Acetaminophen = Liver Toxicity

**NYCmitch25** · 12-22-2006, 02:49 PM

FDA calls for pain reliever warning

By Julie Schmit and Julie Appleby, USA TODAY
Non-prescription pain relievers used by millions of U.S. consumers need stronger health warnings regarding liver or stomach risk, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.
The drugs include some of the most commonly taken in the USA — aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen — and will affect such household brands as Motrin, Advil, Aleve and Tylenol.

While some manufacturers already note the health risks on packages, the FDA wants the warnings to be more specific, standardized and prominent. New labels aren't likely to be required for at least a year, but companies can do so sooner.

The FDA proposes that:

•Products with acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, include warnings for liver toxicity, particularly when used in high doses, with other acetaminophen products or with three or more drinks of alcohol a day.

•Over-the-counter NSAIDs (short for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include warnings for stomach bleeding in people over 60; those who have had ulcers, take a blood thinner or more than one NSAID; or those who take them with alcohol or longer than directed.

Attention focused on their risks in 2004 when prescription NSAID Vioxx was withdrawn because of heart attack and stroke risk. Last year, the FDA sought a warning on prescription NSAID Celebrex for cardiovascular and stomach risks. An FDA advisory panel in 2002 said over-the-counter NSAIDs should have stronger warnings about stomach bleeding.

To help consumers track their consumption, the FDA also wants "acetaminophen" or "NSAID" to be prominent on the package. Consumers taking a pain reliever may not know that a cold medication, for example, also contains the ingredient.

Because over-the-counter NSAIDs are usually taken at lower doses and for less time than prescription NSAIDs, their cardiovascular risk is low, says the FDA's Charles Ganley, head of non-prescription drugs.

The warnings don't stem from new data regarding health risks and NSAIDs, Ganley says. But he added there may be increasing evidence of liver risks with acetaminophen. A study published last year in Hepatology concluded that liver damage caused by acetaminophen exceeded other causes of U.S. drug-induced acute liver failure, but that most of the cases stemmed from accidental overdoses or suicide attempts. About 100 people in the USA die each year after accidental acetaminophen overdoses, the FDA says.

John Hardin of the Arthritis Foundation says the new warnings should be done sooner rather than later.

"I can't see any downside to anyone by adding this to the labeling," he says.

**romanaz** · 12-22-2006, 07:00 PM

word, I'm only taking ibuprofen currently b/c my elbow needs some relief and to heal maybe faster? I hate otc painkillers

**Sholiz** · 12-22-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by romanaz

word, I'm only taking ibuprofen currently b/c my elbow needs some relief and to heal maybe faster? I hate otc painkillers

pain releiver ... pain killers tend to be opiates and shedule II drugs. if they sold them OTC then that just took the DEA out of business.

**romanaz** · 12-22-2006, 07:11 PM

shhhhhh

**NYCmitch25** · 12-22-2006, 09:47 PM

This + the liver toxicity of AAS is obviously part of the reason so many BBers are dying. When so many BBers are in pain because their bodies are too big for their frame, they resort to the OTC pain meds... Tom Prince was said to be taking 20 Ibuprofens a day. So, this risk coupled w/ the potential liver damage of AAS really can cut a life short.

**mr_min** · 12-23-2006, 06:46 PM

Not to diss this thread, but everything that we know may help you, may also hurt you if not taken properly and even at recommended dosages.

I think you either live and let happen or get frustrated trying to stay so-called "healthy".

**The Chosen One** · 12-28-2006, 03:20 AM

Yeah, for a healthy individual too it isn't nearly as bad as it seems. Not that I suggest it, but I know damn well that most people, not involving potential alcohol factors etc, can take a dose of, say, 8 grams acetaminophen all at once. So, say you're talking extra strength 500 mg/pill acetaminophen, you could take 16 no worries. Now if you're an opiate (as Sholiz mentioned) abuser, then it will cause problems if you're taking this kind of amount on a frequent basis. I'll stop talking here though before it sounds like i'm suggesting how to safely abuse UTC/Script analgesics.

But yeah, it's not something you need to worry about much in normal circumstances at all.

