FDA Panel Votes on Acetaminophen

A panel from the US Food and Drug Administration met this week to discuss pain medications, particularly those containing acetaminophen. The dangers of taking too much acetaminophen have been in the news lately, as the medication can be lethal if the recommended daily dose is exceeded. Because many of these medications are available over-the-counter, many unsuspecting people looking for pain relief may get much more than they bargained for: severe, potentially deadly liver damage.

The panel recommended the maximum dose of over-the-counter acetaminophen be restricted to 650 mg, even though products with nearly double that amount are currently available for purchase in any drug store. They hope this might reduce some of the yearly acetaminophen-associated deaths.

Many people who suffer from chronic pain rely on over-the-counter painkillers such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen to manage their pain, or to control breakthrough pain. Though the dangers of overdosing on acetaminophen are clear, making the strongest version available by prescription could make the drug harder for some to access, and possibly more expensive. There is a big difference between walking into a convenience store and having to pay a copay at the doctor to get a prescription.

How many of you take acetaminophen regularly for your chronic pain? If the FDA panel's recommendations go into effect, how will it impact your pain control?