With flu shots now available across the country, and consumers stocking home medicine cabinets ahead of the coming cold and flu season, the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition has issued a consumer message to “Double Check, Don’t Double Up” on acetaminophen when treating winter illnesses. Know Your Dose alerts consumers that acetaminophen is the most common drug ingredient in the country, and is found in more than 600 medications, including prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers, fever reducers, sleep aids, and numerous cough medicines. Acetaminophen is safe and effective when used as directed, but exceeding recommended dosage can lead to liver damage.

To be protected against accidentally taking more acetaminophen than they should, Know Your Dose encourages consumers to:

• read and follow the directions on their medicine labels,
• know which medicines contain acetaminophen,
• never take two medicines that contain acetaminophen at the same time, and
• to ask health care providers or pharmacists if they have any questions about proper dosing.