An ache here, a pain there. We turn to pain relievers, by some estimates, as
many as 48 million times a week.

But as with all medications, products containing acetaminophen, aspirin, or
ibuprofen should be used with care. Exceeding the recommended daily dose can
jeopardize your recovery and pose real health problems. The FDA has proposed
that the most popular pain relievers carry additional warnings on their labels
that overuse may result in stomach bleeding or liver and kidney damage.

“It is important for consumers to remember that products containing
acetaminophen and some of these other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are
safe and effective when used properly,” said Dr. Jan Engle, representing the
American Pharmacists Association.

“Pharmacists and other health care providers always emphasize to patients
that they should know the ingredients in all of their medications, including
those they buy over the counter,” said Dr. Engle. “If a patient is concerned
that they might be overmedicating, they should speak with their doctor or
pharmacist immediately.”

If you take a pain reliever regularly, the American
Pharmacists Association wants you to know this:

• Read the label. Follow the directions. Do not exceed the
  recommended daily dose and do not take the medication for longer than directed.
  Over-the-counter pain relievers are safe when used as directed on the label. Do
  not stop taking prescribed pain relievers without first consulting your
  doctor.
• Know your medicine. Always know which active ingredients
  are in the products you are using and follow the recommended dose. Many of the
  most common prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers and cold treatments
  contain similar ingredients, which could result in overmedication. If you have
  questions, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.