Health Canada is taking further steps to warn consumers of the dangers of acetaminophen overdose.
A 2014 report found that more than 4-billion doses of acetaminophen are sold each year in Canada. Typically found in cold and flu medicines, the medication becomes risky when too much is taken, or it’s taken too long.
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In severe cases, overdosing on acetaminophen leads to acute liver failure. In its report, Health Canada found that acetaminophen is the leading cause of serious liver injury in Canada and in other countries such as the U.S., the U.K. and Australia. Of the more than 250 cases of serious liver injury, more than half involved accidental overdose.
Since many non-prescription products contain acetaminophen, taking one or more at a time was a common cause for the overdose. Health Canada plans to strengthen the standards for labelling acetaminophen for non-prescription products by using plain language so people can understand the risks to the liver and adding a drug facts table.
In the fall, the organization will consult with patient safety groups, health professionals and industry leader to determine if the maximum daily dosage should be lowered among other items.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
