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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – As cold and flu season begins, it is important to pay attention to the active ingredients in prescription and over-the-counter medications you take to alleviate your cold symptoms, especially if you already take medicines for chronic pain.
Every year, it is estimated that more than 126,000 hospitalizations and 17,000 deaths in the U.S. are due to overdose of acetaminophen andNSAIDs.
Acetaminophen, which is an active ingredient in brands such as Tylenol®,NyQuil® and Percocet®, is safe when taken as recommended, but can lead to liver damage when taken in excess. NSAIDs, which are a class of pain-relieving drugs that include brands such as Advil®, Motrin® and aspirin, can cause stomach damage when overused.
It is important that you read medicine labels and only take one product at a time that contains the same active ingredient, even if you are taking medicine for different symptoms, such as knee pain and a cold. And talk to your health care provider about your medicine use and other options for managing symptoms.
Gut Check: Know Your Medicine, a campaign from the American Gastroenterological Association, aims to educate consumers about medication safety. Visit www.GutCheckFacts.org to learn more.
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