, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
  • Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That’s 1 (888) 878-3256, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Heart Medicines package.

Get even more information and take advantage of online government resources at www.USA.gov and www.GobiernoUSA.gov—your official English and Spanish web portals to the Federal government.

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  • Please check with Rebecca Fulcher if you plan to use this release after October 15, 2007.
  • To receive New for Consumers releases by e-mail, send a request to rebecca.fulcher(at)gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

GSA #2844

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