Acetaminophen FAQ
Q: What is acetaminophen?
A: Acetaminophen is amedicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Although acetaminophen is available without a prescription, yourhealthcare professional may provide special instructions on proper acetaminophendosage 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 recallof 383 lots of acetaminophen 500 mg caplets manufactured and distributed undervarious store-brands. Small metal fragments have been found in a small numberof these caplets affecting approximately 11 million bottles with varyingquantities of acetaminophen 500 mg caplets. Therecall 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. Clickhere formore recall information from the FDA.
Q: What should I knowbefore taking acetaminophen?
A: Before taking acetaminophen, carefullyread and follow any precautions on the labels. Because some children's acetaminophen products contain aspartame, theymay pose a danger to children with phenylketonuria. Also, acetaminophen may interfere withmedical test results. Before undergoingany tests, tell the person in charge if you have taken acetaminophen in thelast three or four days.
Q: What should I tellmy healthcare professional before using acetaminophen?
A: Tell your healthcareprofessional if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions toacetaminophen or aspirin, or to any other substances (foods, preservatives, ordyes); if you have any medical problems, especially alcohol abuse, kidneydisease (severe), hepatitis or other liver disease, or phenylketonuria; ifyou are taking acetaminophen to relieve pain, including arthritis pain, and thepain lasts for more than 10 days for adults (or 5 days for children); if youare taking acetaminophen to reduce fever, and the fever lasts for more than 3days or returns; or if you are taking acetaminophen to treat a sore throat, andthe sore throat is very painful, lasts for more than 2 days, or occurs togetherwith or is followed by fever, headache, skin rash, nausea, or vomiting. Thesecould be signs of a serious condition that needs treatment.
Q: What are the side effects associated with acetaminophen?
A: If youexperience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare professionalimmediately: rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips,eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness; or difficulty breathingor swallowing.
Q: Does acetaminopheninteract with any food or drugs?
A: To avoid any unwantedeffects, tell your healthcare professional about any prescription andnonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbalproducts you take or plan to take. Ifyou plan to take more than the occasional one or two doses of acetaminophen, donot drink alcoholic beverages. Doing somay increase the chance of liver damage, especially if you drink large amountsof alcoholic beverages regularly, if you take more acetaminophen thatrecommended on the package label, or if you take it regularly for a longerperiod of time.
Q: What should I doif I think I have been injured as a result of using Acetaminophen?
A: If you or aloved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditionswhile using acetaminophen, you should first contact your doctor or otherhealthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorneyto discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for anyinjuries caused by acetaminophen use. To find an experienced attorney, use the"Find a Lawyer" tool on this page, or click here.