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U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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  2. Drugs
  3. Resources | Drugs
  4. Information for Consumers and Patients | Drugs
  5. Buying & Using Medicine Safely
  6. Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines
  7. Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
  8. Using Acetaminophen and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Safely
  1. Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers

Using Acetaminophen and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Safely

The Food and Drug Administration advises consumers to follow directions when using common pain and fever reducers. The active ingredients, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are safe and effective when the labeling directions or the advice from a healthcare professional is followed. Using more than recommended can cause serious injury.

The national education campaign provides advice on the safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief products.

These resources are intended for use by educators, health care professionals, and consumers. Most materials are available in PDF format for immediate downloading or

Articles

The following are articles on the safe use of over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers.

Fact Sheets
Careful: Acetaminophen in pain relief medicines can cause liver damage  

Careful: Acetaminophen in pain relief medicines can cause liver damage

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This fact sheet explains what acetaminophen is and how to use it safely. The fact sheet also discusses the dangers of giving more acetaminophen than directed.

 
Internet Public Service Announcement Banners

(Sizes vary; 4-color; English; can be used on websites and linked to the pertinent "Consumer Education" Web page. Other sizes may be available upon request.)

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Acetaminophen - Too much of this pain reliever can damage your liver. Read the label.

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FDA suggests that the banner graphic link to the www.fda.gov/acetaminophen Web page.

Knock out pain, not your liver.

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FDA suggests that the banner graphic link to the www.fda.gov/acetaminophen Web page.

Additional Information

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