In an attempt to reduce the deaths and serious health problems caused by misuse of medication, the Food and Drug Administration is trying to identify the most serious threats and find ways to avoid them. About 1.5 million preventable "adverse drug events" occur in the United States every year, according to a 2007 study by the Institute of Medicine. The errors cost an estimated $4 billion a year, the study found. The FDA called on doctors, other healthcare professionals, and consumers to help identify drugs and circumstances that may be particular problems. The agency will also hold public hearings to gather information.
