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¶ Eliminating from labels fuzzy and clinically dubious claims. That would mean manufacturers could no longer say their products relieve "fretfulness," "jumpy nerves," "cold symptoms" or being "under the weather." Instead, they would be limited to the assertions "for the temporary relief of occasional minor aches, pains and headache" and "for reduction of fever."
¶ Including warnings against taking aspirin while under treatment for ulcers or other bleeding problems, during the last three months of pregnancy, or except under a doctor's guidance while taking prescription drugs for thinning of the blood or for diabetes, gout or arthritis.
¶ Abolishing all recommendations on labels to use aspirin for arthritis or rheumatism. The panel did not dispute the fact that aspirin helps sufferers of these ailments and is often the only drug advised by doctors, but warned that many people are courting disaster by using it without first seeking medical attention. In some cases, self-medication with aspirin may be inadequate and in others totally wrong. In gonorrhea, for example, arthritis-like pains are sometimes the only obvious symptom. Anyone relying on aspirin who has this disease is thus doing nothing to control the dangerous underlying bacterial infection.
¶ Fixing a standard dose so each tablet of aspirin or acetaminophen for adults contains 325 mg. and those given to children 80 mg. The panel pointed out that such standardized quantities will not only help avoid misuse of the drugs but also assure consumers that they are getting the same quantities of analgesics in different brands.
The panel's recommendations must still run the usual bureaucratic gauntlet, including a public airing, and could be modified after drug companies weigh in with their objections. But the FDA seems determined to deal with the national headache of analgesic misuse. As the FDA's Kennedy put it: "Consumers must be assured that the drugs they buy are rationally formulated with safe and effective ingredients and labeled and advertised with information that is complete, honest and understandable."