Recognizing Pain Relievers

Over 20 million Americans pop an over-the-counter pain reliever every day. That includes aspirin, acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. A small survey conducted in Chicago and Atlanta found that many people are clueless about the ingredients in their pain reliever. Fewer than a third knew that Tylenol contains acetaminophen. Less than half knew that Motrin contains ibuprofen. And only about one in five knew the ingredients of Advil or Aleve.
Not surprisingly, less than half of those questioned bothered to read the label on their OTC pain medicine. The investigators believe that helps explain why unintentional acetaminophen overdose has become an important cause of liver failure in this country. The researchers suggest that all medicines containing acetaminophen should carry an easily recognized icon to alert people to its presence.
[American Journal of Preventive Medicine, May 3, 2011]