FDA advisers vote to take Vicodin, Percocet off market

" The panel was meeting for the second day to vote on recommendations to reduce the risk of serious liver injury associated with acetaminophen, which is found not only in prescription drugs, but also in over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and NyQuil.

It also advised the FDA to lower the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen in over-the-counter and prescription medications, and to address the formulations and dosing recommendations for children. "


" If the agency does not choose to eliminate prescription combination drugs, the panel said the FDA should lower the amount of acetaminophen in the drugs and also take some action to ensure that subscribers and patients are aware of potential liver damage posed by taking these products, Kweder said. "

" Although acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States for treating pain and fever, overdoses of acetaminophen have been linked to 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and 458 deaths during the 1990s, according to the FDA, citing one study. "


Now if they lower the amout of acetaminophen in these medications, wouldn't they think that will just make people take more of it?

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.....Not my Vicodin!!!!!!!!!! It helped me get through my foot surgery recovery!

cynfullov, I was thinking the same thing. Of course folks will take more. Besides, isn't it ridiculously large amounts, i.e. amounts much larger than the current dosage limits, that cause the liver problems? I think the goal should be to educate people on the proper consumption of acetaminophen/Vicodin/Percocet, instead of an outright ban.

Your right and I think it's prolonged use that leads to liver damage.

Wanting action taken to ensure that consumers taking theses are aware of the possible liver damage? I was under the impression that all medicines containing acetaminophen have a warning stating this right on the container. The only why to "ensure" everyone has read it is to have them sign a release form saying they have or have been informed.

I think they should come up with something less damaging that still works as well.

The thing is, I think, a lot of people take over the dosage recomended because their body has built up a tolerance and they have to take more to get any relief. But what are people to do?

True true true. But what is Dr. House going to do without his Vicodin?!!!!

I'm looking at my bottle of Acetaminophen right now: Overdose warning: Taking more than the recommended dose (overdose) may cause liver damage.

I wonder what other pain meds the drug companines are working on currently.

The FDA says and does alot of things.
Sometimes I wonder if they are being proactive or just picking and chooing their battles Case in point
I think if people are aware of the risks they should be allowed to make an informed decision about what they choose to put into their body.