On June 30, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel recommended greater regulation of acetaminophen to reduce deadly overdoses and liver injury. Recommendations that affect people with arthritis include switching the 1,000 milligram dose to prescription status; limiting the maximum single dose of the drug to 650 milligrams; and lowering the maximum daily dose; eliminating prescription painkillers that combine acetaminophen with strong narcotics; and stronger labeling.The Arthritis Foundation supports the recommendations of the panel, which help to reduce the risks of serious adverse effects from acetaminophen, and applauds the FDA for the prompt action. “Acetaminophen is an important drug which helps to alleviate the daily impact and pain of arthritis for millions of Americans. We believe that people with arthritis must be made aware of potential side effects of drugs so they can decide about the level of risk they are willing to accept. The recommendation to reduce the maximum dose of acetaminophen will help to make this a safer drug for people with arthritis,” said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation.
The continued concern over safety of arthritis pain relievers underscores the tremendous impact of arthritis on the nation, and the need for ongoing research for development of new medications, treatments and understanding of the disease. The Arthritis Foundation recommends patients discuss concerns with their physicians and stresses the importance of weight control and exercise, drug therapy and surgical options for the management of pain and functional limitations caused by arthritis.
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