Coming soon…there will be some big changes in Tylenol (acetaminophen or APAP) products.
Tylenol (APAP) overuse can cause liver toxicity/failure. Studies have shown that most of liver failure due to too much Tylenol (APAP) is accidental.
Tylenol (APAP) is often thought of as “safe” and people will unknowingly combine products with Tylenol (APAP) –such as Vicoden for pain, Excedrin for headaches, Sudafed cold and sinus for cold symptoms and then some Tylenol PM for sleep- which quickly adds up!
Tylenol (APAP) can cause liver toxicity at doses as low as 6grams/day for 2 days. Currently, maximum doses are at 4grams a day. So, add a few tablets that contain Tylenol (APAP) and you can have an overdose
Guess what the first signs of too much Tylenol (APAP) are –Flu-like symptoms! That means that many people will continue taking the Tylenol (APAP), trying to feel better!
There is talk that the maximum dose should be decreased to 3.2grams/day and even lower if you have liver disease, advanced age or more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day.
So, what now? I have heard rumors from patients that Percocet, Tylenol and Vicoden are going to be taken off the market! Not true, regulators are saying the above products with high doses of Tylenol (APAP) should be “discouraged.” (high dose Tylenol products may be required to lower the APAP in the product).
Helpful Hint: 650mg of Tylenol (APAP) –which is one Tylenol Arthritis or two Tylenol regular strength –works as well as 1,000mg for pain and is much safer!
There is no reason to start freaking out but be sure to keep track of how much Tylenol (APAP) you are actually taking in a day. Check the “active ingredients” section of OTC products and look for “acetaminophen”, know that APAP on your prescription vial means Tylenol and ask your pharmacist how much Tylenol (APAP) is in it.
Use Tylenol (APAP) containing products responsibly!
More questions? Leave a comment or an email at nova@getpharmacyadvice.com
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I looked this up when they changed my pain meds from Hydrocodone to Tylenol 3 … I feel foolish not knowing that APAP was actually Tylenol and thought nothing of adding other meds with APAP such as Excedrin Migrain & Aleve.