FDA warns of rare skin disorder risk associated with acetaminophen
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) came out Thursday with a warning concerning one of the most popular and common pain relievers, acetaminophen.
The active ingredient found in Tylenol and other drugs, has been linked to the potentially deadly and very rare skin disease, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which could be a potential side effect.
The FDA recommends, if you are taking acetaminophen and develop a rash or other skin reaction, stop taking the product immediately and seek medical attention right away.
Acetaminophen is found in Tylenol and its generic counterparts, medicines to treat colds, coughs, allergy, headaches and trouble sleeping–prescription and non-prescription.
“This new information is not intended to worry consumers or health care professionals, nor is it meant to encourage them to choose other medications,” says Sharon Hertz, M.D., deputy director of FDA’s Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Addiction. “However, it is extremely important that people recognize and react quickly to the initial symptoms of these rare but serious, side effects, which are potentially fatal.”
The FDA says other drugs used to treat fever and pain, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen and naproxen, already carry warnings about the risk of serious skin reactions. Examples include Advil and Motrin, and Aleve and Midol , respectively.
What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
The Mayo Clinic says it is a rare, serious disorder in which your skin and mucous membranes react severely to a medication or infection. Often, Stevens-Johnson syndrome begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters, eventually causing the top layer of your skin to die and shed.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome presents a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalization.
The other skin diseases linked to acetaminophen use include toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and the less serious acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP).
How rare are these side effects?
Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor said since 1969, the FDA has recorded 107 cases resulting in 62 hospitalizations and 12 deaths.
The FDA continues to consider the benefits of this medication to outweigh the risks.
“FDA’s actions should be viewed within the context of the millions who, over generations, have benefited from acetaminophen,” says Hertz. “Nonetheless, given the severity of the risk, it is important for patients and health care providers to be aware of it.”
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[…] FDA warns of rare skin disorder risk associated w…The Global DispatchThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) came out Thursday with a warning concerning one of the most popular and common pain relievers, acetaminophen. The active ingredient found in Tylenol and other drugs, has been linked to the potentially deadly and …Acetaminophen WarningABC NewsFDA Warns of Rare Acetaminophen RiskFDA.govFDA wants warnings on acetaminophen over rare risk for serious skin reactionsCBS NewsCNN -TIME -Wall Street Journalall 83 news articles » […]
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[…] World ReportAcetaminophen WarningABC NewsFDA Warns of Rare Acetaminophen RiskFDA.govCBS News -The Global Dispatch -CNNall 85 news […]
[…] FDA warns of rare skin disorder risk associated w…The Global DispatchThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) came out Thursday with a warning concerning one of the most popular and common pain relievers, acetaminophen. The active ingredient found in Tylenol and other drugs, has been linked to the potentially deadly and …Acetaminophen WarningABC NewsFDA Warns of Rare Acetaminophen RiskFDA.govFDA wants warnings on acetaminophen over rare risk for serious skin reactionsCBS NewsCNN -TIME -Wall Street Journalall 83 news articles […]