Consumer Resources

Whether it is coping with cancer, living with a chronic illness, or just trying to stay healthy, people are increasingly taking a more active role in their health care. Changes in the health care system and the increased prevalence of managed care have compelled consumers to devote more attention to the many issues surrounding the quality of, access to, and cost of health care. The empowerment of consumers has also grown through the use of the Internet. There is a wealth of health related information available on the Internet, yet not all of it is reliable or accurate, which should be an area of concern for anyone making health related decisions.

Online Resources

US FDA Index to Drug-Specific Information
This website contains consumer information documents on drugs approved since 1998 by the US Food & Drug Adminstration. Datasheets are based on the approved package inserts for medications, and include dosage information, contraindications, approved use(s), producer's contact information, and a link to the PDF image of the approved label for the drug.

MedlinePlus Drugs and Supplements Information
MedlinePlus includes consumer-appropriate drug information from the MedMaster and USP DI Advice for the Patient drug guides. In addition, information on herbals and supplements is presented from the National Standard drug guide. Information is also available for newly approved drugs and drugs currently in clinical research studies.

Mayo Clinic Drugs & Supplements
The Mayo Clinic presents drug information from the MICROMEDEX Patient Care Leaflets. There is also an archive of Drug Watch articles and information on herbals and supplements from Natural Standard.

Health Source: Consumer Edition UNC Access via NC LIVE
Provides access to the abstract and index coverage of about 500 journals in the fields of diet and nutrition, exercise, medical self-care, drugs and alcoholism. Also includes the complete United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Drug Information in Lay Language. This database is available to citizens of North Carolina via NC LIVE. Non-UNC-CH users should contact their local library for the URL and password.

NOAH (New York Online Access to Health): Pharmacy
Hosted by New York Online Access to Health (NOAH), this comprehensive page contains a wealth of vital information for the consumer. Sections include links to taking medications correctly, medications for the needy, elderly and children, new drugs, vaccines, vitamins, minerals & herbals, antibiotics and legal issues.

RxList
This site contains a large number of drug FAQ's/patient monographs, Tabor's Medical Encyclopedia, and information on alternative medicines and common diseases. Information may be located via a search or by browsing the categories. There are also a number of community discussion boards for specific drugs or diseases.