The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement warning the public that acetaminophen, a popular fever and pain reliever ingredient, can cause rare, yet serious skin reactions.
"Although rare, possible reactions to acetaminophen include three serious skin diseases whose symptoms can include rash, blisters and, in the worst case, widespread damage to the surface of skin," FDA said in a statement. "If you are taking acetaminophen and develop a rash or other skin reaction, stop taking the product immediately and seek medical attention right away."
Acetaminophen is the generic name of an ingredient found in many prescription and non-prescription medicines. Tylenol is a well-known, over-the-counter medicine that contains acetaminophen. It can also be found in medicines to treat colds, coughs, allergy, headaches and trouble sleeping.
"This new information is not intended to worry consumers or health care professionals, nor is it meant to encourage them to choose other medications," Sharon Hertz, M.D., deputy director of FDA's Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Addiction, said in the statment. "However, it is extremely important that people recognize and react quickly to the initial symptoms of these rare but serious, side effects, which are potentially fatal."
Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen, also used to treat fevers and pain, already contain warning labels stating there is risk of serious skin reactions. Advil and Motrin are well-known brands that contain ibuprofen. Aleve includes naproxen as an active ingredient, according to the FDA.
"FDA is requiring that a warning about these skin reactions be added to the labels of all prescription medicines containing acetaminophen," the administration said in the news release. "FDA will work with manufacturers to get the warnings added to the labels of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing acetaminophen."
The FDA urges consumers to not take Acetaminophen if they have experienced the rash, and to discuss alternate pain relievers/fever reducers with your health care professional.
To read the full FDA press release, click here.
