![]() ![]() You should always stop taking acetaminophen and seek medical attention at the first sign of skin rash or reaction. Yes, a serious skin reaction can occur at any time while taking acetaminophen even if you have taken the medicine before without any problems.Ī. A health care professional will evaluate you to determine if you are experiencing a serious skin reaction such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).Ī. If you develop a skin rash or reaction while using a drug product containing acetaminophen, stop using the drug product and seek medical attention right away. Inform all your health care professionals if you have a history of serious skin reactions with acetaminophen so they do not prescribe you any medicines containing the drug.Ī. On prescription medicines, the label may spell out acetaminophen or it may have a shortened version of it, such as “APAP,” “acet,” “acetamin,” or “acetaminoph.” If you aren’t sure if your medicine contains acetaminophen, ask a pharmacist or your health care professional for additional information. On OTC medicines, the word “acetaminophen” appears on the front of the package and on the Drug Facts label under the Active Ingredient(s) section. Always check the Drug Facts label on the packaging of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to see if acetaminophen is listed as an active ingredient. Acetaminophen is one of the most widely used medicines in the United States.Ī. It is available alone in single-ingredient products and also in combination with other medicines, including those used to treat colds, coughs, allergy, and sleeplessness. Acetaminophen is the generic name for a medicine used to reduce pain and fever that is found in many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drug products. Where can I get more information about how to read drug labels and use acetaminophen products safely?Ī. If I don't want to take a chance by using acetaminophen, what other pain relievers/fever reducers would be an option for me to take? Are there certain people who may be at higher risk of experiencing serious skin reactions when taking acetaminophen? What are acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)? If I previously experienced a serious skin reaction and can no longer take acetaminophen, what other pain relievers/fever reducers can I take instead? Will I be at risk for experiencing serious skin reactions with other pain relievers/fever reducers? If I previously experienced a serious skin reaction with acetaminophen, is it safe for me to take the medicine again? How can I tell a skin reaction that I don’t have to worry about from one that is considered serious? Can I experience a serious skin reaction with acetaminophen even if I have taken acetaminophen before without any problems? What should I do if I develop a skin rash or reaction while using a drug product containing acetaminophen? How do I know if the product I am taking has acetaminophen in it? The following questions and answers provide an overview of this safety issue. FDA regulates OTC products containing acetaminophen differently from the prescription products, and the Agency also will work with OTC manufacturers to address this safety issue. Other drugs used to treat fever and pain/body aches (e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen and naproxen) also carry the risk of causing serious skin reactions, which is already described in the warnings section of their drug labels.įDA will require that a warning be added to the labels of prescription drug products containing acetaminophen to address the risk of serious skin reactions. These reactions can occur with first-time use of acetaminophen or at any time while it is being taken. Reddening of the skin, rash, blisters, and detachment of the upper surface of the skin can occur with the use of drug products that contain acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a common active ingredient to treat pain and reduce fever it is included in many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drug products. These skin reactions, known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), can be fatal. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public that acetaminophen has been associated with a risk of rare but serious skin reactions. ![]()
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