FDA debuts new educational video series on drug safety

FDA last month launched “FDA Drug Info Rounds,” a new educational video series for pharmacists.

The first program is an 8-minute video focusing on single-ingredient oral colchicine, highlighting the differences between FDA-approved colchicine (Colcrys, USP) and unapproved colchicine, the public safety risks represented by unapproved drugs, and the scientific discoveries that led FDA to approve colchicine. Additionally, it serves to remind pharmacists that they should only dispense FDA-approved products.

The video is an important educational and training resource for healthcare providers, giving clear guidance on the safe and appropriate dosing of colchicine that will help patients avoid serious and potentially fatal toxicities that are associated with unapproved products, according to FDA.

Unapproved colchicine has been used for many years. FDA approved the first single-ingredient oral colchicine product in July 2009 for the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever and acute gout flares. In October, FDA approved colchicine for prophylaxis of gout flares (chronic gout).

Pharmacists may access the video at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/HealthProfessionals/ucm211975.htm.