More FDA warnings for cold sufferers– and really anyone who takes pain relievers– to keep in mind. Acetaminophen– the molecule at the left– is found in Tylenol and a whole host of other pain relievers, cold medicines and prescription drugs. At lower doses, it’s safe, but at higher doses can cause liver damage and even liver failure. The tricky thing? The molecule is included in so many different medications that it’s possible to take too much without realizing it. If you’re sick and have a headache, that Tylenol combined with acetaminophen in a cold remedy might have just tipped the dose over the recommended levels.
An FDA advisory committee issued the warnings, but it will be interesting to see what the agency decides to do to help prevent further problems. It’s possible that some prescription painkillers such as Percocet and Vicodin, which mix acetaminophen with narcotics, might be taken off the market.
I must admit that the Vicodin tidbit led me to more frivolous thoughts about Gregory House, the fictional doctor from the TV series. Considering everything else that has managed to go wrong with him, I’m a little surprised that the producers haven’t written liver failure into the plot line considering his Vicodin problem. Or did I miss it? Will the writers have to find a new painkiller addiction? Will he finally kick the habit?
So– I guess I’m wondering out loud– could the FDA wind up changing both our pharmacy shelves and the plot lines of TV? My brain is lurking somewhere in that nebulous space between pop culture and medicine today.
The practical stuff, news stories and FDA info:
- Acetaminophen worries: from the Washington Post‘s The Checkup
- Ban Is Advised on 2 Top Pills for Pain Relief: New York Times
- Information from the FDA about acetaminophen and liver injury
The fun stuff: I couldn’t find a good video clip about House’s Vicodin habit, but this video/song montage was the next best thing. Enjoy!
