Arthritis Pain

Description

Acetaminophen is presented in the form of extended-release tablets, each containing 650 mg of the active ingredient. These tablets are designed as capsule-shaped bi-layer formulations, providing a sustained release of the medication. The product is packaged in a container containing 50 caplets, serving as an effective pain reliever and fever reducer.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with various conditions, including minor pain of arthritis, muscular aches, backache, premenstrual and menstrual cramps, the common cold, headache, and toothache. Additionally, this drug is indicated for the temporary reduction of fever.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Adults are instructed to take 2 caplets every 8 hours with water. The caplets should be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, chewed, split, or dissolved. The maximum dosage should not exceed 6 caplets within a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a physician. Additionally, the use of this medication should not extend beyond 10 days unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.

For individuals under 18 years of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor prior to use.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Co-administration with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is prohibited due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

• This product should not be used in individuals with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained in the formulation, as this may lead to severe allergic reactions.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if the following conditions are met: exceeding 6 caplets within a 24-hour period, using concurrently with other medications that contain acetaminophen, or consuming 3 or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen is also associated with the potential for severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. Should any of these symptoms occur, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor prior to use if they have a history of liver disease. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek guidance from a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using this product.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical help without delay, as prompt intervention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a physician if any of the following occur: worsening pain lasting more than 10 days, fever that worsens or persists for more than 3 days, the emergence of new symptoms, or the presence of redness or swelling. These signs may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed the maximum daily dosage of 6 caplets within a 24-hour period, use the product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should be aware that acetaminophen may lead to severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patients are advised not to use this product in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is recommended. Additionally, individuals with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any inactive ingredients in this product should refrain from use.

Patients should stop using the product and consult a doctor if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, if new symptoms arise, or if redness or swelling is observed, as these may indicate a serious condition.

It is also advised that patients consult a doctor prior to use if they have liver disease or are taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

Drug Interactions

Patients should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication if they are concurrently taking warfarin, a blood-thinning agent. The combination may increase the risk of bleeding due to potential pharmacodynamic interactions.

Additionally, this medication should not be used in conjunction with any other products containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or over-the-counter. Co-administration may lead to an increased risk of acetaminophen-related hepatotoxicity. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, patients are advised to seek guidance from a healthcare provider.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Arthritis Pain (acetaminophen). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 18 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. In the event of an overdose, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention for children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients should consult a healthcare provider prior to use if they have liver disease, as this may affect the safety and efficacy of the medication. Additionally, it is important for geriatric patients to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist if they are concurrently taking the anticoagulant warfarin, due to potential interactions that could increase the risk of bleeding.

In the event of an overdose, prompt medical attention is crucial for elderly patients, as well as for children, regardless of whether any signs or symptoms are present. This underscores the importance of monitoring and immediate intervention in this population to mitigate potential adverse effects.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is essential to evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with its use during pregnancy and lactation. The safety of this medication in pregnant women has not been established, and therefore, caution is advised.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the drug insert regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should exercise caution when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum daily dosage of 6 caplets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should avoid concomitant use with other medications containing acetaminophen, as this may further increase the risk of liver injury.

It is also advised that patients limit alcohol consumption to fewer than 3 alcoholic drinks per day while using this product, as alcohol can exacerbate the potential for liver damage.

Before initiating treatment, patients with known liver disease should consult a healthcare professional to assess the appropriateness of this product for their condition. Regular monitoring of liver function may be warranted in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical intervention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the lack of immediate symptoms does not preclude the potential for serious adverse effects. Therefore, vigilance and timely action are essential in managing overdose situations effectively.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No information is available regarding teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects. Additionally, there is no data provided concerning nonclinical toxicology, animal pharmacology, or toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified that acetaminophen may be associated with severe skin reactions. Reported symptoms of these reactions include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Patients should be informed not to use this product in conjunction with any other medications that contain acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If patients are uncertain about the presence of acetaminophen in their other medications, they should be encouraged to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

It is crucial to inform patients that they should not use this product if they have a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients contained in the formulation. Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and seek medical advice if their pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, or if their fever worsens or lasts longer than 3 days. Additionally, patients should be advised to stop using the medication and consult a doctor if they experience new symptoms, or if they notice any redness or swelling, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Patients with a history of liver disease should be encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider before using this medication. Furthermore, it is important to remind patients to speak with their doctor or pharmacist if they are currently taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin, as this may require special consideration.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a carton that contains essential information and warnings, which should be retained for reference. It is recommended to store the product at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure optimal stability and efficacy.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Arthritis Pain, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)