Health Alert: Coalition Urges Awareness of Acetaminophen Safety When Treating Cold and Flu Symptoms This Year

New research finds that accidental overdoses spike during cold and flu season

WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 11, 2018 – On the heels of the deadliest flu season in 40 years, the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC) is urging consumers to double check their medicine labels when treating cold and flu symptoms to avoid doubling up on acetaminophen. While acetaminophen misuse has continued to decline nationwide, accidental overdoses are still more likely to happen during cold and flu season. Research published earlier this year shows that the odds of consumers taking more than the FDA-recommended maximum dose of 4,000 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen in one day increased 24 percent during cold and flu season. Primarily, that’s because more people are using over-the-counter (OTC) combination medications to treat upper respiratory cold and flu symptoms.

National Poison Data System Shows Decline in Accidental Acetaminophen Overdoses

Know Your Dose campaign targets the 50 million Americans who use acetaminophen weekly

Washington, D.C. – June 6, 2016 – Today, the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC) highlights research showing that progress is being made to increase awareness of the safe use of acetaminophen—one of the most common drug ingredients in the U.S. The group says data collected from the National Poison Data System and released in late 2015 show a steady decline in unintentional exposures of acetaminophen, including dosing errors and accidental misuse, since a peak in 2009.

New Research: Most Consumers Don’t Know the Potential Risks of Double Dosing on Medicines

During Cold and Flu Season, Double Check Medicine Labels to Avoid Doubling Up on Acetaminophen

Washington, D.C. – November 2, 2015 – The Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC) is kicking off its annual “Double Check; Don’t Double Up” campaign today, reminding consumers that many medicines used to treat cold and flu symptoms can contain common drug ingredients such as acetaminophen. Research published this year shows that consumers don’t always know the potential risks of double dosing on medicine or that taking two medicines with the same ingredient could be harmful. That’s why it’s important to read and follow the label every time you take a medicine. Double Check; Don’t Double Up!

U.S. Health Coalition Releases Medicine Safety Tips for 2015 Cold and Flu Season

Double Check Medicine Labels, Avoid Doubling Up on Acetaminophen When Treating Symptoms

Washington, D.C. – October 6, 2015 – With cold and flu season around the corner, consumers will soon begin to purchase medicines such as cough syrup, throat lozenges, and nasal sprays to help get relief from symptoms such as fever, coughs, congestion, and more. Many of the medicines used to treat these cold and flu symptoms can contain common drug ingredients such as acetaminophen. Research published this year shows that consumers don’t always know the potential risks of double dosing on medicine or that taking two medicines with the same ingredient could be harmful. That’s why the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC) is issuing a safety message to consumers, reminding them to double check their medicine labels to avoid doubling up on medicines with acetaminophen when treating symptoms during the upcoming cold and flu season.

U.S. Health Coalition Issues Important Medicine Safety Tips for Cold and Flu Sufferers

During Cold and Flu Season, Double Check Medicine Labels to Avoid Doubling Up on Acetaminophen

WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 28, 2014 – The Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC) is kicking off its annual “Double Check; Don’t Double Up” campaign today, reminding consumers to double check their medicine labels to avoid doubling up on medicines with acetaminophen when treating cold and flu symptoms.