Acetaminophen
Does anyone take a lot of tylenol? The latest from the FDA is that we should not take more than 6 pills a day. I probably take about 6 a day and I know I should cut down. I had high liver enzymes at one point which is no doubt due to all the tylenol. Now I have that monitored every year and they have been normal for many years now. At one point my gastroenterologist told me not to worry about taking 6 a day. I have an appt. with him in a few weeks and I'll ask him about it again.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on -
smg1978 - I, too, heard about the news regarding Tylenol, however, one of the reports I watched had a really great point; why, if Tylenol has been around since the 1950's is it just now being announced it could be dangerous? I'm a bit torn. If a patient takes acetemenophin according to the instructions listed on the bottle, there are very few problems. Those people who overuse and abuse the medications are those dealing with liver failure - so a few people are making a big deal out of the use of Tylenol.
You may have the option of trying a new, more effective medication if you ask your physician. I am taking a strong (but milder than 6 Tylenol/daily) anti-inflammatory right now that is absolutely more effective. Might be an option for you!
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Permalink Reply by Ellen S on -
Be careful with all medicines. Each medicine with the capacity to help us, also has the capacity to hurt us. Tylenol is in the news today, but tomorrow there will be another to take its place. They will continue to be in the news so long as there are patients who need information, misuse or abuse the drugs, or are damaged by them. Hearing something commonplace like Tylenol can be bad for us creates a stir, right or wrong.
My kidneys were damaged by too much ibuprofen, prescribed by my doctor. My kidneys mostly healed, but not everybody's do. It is sometimes preferable to mix medicines of different classes such as Tylenol and an NSAID, so you don't have to take so many of a single type. This is something you don't want to try to do on your own though because if you use certain medicines together there can be disastrous results. Always consult your doctor, even for over the counter meds, herbal preps and supplements. Yes, even a vitamin can be deadly if not taken correctly. He/she knows your health situation and can best advise you the treatments that may be options for you.
Don't forget that it is your option to get a second opinion. If you think you're taking too much medicine, ask another doctor for their opinion and if they have other ideas that might be helpful. If that's not enough to make you feel comfortable with the choices you were given, get a third opinion. You may need to monitor blood work while you're taking your medicines. That will help your doctor make sure you aren't damaging yourself.
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