Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is the most common drug ingredient in the United States. It’s found in more than 600 different medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, fever reducers, and sleep aids as well as cough, cold, and allergy medicines. Each week, approximately 23 percent of U.S. adults — or 52 million consumers — use an acetaminophen-containing medicine.

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Safe Use of Acetaminophen

Safe use of acetaminophen is a top priority for manufacturers of OTC medicines. Manufacturers work closely with FDA, healthcare provider groups, pharmacist groups, and consumer health advocates to drive safe and responsible use of acetaminophen.

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FAQs About Acetaminophen and Other Oral OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers

Find frequently asked questions about OTC oral pain relievers and fever reducers including acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium.

Browse Acetaminophen Content

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Press Releases and Statements

CHPA Statement Regarding California’s Upcoming Review of Acetaminophen

Medical and patient groups, public health experts, FDA, and others join the Consumer Healthcare Products Association in opposing the addition of acetaminophen to the Proposition 65 list.

Jan 23, 2020

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Article

California Prop 65: Acetaminophen

Jan 16, 2020

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Submission

Acetaminophen Prop 65 Briefing Packet

FDA has determined that the currently available evidence does not support the conclusion that acetaminophen causes cancer. Accordingly, a Proposition 65 cancer warning on the labeling of products containing acetaminophen would not be scientifically accurate, and such labeling would be false or misleading.

Dec 13, 2019

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Submission

Prop 65 Acetaminophen Coalition Comments to OEHHA

We strongly urge the CIC not to “list” acetaminophen as a carcinogen due to the lack of evidence that it has been “clearly shown” to cause cancer, and due to the unnecessary confusion and fear it could cause among consumers and patients.

Nov 5, 2019

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Submission

Letter Regarding Hazard Identification Materials for Acetaminophen

This information is submitted on behalf of CHPA in response to the September 20, 2019 OEHHA notice: Announcement of the Carcinogen Identification Committee Meeting Scheduled for December 5, 2019, Notice of Availability of Hazard Identification Materials for Acetaminophen and Notice of Public Comment Period.

Nov 4, 2019

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Press Releases and Statements

CHPA Statement Regarding Acetaminophen Study in JAMA Psychiatry

CHPA supports and encourages continued research and promotes ongoing consumer education to help ensure safe use of OTC medicines.

Nov 1, 2019

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Infographic

Awareness of Acetaminophen Safe Use Remains High

Research shows that pain medicine users have consistently understood how to use their medicines safely and remain aware of the risks.

May 1, 2019

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Press Releases and Statements

Study Shows Decrease in Misuse of OTC Acetaminophen-Containing Combination Products

In a study newly published in the medical journal Clinical Toxicology, “therapeutic misuse” of OTC combination products containing acetaminophen was infrequent and declined over a 10-year period. 

Oct 18, 2018

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Infographic

Acetaminophen is in More than 600 OTC and Prescription Medicines

Oct 16, 2017

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Submission

Comments to FDA: OTC Pediatric Liquid Drug Products Containing Acetaminophen

CHPA appreciates the opportunity to provide comments to the FDA in response to “Over-the-Counter Pediatric Liquid Drug Products Containing Acetaminophen”. CHPA and its member companies have an interest and expertise in acetaminophen-containing OTC products and support FDA’s efforts to improve the safe use of acetaminophen.

Dec 8, 2014

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Know Your Dose educates patients and consumers about the safe and effective use of acetaminophen, the most commonly used drug ingredient in the United States.

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