CDA Essentials 2016 • Volume 3 • Issue 8

17 Volume 3 Issue 7 | safe dosing of acetaminophen through its website, getreliefresponsibly.ca . The website notes, “Many people don’t realize that taking more than one medicine with acetaminophen at the same time could harm their liver. That’s why it is important to always read and follow the label on the product you are taking and take ONLY 1 medicine at a time that contains acetaminophen.” 3 It notes that over 450 over-the-counter and prescription medicines contain acetaminophen, including medicines for coughs, colds, pain relief, or allergies. Dr. Euan Swan, CDA manager of dental programs, recommends that dentists make sure their patients are aware of the risks of overdosing. “It’s important to let your patients know why it’s critical to check the active ingredients in all of their medications, including over-the- counter products,” he says. “Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription medicines so exceeding the maximum daily dose can happen easily if they aren’t careful.” a References 1.SummarySafetyReview–Acetaminophen–Liver Injury[Internet].Ottawa(ON):HealthCanada;2015 [updated2015July9;cited2016Aug15].Available from :http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/ reviews-examens/acetamino-eng.php 2.YangJ,CribbR.Whatyouhaven’tbeentoldaboutacetaminophen. TorontoStar [Internet].2015Sept17 [cited2016Aug15].Available from :https://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/2015/09/17/up-to- 68-canadians-on-average-die-from-acetaminophen-annually.html 3. GetReliefResponsibly [Internet].[placeunknown]:Johnson&Johnson;2014[cited2016Aug15]. Available from :http://www.getreliefresponsibly.ca Improved Product Labelling In September 2016, Health Canada announced updated Labelling Standards for over-the-counter acetaminophen products. The new Labelling Standards include: ➊ Clearer instructions on packages that emphasize the importance of using the lowest effective dose; not exceeding the recommended dailymaximum (which is 4000mg or 4 g for adults) in a 24-hour period; using these products for nomore than 5 days for pain or 3 days for fever; and not mixing themwith alcohol if drinking three or more drinks in a day; ➋ Displaying the words “ contains acetaminophen ” in bold, red text in the top right corner of the front of the package tomake it easier for consumers to know if a product contains this drug; ➌ A newDrug Facts table for packages to provide product instructions, warnings and other safety information in a consistent, quick-reference format; and ➍ A recommendation that all children’s liquid products include a calibrated dosing device, so parents and caregivers can be sure that they’re giving their child the right amount. The label changes apply immediately to new products that companies are looking to introduce into the Canadianmarket. Companies with products already on themarket are expected to update their product labels within 18months. The Drug Facts table will be required on all products by 2021. N ews and E vents Getreliefresponsibly.ca This Johnson & Johnson website educates the public on the safe use of acetaminophen. It recommends taking only one acetaminophen- containing medicine at a time and reading every label to avoid accidently combining medicines that contain acetaminophen. A Toronto Star report 2 found that between 2000 and 2011 an average of 68 Canadians died each year because of acetaminophen overdose. ➜