More About Acetaminophen

Yesterday I shared an alarming article about the dangers of using too much acetaminophen, most commonly known as Tylenol. Tonight it was the lead story on the CBS Evening News. I have been fortunate that, despite my chronic bone pain caused by multiple myeloma before I was successfully diagnosed, that Tylenol has worked to turn the pain into moderate, tolerable discomfort. I always believed it was better to take Tylenol than stronger pain meds like oxycodone or vicodin. Now I'm not so sure. I would like the option to mix in aspirin or ibuprofen. But since I am using a blood thinner along with my chemotherapy, I cannot use either of these over-the-counter medications. My oncologist at Mayo Clinic stressed I never exceed 4 gm of Tylenol during any 24 hour period. That is six 8 hour 650 mg Tylenol Extra Strength Arthritis caplets a day or eight 4 hour 500 mg extra strength Tylenol during any 24 hour period. I rarely exceed this amount and try to reduce it by a pill or two each day. (For example, I might only take one caplet at night before I go to bed)

However, recently I have needed heavier doses while battling a painful outbreak of shingles. I thought I was just being paranoid about my dosing. Now I am leaning toward using more Oxycodone so I can reduce my dose of acetaminophen. But user beware: Vicodin, Percoset and most cold and flu medications also contain acetaminophen. I didn't know there was acetaminophen in Vicodin!

So please be careful out there when taking your pain meds!
Feel good, stay pain free and keep smiling! Pat