Black Box Pharmacy Warnings

This week we will discuss the warnings some medications carry due to the dangerous side effects they may cause. In the past these were called "Black-Box" now the term used is simply "boxed". Boxed warnings apply to certain medications that carry serious risks for the person taking them. The FDA decides which medications require boxed warnings. A doctor must review the risks and benefits of a medication with a boxed warning before prescribing it. They will decide whether a medication is safe to prescribe based on a person's health conditions, any medications they take, and other important factors. This article will discuss boxed warnings, the types of medications that have boxed warnings, and how to discuss risks with a doctor.