Myth: Herbal products such as ephedra are safe because they come from nature.

Fact: Herbal and other natural products may have side effects just as prescription and nonprescription drugs sometimes do. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate natural products for safety and efficacy as it does for prescription and nonprescription drugs. Sometimes natural products actually have been found to contain prescription drugs and heavy metals such as lead.

Outreach Programs:
For Rhode Island Residents Only

Medication for the Needy Program   1-800-215-9001 

Medication Information Hotline
1-800-287-5571

Provided by:

	Diseases and Illnesses
	Contains links to both general and disease-specific websites

	Family Health
	Contains links to family health-related websites

	Health and Wellness
	Contains links to information on health, prevention and wellness

	Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements
	Contains links to herbal and other natural products

	Medical Dictionary
	Contains links to quality medical dictionaries

	Medicare Part D

	Medicines
	Contains links to sources of information on medicines commonly used in the United States.

	Tests, Procedures and Surgeries
	Contains links about common lab tests and other diagnostic procedures

	Useful Resources
	Contains links to a variety of useful websites, organizations, and resources for consumers and healthcare professionals

	Interactive Health Tutorials
	Interactive health education resources from the National Library of Medicine