McNeil Consumer
Healthcare, manufacturers of the popular Tylenol family of products, today
announced plans for new dosing instructions on Extra Strength Tylenol in an
effort to reduce the risk of accidental overdose. Currently the maximum
recommended dose is eight pills per day, which equates to 4,000 milligrams.
Beginning in the fall of 2011, that will change to 6 tablets per day, or a
maximum of 3,000 milligrams.
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol products, is responsible for thousands of overdoses annually, and has overtaken viral hepatitis as the principal cause of acute liver failure. An analgesic, acetaminophen is primarily used as a pain relieve and fever reducer. Available over the counter, it is also the ingredient in many prescription medications, which can lead to patients double-dosing if they are ill-informed.
A recent study led by Jennifer King of the Health Literacy and Learning Program at Northwestern University, found that consumers have very poor understanding of active ingredients, partially due to instructions on packaging being at too high of a reading level (or too small print).
As with all medications, it is important to follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully. Consumers need to know “what they are taking and how to use medications safely,” King said. If you have questions or concerns over a product, ask your local pharmacist.
In addition to lowering the maximum dosage, McNeil has also begun a consumer campaign to educate consumers about the appropriate use of prescription and OTC medications and the importance of reading and following medication labels. Get Relief Responsibly, their national initiative, includes an enhanced website that will include interactive tools to help consumers identify products that contain acetaminophen. source healthnews
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol products, is responsible for thousands of overdoses annually, and has overtaken viral hepatitis as the principal cause of acute liver failure. An analgesic, acetaminophen is primarily used as a pain relieve and fever reducer. Available over the counter, it is also the ingredient in many prescription medications, which can lead to patients double-dosing if they are ill-informed.
A recent study led by Jennifer King of the Health Literacy and Learning Program at Northwestern University, found that consumers have very poor understanding of active ingredients, partially due to instructions on packaging being at too high of a reading level (or too small print).
As with all medications, it is important to follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully. Consumers need to know “what they are taking and how to use medications safely,” King said. If you have questions or concerns over a product, ask your local pharmacist.
In addition to lowering the maximum dosage, McNeil has also begun a consumer campaign to educate consumers about the appropriate use of prescription and OTC medications and the importance of reading and following medication labels. Get Relief Responsibly, their national initiative, includes an enhanced website that will include interactive tools to help consumers identify products that contain acetaminophen. source healthnews
No comments:
Post a Comment