Acetaminophen

• Acetaminophen relieves mild to moderate pain, such as headache, muscle aches, backache, arthritis pain, and menstrual cramps.
• It also reduces fever from colds, flu, and other infections.
• It comes in many forms: regular tablets, chewables, liquid, drops, dissolving powder, and long-acting (extended-release) tablets.

• Tablets, caplets, liquid gel capsules, or chewables: swallow or chew as directed, with or without food.
• Liquid, suspension, or drops: shake well if the label says to, and use the measuring device provided, not a kitchen spoon.
• Dissolving powder: pour onto your tongue and let it dissolve, or follow the package instructions.
• Long-acting (extended-release) Arthritis Pain or Muscle & Body caplets: swallow whole with water on an empty stomach. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve it.
• Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare professional tells you, or as directed on the label. The amount and how often will be on the label or your prescription.

If you miss a dose

• This medicine is usually taken only when needed, so a missed dose is not usually a concern.
• If you take it on a regular schedule, take a missed dose when you remember, but do not double up, and never exceed the maximum allowed in 24 hours.

• Talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• This medicine is generally considered an appropriate choice for pain and fever in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed, but confirm with your healthcare provider first.

• Tell the Care365 care team about any past allergic reaction to acetaminophen or any product containing it.
• Tell your healthcare professional if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or drink alcohol regularly.
• Check every other medicine you take — many cold, flu, and combination pain products also contain acetaminophen, and doubling up can cause an accidental overdose.
• Tell the Care365 care team if you take warfarin, or medicines for seizures or tuberculosis, since these can change how this medicine affects your liver.

Important warnings

• Taking more than the recommended amount can cause serious, sometimes fatal, liver damage — this is the most important thing to know about this medicine.
• Never take more than one product containing acetaminophen at the same time.
• People who drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day should ask their doctor before using this medicine regularly.
• Do not use this medicine for pain longer than five days, or for fever longer than three days, without checking with a doctor.
• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children — accidental swallowing by a child is a medical emergency.

• This medicine is generally well tolerated when taken as directed.
• Mild stomach upset can occur in some people.
• A mild skin rash may occur occasionally.

When to get emergency help

• Signs of an allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives; or trouble breathing.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe stomach pain — possible signs of liver damage.
• Any suspected overdose, even without symptoms — get help right away rather than waiting for symptoms, since early treatment works best.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising, or a severe skin rash with blistering or peeling.

When to contact a healthcare professional

• Your pain or fever does not improve, or gets worse, after using this medicine as directed.
• You need it for pain longer than five days or for fever longer than three days.
• You are unsure how much acetaminophen is in another medicine you take.

• Regular immediate-release forms can be taken with or without food.
• The long-acting (extended-release) Arthritis Pain and Muscle & Body caplets must be taken on an empty stomach.
• Check every other medicine, including cold and flu remedies, for acetaminophen to avoid taking too much by accident.
• If you drink alcohol regularly, talk to your doctor before using this medicine often.
• Tell the Care365 care team if you take warfarin, since this medicine can occasionally affect blood clotting test results.

• Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
• Keep liquid forms for infants and children away from light.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children — overdose in children is a serious emergency.
• Ask the Care365 care team how to safely dispose of unused or expired medicine.