April 27, 2017: Acetaminophen: Preventing Harm through Safe Use
Despite its reputation for safety, acetaminophen has been identified as the leading cause of liver failure in Canada. Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic that is widely available in either single- or multiple-ingredient products. As of early 2017, almost 500 acetaminophen-containing products were marketed in Canada, with over 350 of them available as nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) products. Health Canada recently estimated that 4 billion dosage units of acetaminophen are sold in the country annually. This bulletin highlights, for both healthcare professionals and manufacturers, key safety efforts, important resources, and strategic recommendations based on recent Health Canada initiatives supporting the safe use of acetaminophen in Canada. Read more ...
