Please read
As I was reading through my blogs today — and as usual, came across some thought-provoking material. Today, it’s something I wanted to share with you and make sure you knew about!
I was reading Somebody Heal Me (musings of a chronic migraineur). Today she reports on the FDA advisory panel that is recommending the removal of acetaminophen based products (such as Lortab, Percocet and Vicodin) from market. Also, extra strengh Tylenol would only be available with a prescription. She goes into more detail regarding the reasons and her concerns. I share many of her concerns. My main concern is selfish — currently, I am allowed two days per month to take Lortab. These two days are the only days I feel normal. Many chronic pain patients are in similar (or even more difficult) situations.
One main concern the FDA advisory panel has is the number of acetaminophen overdose related deaths. Of course this is a problem, and something that should be addressed. Acetaminophen overdose is the most common reason for liver failure in the U.S. I don’t believe that removing the products from market is the answer — I think that better patient education would do the trick.
What pleased me was the link she included for a petition. The petition is called Acetaminophen: Educate, Do not regulate! From their site I take this information:
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering advice from its Advisory Committee that would eliminate all prescription acetaminophen combination medications (like Vicodin, Percocet) and take the 500 mg (extra strength) dose of acetaminophen (the medicine in Tylenol) off store shelves and make it available only by prescription. These changes could negatively affect people suffering from pain who rely on these medicines every day. The FDA must consider all comments received by September 30, 2009 that are submitted to the official docket for this decision. Please sign the petition letter by September 27, 2009 and the American Pain Foundation will submit the petition to the FDA.”
Please, if you agree with this, visit the site and sign the petition. It takes only a few minutes.
test Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (4)4 Responses to “Please read”
Leave a Reply
DONE!! Thanks for bringing it to our attention
Well said! Thanks for the information. It is worth the time to make our voices heard. Education vs. legislation seems to be a theme in my life! I am beginning to understand this is one of my core beliefs…
Okay… that was my comment but my name came out as Gr… ooops….
WOW! In the UK Acetaminophen is called Paracetamol, and is in regular use. Normal dosage is 2×500mg up to 4 times a day. Yes it can be overdosed on, which will cause liver damage, but if someone wants to harm themselves they’ll find some way to do it! On the back of the packets it says
“Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products
Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel unwell”.
Also “Don’t take more than 4 in an 24hours”.
Interesting post!
In the UK the main types of medication are Paracetamol, Asprin and Ibruprofen, I take paracetamol for general pain and Ibruprofen for joint/muslce related pain and some times both for my auras. The medication I was recommended for migranes (although I only really get auras) was Migraleve, which is acetaminophen, codine and buclizine (for nausea).