Consumers Should Talk To Their Pharmacists About Pain Reliever Safety Pharmacists Can Answers Questions If Consumers Have Concerns

Each year, millions of consumers use pain relievers to treat everything from back aches to symptoms associated with the common cold. Some estimates place the number as high as 48 million in a given week. But as with all medications, products containing acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen should be used with care. Exceeding the recommended daily dose can jeopardize the consumer's recovery and pose real health problems. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed that the most popular pain relievers carry additional warnings on their labels that overuse may result in stomach bleeding or liver and kidney damage.

"It is important for consumers to remember that products containing acetaminophen and some of these other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are safe and effective when used properly," said Past APhA President Dr. Jan Engle. "Pharmacists and other healthcare providers always emphasize to patients that they should know the ingredients in all of their medications, including those they buy over the counter. If a patient is concerned that they might be overmedicating, they should speak with their doctor or pharmacist immediately."

APhA recommends the following for consumers who may be taking a pain reliever regularly:

-- Read the label, Follow the Directions -- Consumers should always know which active ingredients are in the products they are using and follow the recommended dose. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose and do not take the medication for longer than directed.

-- Know Your Medicine, Talk to Your Healthcare Provider -- You should not only know the name of your medication, but the common ingredients as well. A consumer survey commissioned by APhA last year confirmed that only 55% of consumer knew the active ingredients of their prescription medicine. Consumers need to 'know their medicine' - many of the most common prescription and over the counter pain relievers and cold treatments contain similar ingredients, which could result in overmedication. If consumers have questions, they should talk to their pharmacist or doctor.

-- Over the counter pain relievers are safe when used as directed on the label -- When used as directed, over the counter pain relievers are safe. People should not stop taking prescribed pain relievers without first consulting their physician.

-- Talk to your pharmacist about over the counter pain medications. Your pharmacist can help you choose the best product for your condition.

The American Pharmacists Association is dedicated to improving medication use and advancing patient care. Founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, APhA is the first established and largest professional association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA's more than 57,000 members include pharmacists, scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession.

American Pharmacists Association
http://www.aphanet.com/