Q: What is acetaminophen?
A: Acetaminophen is a medicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Although acetaminophen is available without a prescription, your healthcare professional may provide special instructions on proper acetaminophen dosage for your particular medical condition.

Q: Has there been any recent news about acetaminophen?
A: On December 19, 2006, the FDA proposed to amend the labeling regulations on over-the-counter pain relievers, to include important safety information about the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage. For products containing acetaminophen, the FDA proposed new warnings highlighting the risk of liver toxicity, and suggested that the ingredient acetaminophen be prominently displayed on the product's immediate container and on the outer carton (if applicable). Click here to read more from the FDA.

On November 9, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public to a recall of 383 lots of acetaminophen 500 mg caplets manufactured and distributed under various store-brands. Small metal fragments have been found in a small number of these caplets affecting approximately 11 million bottles with varying quantities of acetaminophen 500 mg caplets. The recall was initiated voluntarily by Perrigo Company of Allegan, Michigan. As of the time of the recall, no illnesses, injuries, or consumer complaints had been reported. Click here to read more from Perrigo. Click here for more recall information from the FDA.

Q: What should I know before taking acetaminophen?
A: Before taking acetaminophen, carefully read and follow any precautions on the labels. Because some children's acetaminophen products contain aspartame, they may pose a danger to children with phenylketonuria. Also, acetaminophen may interfere with medical test results. Before undergoing any tests, tell the person in charge if you have taken acetaminophen in the last three or four days.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before using acetaminophen?
A: Tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to acetaminophen or aspirin, or to any other substances (foods, preservatives, or dyes); if you have any medical problems, especially alcohol abuse, kidney disease (severe), hepatitis or other liver disease, or phenylketonuria; if you are taking acetaminophen to relieve pain, including arthritis pain, and the pain lasts for more than 10 days for adults (or 5 days for children); if you are taking acetaminophen to reduce fever, and the fever lasts for more than 3 days or returns; or if you are taking acetaminophen to treat a sore throat, and the sore throat is very painful, lasts for more than 2 days, or occurs together with or is followed by fever, headache, skin rash, nausea, or vomiting. These could be signs of a serious condition that needs treatment.

Q: What are the side effects associated with acetaminophen?
A: If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare professional immediately: rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness; or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Q: Does acetaminophen interact with any food or drugs?
A: To avoid any unwanted effects, tell your healthcare professional about any prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you take or plan to take. If you plan to take more than the occasional one or two doses of acetaminophen, do not drink alcoholic beverages. Doing so may increase the chance of liver damage, especially if you drink large amounts of alcoholic beverages regularly, if you take more acetaminophen that recommended on the package label, or if you take it regularly for a longer period of time.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of using Acetaminophen?
A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while using acetaminophen, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by acetaminophen use. To find an experienced attorney, use the "Find a Lawyer" tool on the left side of this page, or click here.