Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition Offers Cold & Flu Season Safety Tips

The Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC) is reminding consumers to double check their medicine labels to avoid doubling up on medicines with acetaminophen when treating symptoms
during the upcoming cold and flu season.

Acetaminophen is found in hundreds of different medicines, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs. When used as directed, it is safe and effective, but taking more than directed is an overdose and can lead to liver damage.

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CDC estimates that cold and flu season will begin to pick up in October and peak between January and March. Each year, Americans catch approximately 1 billion colds, and 7 in 10 consumers will turn to OTC medicines to treat them. AAC advises cold and flu sufferers to follow four key acetaminophen safety steps when using these medicines:

1. Always read and follow the medicine label.
2. Know if medicines contain acetaminophen, which is in bold type or highlighted in the "active ingredients" section of OTC medicine labels and sometimes listed as "APAP" or "acetam" on prescription labels.
3. Never take two medicines that contain acetaminophen at the same time.
4. Ask your healthcare provider or a pharmacist if you have questions about dosing instructions or medicines that contain acetaminophen.