Acetaminophen labels changing may soon be fair public warning on its use, considering that this formula is made available without a prescription and may be bought relatively from any grocery store shelf.
Acetaminophen labels changing in bid for public health safety
One of the most popular over-the-counter analgesic formulas, Acetaminophen can be safe for use as long as it is within prescribed limits and taking in too much or prolonged use could end up in serious problems to the liver and even cause death.
Health Canada has recently directed manufacturers to change these medicines labels and this time, must include the dangers of prolong use or overdosing.
The new label shall be expected to stipulate that the daily maximum limit should not be more than 4000 milligrams for adults within a 24-hour period. It should also include that use of the drug to treat fever should not go beyond five days, as well as to not mix it with alcohol when planning to have three or more drinks in a day.
Other drugs that contains or combines acetaminophen should also follow suit to avoid prosecution.
Need to impose labels for public safety
This new labelling requirement came after the final review of a 2015 Health Canada safety review for Acetaminophen. This would also include a Drug Facts table for packaged products that needs to provide warnings, dosage instructions and other relevant information on an easy to read format.
New product batches, according to Health Canada, are required to apply these changes right away and producers have been given eight months to recall their products in the market to have it replaced with the new labelling within the next 18 months.
The agency further added that the drug facts need to be completed for all products by 2021, so that they can be given enough time to comply with the mandate.
Effects on the liver
Studies show that acetaminophen buildup in the liver would cause a condition known as drug-induced hepatitis and cause the liver to function abnormally.
Overdose of acetaminophen beyond the prescribed levels is likely to cause serious injury to the liver, for which there is a average of 4000 people every year hospitalized for it in Canada alone.
The move has been welcomed with open arms by the manufacturer of Tylenol – a popular brand of Acetaminophen- Johnson and Johnson – stating that they are committed to the health and safety of the public and support the government in raising awareness with the general public.
The post Acetaminophen Labels Changing To Raise Public Awareness appeared first on NUTRITION CLUB CANADA.
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