Weight Loss Drug Safety Questioned by FDA
FDA and Industry Officials Disagree Over Ephedra
Questions are being raised as to whether the dietary supplement ephedra is safe and effective or potentially dangerous. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently outlined 100 reports of serious health problems they link to products containing the supplement. The reports, collected for almost two years, include 46 cases of cardiovascular problems-including seven deaths by cardiac arrest-and 41 cases of central-nervous-system problems such as stimulant effects and seizures.
Industry representatives criticized the FDA's data and attribute the reported health problems to underlying conditions, use of multiple products, and excessive fasting and exercise. A medical examiner that reviewed 22 deaths possibly linked to ephedra products said that all but two cases were likely caused by other medical problems.
Because ephedra is a dietary supplement, the FDA must treat it as a food supplement and not as a drug. For more information visit the Food & Drug Administration website at www.fda.gov.
I Was There: An Infection Preventionist on the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 30th 2025Deep feelings run strong about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some beautiful art has come out of those emotions. Infection Control Today is proud to share this poem by Carmen Duke, MPH, CIC, in response to a recent article by Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
