With so much attention to all the news about prescription drug problems one serious problem has gone unnoticed.  For example a lot has been printed about the danger of OxyContin and how it kills people—however; I have not seen one report that anyone died who was taking OxyContin as prescribed.  But there is a non-prescription medication that kills more people every year.  Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol®) overdose causes more than 450 deaths due to acute liver failure each year in the United States and this number appears to be on the rise. In 2001, the U.S. Acute Liver Failure (ALF) Study found acetaminophen responsible for 39 percent of cases. In 2003, the number had risen to 49 percent.

In fact there are many other over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are highly abused.  One example is cold medication.  If you’ve ever looked on the cold remedy isle at any large pharmacy you’ll see there are so many choices it’s hard to make a decision.  Added to what’s on the shelves are the ubiquitous TV and radio advertisements for cold relief.  A problem that some people encounter is when they mix different cold medications.  Another problem is people taking OTCs and driving.  They don’t realize that they could be charged for driving under the influence if they have an accident.

For people living with chronic pain and taking prescription medications the OTCs can also cause problems.  This can be especially problematic when they haven’t told their healthcare providers about the OTCs; many of which have very serious drug interactions.  A case in point is someone taking Vicodin and supplementing that with OTC Tylenol (acetaminophen).  Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen and it would be very easy to go over the highest limit recommended—4 grams per day.

Please be careful if you take any OTC medication.  If you’re taking any other medication or even herbal supplements you could be putting your health, or even your life, at risk.  Let your doctor know what you take and get his/her input on what is safe and effective for you. Also, if you’re in recovery for an addictive disorder many of the OTCs could trigger a relapse.