Drug regulators seek curbs on acetaminophen products

From the Calgary Herald:
American drug regulators are considering pulling some products with acetaminophen off the shelves and Health Canada is keeping a close eye on the deliberations as it also moves to warn consumers about the risk of liver damage due to an overdose of the drug.

Acetaminophen, widely used as a pain reliever and to reduce fever, is generally a safe and effective drug, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but when a patient exceeds the recommended dosage, it has been known to cause abnormalities in liver function, liver failure and death.

The FDA has made various efforts since the 1990s to stem what it calls "a public health concern," but it has been unsuccessful in reducing the number of cases of liver damage related to the drug. ..more