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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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August 18, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Use Caution with Acetaminophen
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Acetaminophen has been
associated with liver damage. Acetaminophen is the generic name of a
drug found in many common brand named Over the Counter (OTC) products
such as Tylenol, as well as prescription products such as Vicodin and
Percocet. Acetaminophen is an important drug and its effectiveness in
relieving pain and fever is widely known. This drug is generally
considered safe when used according to the directions on its labeling .
But taking more than the recommended amount can cause liver damage,
ranging from abnormalities in liver function blood tests, to acute liver
failure and even death.
Acetaminophen treats conditions such as symptoms of colds and flu,
allergy, sleeplessness and pain. It comes in many forms, including
drops, syrups, capsules and pills. It may be taken as a single product
or found in combination products. You have to check the label of
combination products (like cold remedies.) Acetaminophen may be
abbreviated as APAP on some medications.
There are risks from taking too much acetaminophen. You may not notice
the signs and symptoms of liver damage right away because they take time
to appear. Or you may mistake early symptoms of liver damage, such as
loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, for something else like the flu.
Liver damage can develop into liver failure or death over several days.
Acetaminophen is generally safe when taken as directed. To lower your
risk of liver damage, make sure you follow dosing directions and never
take more than directed. Even a small amount more than directed can
cause liver damage. Don't' take it for more days than directed and never
take more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time.
Discuss taking acetaminophen with your doctor. If you drink alcohol
(three or more drinks per day) or have liver disease, under these
conditions you are at greater risk of getting liver damage from
acetaminophen, even when taking the recommended dose. Also, if you take
the blood thinner warfarin, you should discuss taking acetaminophen with
your doctor because taking warfarin and acetaminophen together may raise
your risk of bleeding.
For safe use of acetaminophen, you should:
Read all the information given to you by your doctor and follow
directions.
Read the information on the OTC “drug facts” label or on the
prescription label and follow directions.
Be sure you understand how to take the product (the dose, how many hours
you must wait before taking another dose, how many doses you can safely
take in a day, when to stop taking it and when to ask your doctor for
help.)
Never take more than directed, even if your pain or fever isn't any
better.
Never take more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen. Check the
active ingredients of all your medicines to make sure you are taking no
more than one medicine containing acetaminophen.
When giving acetaminophen to children, follow the above instructions,
and:
Be sure to give the right dosage for your child's weight. If you can't
tell how much to give, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Use a measuring spoon designed for giving medicines, not one you would
use for cooking.
This information is taken directly from the FDA Consumer Fact Sheet,
“Acetaminophen and Liver Injury: Q & A for Consumers,” June 2009. For
more information on this topic, contact QVHD, 248-4528 or request on
line, www.qvhd.org .
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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