FDA Proposes Labeling Changes to Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

FDA Proposes Labeling Changes to Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today proposed to amend the labeling regulations on over-the-counter (OTC) Internal Analgesic, Antipyretic, and Antirheumatic (IAAA) drug products to include important safety information regarding the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage and when to consult a doctor. OTC IAAA drug products, commonly known as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen, are used to treat pain, fever, headaches, and muscle aches.

To help ensure safe use of OTC products, and to provide consumers with the labeling necessary for them to make more informed medical decisions, FDA is proposing the following label changes:

For Products Containing Acetaminophen

• To require new warnings which would highlight the potential for liver toxicity, particularly when using acetaminophen in high doses, when taking more than one product with acetaminophen, and when taken with moderate amounts of alcohol;
• To require that the ingredient acetaminophen be prominently identified on the product's principal display panel (PDP) of the immediate container, and the outer carton (if applicable).

For Products Containing NSAIDs

• To require new warnings for products that contain an NSAID which would highlight the potential for stomach bleeding in persons over age 60, in persons who have had prior ulcers or bleeding, in persons who take a blood thinner, when taking more than one product containing an NSAID, when taken with moderate amounts of alcohol, and when taking for longer time than directed; and
• To require that the name of the NSAID ingredient and the term "NSAID" be prominently identified on the product's PDP of the immediate container and the outer carton (if applicable).

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01533.html