The Know Your Dose campaign warns of danger from a common drug
(Harrisburg) — Health professionals and advocates are teaming up to call attention to a common over-the-counter drug that can damage your liver if not taken correctly.
Acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common poisonings worldwide, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. That might be because the pain reliever is found in more than 600 medications.
Dr. Cindy Cooke, President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, says chronic pain patients are often taking drugs like Percocet or Vicodin that also contain acetaminophen.
“And say that pain patient may have cold or allergy symptoms,.. they may grab an over-the-counter medication that also contains acetaminaphen. That may cause an overdose situation,” Cooke said.
Speaking on behalf of the Know Your Dose Campaign, Cooke says it’s very important to read all your labels carefully and limit your daily intake of acetaminophen to 4-thousand milligrams.
This article appeared originally on witf.org.
