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Acetaminophen Overdose a Danger During Flu Season
By Michelle Castillo / CBS News
Story Updated: Jan 10, 2013 at 7:50 AM AKST
With this season's flu affecting more people than anticipated, many are picking up different remedies to help combat the illness. However, there's one common medication found in many of these drugs that when overused, may lead to liver damage, major health problems or even death.
Acetaminophen is a medication used to treat mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, and also can treat reactions to vaccinations and fever. According to the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC), a nonprofit group of medical providers and consumer groups, it is the most common drug ingredient in America and found in more than 600 different medications.
"It's safe as long as you take it at the right dose," Dr. Donald Gardenier, an assistant professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a member of the coalition, said to CBSNews.com. "It's easy to take extra because its hidden in so many medications..."
Acetaminophen Overdose a Danger During Flu Season
By Michelle Castillo / CBS News
Story Updated: Jan 10, 2013 at 7:50 AM AKST
With this season's flu affecting more people than anticipated, many are picking up different remedies to help combat the illness. However, there's one common medication found in many of these drugs that when overused, may lead to liver damage, major health problems or even death.
Acetaminophen is a medication used to treat mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, and also can treat reactions to vaccinations and fever. According to the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC), a nonprofit group of medical providers and consumer groups, it is the most common drug ingredient in America and found in more than 600 different medications.
"It's safe as long as you take it at the right dose," Dr. Donald Gardenier, an assistant professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a member of the coalition, said to CBSNews.com. "It's easy to take extra because its hidden in so many medications..."