New labels for Extra Strength Tylenol® will reduce the maximum daily dose from 8 pills (4000 mg) to 6 pills (3000 mg).
The interval for taking the medicine will also change from 2 pills every 4 to 6 hours to 2 pills every 6 hours.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the makers Tylenol of announced the change to help prevent overdoses of acetaminophen.
Although acetaminophen is safe when used as directed, it is part of over 600 over-the-counter and prescribed medicines. Maximum doses can be exceeded when people take several different medications at the same time, and too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage.
In addition to labeling changes, McNeil has launched several websites to help consumers understand acetaminophen risks and discover what medicines they are taking that include acetaminophen.
- Get Relief Responsibly has facts about acetaminophen and risks to the liver.
- Find out which of your medicines include acetaminophen and print out a list for your doctor.
- Learn how to read a drug facts label.
Cancer patients need to know that pain medicines such as Percoset®, Vicodin®, and oxycodone/APAP all contain acetaminophen. Check the labels carefully for the amount of acetaminophen and don’t exceed the recommended daily dosage for all sources of acetaminophen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more help.
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