An FDA panel of experts is recommending that prescription drugs that combine acetaminophen with stronger narcotics, such as Vicodin and Percocet, be pulled off the market.
It is an effort to reduce the risk of overdosing on acetaminophen, which is generally considered safe - but can lead to severe liver damage and even death if taken in high doses.
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and other over-the-counter and prescription pain medication.
In addition to pulling prescription combination drugs, the FDA advisory panel also voted to lower the current maximum daily dose of over-the-counter acetaminophen products, which is 4 grams. Lowering the amount reduces the chance people could overdose if they take more than one medication with acetaminophen - like Tylenol and Nyquil.
Before the committee took any action, members heard from several members of the public on the issue.
Dr. Rebecca Drake, a pharmacist, described how her sister developed severe liver damage and died after taking acetaminophen for acid reflux. It is unclear how much she was taking. Today, her sister told the FDA committee the death was particularly difficult because she knew all too well the dangers associated with too much acetaminophen.
"It was very hard to have my family ask me if I knew acetaminophen could do this, when I did," Dr. Drake told the panel. "And I believe my family is above average in health literacy. However, this still happened to us."
The FDA is not required to follow committee recommendations, but usually does follow them.
