Coalition: Be cautious of acetaminophen use during flu season

The Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition has issued a safety message to remind consumers to be mindful of the amount of acetaminophen they may ingest when using various cold medicines this flu season, according to a news release.

Acetaminophen, an active ingredient in most pain and fever medicines, is commonly found in cold and flu medications. It is safe and effective when used as directed, according to the release, but it has daily limits. Overdosing can cause liver damage.

An FDA deadline, asking prescription drug manufacturers to limit the amount of acetaminophen per dosing unit, arrived in January. In turn, the FDA recommended that physicians do not prescribe or dispense products that exceed 325 mg acetaminophen per dosage unit due to the potential for severe liver damage or death.

The coalition advises consumers to double check their drug labels to avoid doubling up on products with acetaminophen. It encourages the following steps:

always read and follow the medicine label
be mindful if the medication you are taking contains acetaminophen
never take two medications with acetaminophen simultaneously
always ask your pharmacist or health care professional questions about correct dosing for acetaminophen

“I feel it is important to educate my patients about the importance of reading their medicine labels, knowing the ingredients in their medicines and following dosing directions when taking all medicines—especially during cold and flu season, when medicines for coughs and cold symptoms can accidentally be layered on top of other medicines they may be taking,” Brett Snodgrass, a family nurse practitioner with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, a member of the coalition, told Healio.com/Hepatology. “Acetaminophen is safe and effective when used as directed, but there is a limit to how much can be taken in one day: 4,000mg. Taking more than directed could likely result in overdose and can lead to liver damage.”

According to the release, Americans contract approximately 1 billion colds annually, and 70% of consumers will turn to OTC medicines that may contain acetaminophen.

The CDC estimates that cold and flu season peaks between January and March, but usually begins in October, the release said. – by Melinda Stevens