Neighbors, http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_top_stories/20090701_FDA_panel_backs_cut_in_maximum_Tylenol_dosage.html
This warning is a good thing. However, this article did not provide an additional warning about liver toxicity to those who drink alcohol, even at moderate levels. That information is important too. As stated in the article, acetaminophen is ubiquitous in over the counter medications. Chronic pain patients, who take it regularly, are at increased risk when adding these additional drugs. But what is not commonly known, in my opinion, is the increased risk of overdose for those who drink alcohol. The liver enzymes which break down acetaminophen also break down alcohol. While a half a bottle of wine may be recommended with dinner in a healthy lifestyle, a chronic pain patient using acetaminophen daily may get a toxic build up in the liver. Years ago, I read such cases, yet the health care industry often does not probe for such common potential drug interactions for their patients. Example: When I had wisdom teeth removed some years ago, the assistant came with the prescription while I was still goofy. It was prescription strength acetaminophen with codeine. I explained that short term narcotic use was fine and that I had no history of narcotic abuse. I explained that I use alcohol and avoid acetaminophen, especially such high doses. First, she was confused and then returned to say that there was no alternative narcotic she would give. Knowing what they plan to prescribe, they should screen patients for common drug interactions before the surgery and they should explain such a common and expected interaction. Pharmaceutical companies wish to mask symptoms and that is why they put acetaminophen in so many over the counter drugs. Consumers feel relief from a multitude of symptoms and buy more of their crap. Medical providers are terrified of appropriate narcotic use for pain because of diversion by narcotic addicts. (Opiates have risk of overdose and dependence but are not particularly toxic). Many people do not have their pain treated appropriately in our society because of this fear by medical providers. It's best to take a journal listing any and all drugs you take when going to any medical provider. And be very careful about mixing all these "safe" over the counter drugs. Even western medicine has reluctantly admitted that acupuncture can be very effective in treatment of pain for those with some chronic condition. Glenn ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
