May 15, 2004
Use caution with pain relievers
Pain relievers, when used correctly, are safe and effective. Millions of people use these medicines everyday. Not using them according to the label directions can have serious consequences.
There are basically two types of OTC (over the counter) pain relievers. Some contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) and others contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medicines are used to relieve fevers and the minor aches and pains associated with headaches, colds, flu, arthritis, toothaches, and menstrual cramps.
Acetaminophen is a very common pain reliever and fever reducer. However, taking more than the recommended amounts of this active ingredient can lead to liver damage.
NSAIDs are common pain relievers and fever reducers. Examples of OTC NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen, and ketoprofen. There are some factors that can increase your risk for stomach bleeding--
- if you are over 60
- taking prescription blood thinners
- have previous stomach ulcers or
- other bleeding problems
- Use of tobacco products (smoking or chewing)
- Alcohol use
If you have any of these factors, you should talk to your doctor before using NSAIDS, which can also cause damage to the kidneys. The risk of kidney damage may increase in...
- people who are over 60
- people who have high blood pressure, heart disease or pre-existing kidney disease
- people who are taking a diuretic
Chronic use of alcohol while taking pain relievers or fever reducers can be hazardous to your health. The risk for liver damage may be increased if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks while using acetaminophen-containing medicines. Your risk of stomach ulcers or stomach bleeding increases when combining alcohol use and/or tobacco products with NSAIDS.
Many other OTC medicines sold for different uses have these same active ingredients. Also, active ingredients in OTC medicines can be ingredients in prescription medicines. For example, a cold-and-cough remedy may have the same active ingredient as a headache remedy or a prescription pain reliever. You should know the active ingredients and directions of all your medicines before you use them. Over-the-counter medicines list all their active ingredients on the package. For prescription drugs, the leaflet that comes with your prescription lists the active ingredients contained in the medicine.
The FDA recommends that you talk with your healthcare professional if you have questions about using an OTC medicine before using it in combination with other medicines--either OTC or prescription medicine.
You can learn more about what medicines are right for you by reading the label carefully and talking to your healthcare professional or pharmacist.
For more information, visit www.fda.gov or call 1-888-INFOFDA. You may also contact YKHC Pharmacy: 543-6382.