12-22-2006, 02:49 PM	#1
NYCmitch25 Silver Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New York Posts: 1,104 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 51	Acetaminophen = Liver Toxicity FDA calls for pain reliever warning By Julie Schmit and Julie Appleby, USA TODAY Non-prescription pain relievers used by millions of U.S. consumers need stronger health warnings regarding liver or stomach risk, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday. The drugs include some of the most commonly taken in the USA — aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen — and will affect such household brands as Motrin, Advil, Aleve and Tylenol. While some manufacturers already note the health risks on packages, the FDA wants the warnings to be more specific, standardized and prominent. New labels aren't likely to be required for at least a year, but companies can do so sooner. The FDA proposes that: •Products with acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, include warnings for liver toxicity, particularly when used in high doses, with other acetaminophen products or with three or more drinks of alcohol a day. •Over-the-counter NSAIDs (short for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include warnings for stomach bleeding in people over 60; those who have had ulcers, take a blood thinner or more than one NSAID; or those who take them with alcohol or longer than directed. Attention focused on their risks in 2004 when prescription NSAID Vioxx was withdrawn because of heart attack and stroke risk. Last year, the FDA sought a warning on prescription NSAID Celebrex for cardiovascular and stomach risks. An FDA advisory panel in 2002 said over-the-counter NSAIDs should have stronger warnings about stomach bleeding. To help consumers track their consumption, the FDA also wants "acetaminophen" or "NSAID" to be prominent on the package. Consumers taking a pain reliever may not know that a cold medication, for example, also contains the ingredient. Because over-the-counter NSAIDs are usually taken at lower doses and for less time than prescription NSAIDs, their cardiovascular risk is low, says the FDA's Charles Ganley, head of non-prescription drugs. The warnings don't stem from new data regarding health risks and NSAIDs, Ganley says. But he added there may be increasing evidence of liver risks with acetaminophen. A study published last year in Hepatology concluded that liver damage caused by acetaminophen exceeded other causes of U.S. drug-induced acute liver failure, but that most of the cases stemmed from accidental overdoses or suicide attempts. About 100 people in the USA die each year after accidental acetaminophen overdoses, the FDA says. John Hardin of the Arthritis Foundation says the new warnings should be done sooner rather than later. "I can't see any downside to anyone by adding this to the labeling," he says. __________________ "I have found the Iron to be my greatest friend. It never freaks out on me, never runs. Friends may come and go. But two hundred pounds is always two hundred pounds." - Rollins

12-22-2006, 09:47 PM	#5
NYCmitch25 Silver Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New York Posts: 1,104 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 51	This + the liver toxicity of AAS is obviously part of the reason so many BBers are dying. When so many BBers are in pain because their bodies are too big for their frame, they resort to the OTC pain meds... Tom Prince was said to be taking 20 Ibuprofens a day. So, this risk coupled w/ the potential liver damage of AAS really can cut a life short. __________________ "I have found the Iron to be my greatest friend. It never freaks out on me, never runs. Friends may come and go. But two hundred pounds is always two hundred pounds." - Rollins

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

12-23-2006, 06:46 PM	#6
mr_min IronMass Vip Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: connecticut Posts: 503 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 11	Not to diss this thread, but everything that we know may help you, may also hurt you if not taken properly and even at recommended dosages. I think you either live and let happen or get frustrated trying to stay so-called "healthy".

12-28-2006, 03:20 AM	#7
The Chosen One Chief Web Master Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 905 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 668	Yeah, for a healthy individual too it isn't nearly as bad as it seems. Not that I suggest it, but I know damn well that most people, not involving potential alcohol factors etc, can take a dose of, say, 8 grams acetaminophen all at once. So, say you're talking extra strength 500 mg/pill acetaminophen, you could take 16 no worries. Now if you're an opiate (as Sholiz mentioned) abuser, then it will cause problems if you're taking this kind of amount on a frequent basis. I'll stop talking here though before it sounds like i'm suggesting how to safely abuse UTC/Script analgesics. But yeah, it's not something you need to worry about much in normal circumstances at all.