Soon, we will see warning labels such as "Contains acetaminophen" and "Always read the label" on cap of Tylenol bottles. The change was made to alert people that excessive consumption may lead to liver damage because of the painkiller acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen is an active ingredient found in Tylenol and 470 products. It is used to cure fever and relieve pains such as backache, headache, sprains, arthritis, and menstrual cramps.
Other brands found to contain acetaminophen are Nyquil cold formula, Excedrin pain tablets and Sudafed sinus pills.
"At this time, the cap text messaging is being introduced on Tylenol bottles sold in the US market based upon a number of factors that are specific to the U.S. market, including the prevalence of simultaneous usage of multiple acetaminophen products by a significant portion of the U.S. adult population," Shelley Kohut, director of communications and public relations at Johnson & Johnson said in an email to CBC News.
"Our commitment is to continue to assess and evaluate the needs of Canadian consumers and to provide information and educate, as appropriate, to support the continued safe and effective use of our products."
Tylenol is manufactured by McNeil in Canada but the label change is applicable only in the U.S market as required. Kohut said that Tylenol met the standards in Canada. Aside from the label change, the U.S Food and Drug Administration is also planning to limit the use of products containing the harmful ingredient.
One case reported in 2012 involving Tylenol was an accidental overdose of a 22-year old boy who was rushed to the emergency hospital.
The safe acetaminophen dosage in a day is 4 grams. Most people got used in taking two 500-mg tablet for every four hours in a day which when added is already at 5 grams. Excessive amount of the ingredient in the liver may lead to liver failure.
The label change will be effective in October.
