(Washington, D.C., Thursday, February 17, 2022) – Each year, millions of Americans use over-the-counter medicines to treat their cold and flu symptoms. While this year’s flu season has been relatively mild, the continued spread  of  COVID-19  alongside  our  traditional  winter  illnesses  makes  for  a  dangerous combination. It’s essential that people know how to take their medicines safely. The Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition is urging consumers to double check their medicine labels when treating pain or fever to avoid doubling up on acetaminophen, because taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage.

Acetaminophen is one of the most common drug ingredients in the U.S., found in many fever reducers and multi-symptom cold and flu medicines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set a maximum daily dose of 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period.

Dr. Wendy Mobley-Bukstein, PharmD, explains more.

SOUNDBITE #1:

EACH YEAR, MILLIONS OF AMERICANS USE MEDICINES THAT CONTAIN ACETAMINOPHEN TO TREAT THEIR COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS. IT’S SAFE AND EFFECTIVE WHEN USED AS DIRECTED, BUT TAKING TOO MUCH ACETAMINOPHEN CAN CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE.

THIS YEAR, PROTECT YOUR HEALTH BY REMEMBERING TO READ AND FOLLOW YOUR MEDICINE LABELS. TAKE ONLY ONE MEDICINE THAT CONTAINS ACETAMINOPHEN AT A TIME, AND ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFE USE.

SOUNDBITE #2:

WITH COVID-19 AND OTHER WINTER ILLNESSES CIRCULATING, MANY OF US RELY ON MEDICINES THAT CONTAIN ACETAMINOPHEN TO TREAT OUR SYMPTOMS. ALWAYS FOLLOW SAFE DOSING PRACTICES WHEN TAKING ACETAMINOPHEN OR GIVING IT TO YOUR CHILD. READ AND FOLLOW THE DOSING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE LABEL, AND USE ONLY THE DOSING DEVICE THAT COMES WITH THE MEDICINE.

ASK A PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFE DOSING PRACTICES.

For more information about safe acetaminophen use, visit KnowYourDose.org.