Berkley and Jensen Pain Relief

Description

Berkley Jensen® Extra Strength Rapid Release Caplets contain acetaminophen as the active ingredient, which serves as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Each caplet delivers 500 mg of acetaminophen, providing effective pain relief for adults. The product is designed for rapid release, ensuring fast relief from discomfort. The packaging includes a total of 400 caplets, with each caplet being of actual size for easy identification and dosage.

Uses and Indications

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

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

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 years and over are instructed to take 2 caplets every 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. The maximum dosage should not exceed 6 caplets within a 24-hour period, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional. Additionally, the use of this medication should not extend beyond 10 days unless specifically advised by a doctor.

For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing guidance.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Co-administration with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, 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.

• In individuals with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients, as this may lead to severe hypersensitivity reactions.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which carries significant risks that healthcare professionals must communicate to patients.

Liver Warning Severe liver damage may occur if the patient exceeds 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, uses this product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consumes three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product. It is imperative to monitor patients for signs of liver dysfunction, particularly in those who may be at increased risk.

Allergy Alert Acetaminophen may induce severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. Should any of these symptoms occur, patients must be advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

General Precautions Healthcare professionals should counsel patients to consult a doctor prior to use if they have a history of liver disease. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should be advised to seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product, as potential interactions may necessitate closer monitoring.

Emergency Medical Help In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to obtain emergency medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Monitoring and Follow-Up Patients should be instructed to stop taking the product and contact their healthcare provider if new symptoms arise, if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, or if redness or swelling occurs. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of potential adverse reactions, including serious warnings related to liver health and allergic reactions.

Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed a dosage of 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, use this product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Additionally, acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. In the event of a skin reaction, patients are advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patients should not use this product if they are currently taking any other drug that contains acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. Those with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients should also refrain from use.

Before using this product, patients with liver disease should consult a healthcare professional. Furthermore, individuals taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist prior to use.

Patients are instructed to stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider if new symptoms arise, if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, or if redness or swelling occurs, as these may indicate a serious condition.

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 Berkley and Jensen Pain Relief (acetaminophen). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. For children in this age group, specific dosing recommendations are not provided, and it is advised to seek medical guidance.

For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 6 caplets in a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider.

It is important to note that in the event of an overdose, prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and pediatric patients, even if no immediate signs or symptoms are observed. Additionally, this medication should be kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific recommendations regarding age considerations, dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the potential for altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is important to assess 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 caution is advised to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data regarding the excretion of this medication in human 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 no specific information regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations provided in the drug insert. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the lack of data necessitates careful clinical judgment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should exercise caution when using this product, as it contains acetaminophen, which is associated with the risk of severe liver damage. It is critical that patients do not exceed a maximum dosage of 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the concurrent use of other medications containing acetaminophen or the consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product may further increase the risk of liver damage.

Patients with known liver disease are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product to assess the appropriateness of treatment and to discuss potential risks. Monitoring of liver function may be warranted in patients with compromised liver function to ensure safety and efficacy during treatment.

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 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 teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in question. Further studies may be necessary to elucidate these aspects of nonclinical toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified that acetaminophen may be associated with severe skin reactions. Reports indicate that symptoms can 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 on the importance of seeking immediate medical assistance in the event of an overdose. Patients should be informed to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay. It is crucial to emphasize that prompt medical attention is necessary for both adults and children, even if they do not exhibit any signs or symptoms of overdose. This information is vital for ensuring patient safety and effective management of potential overdose situations.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a configuration that includes an NDC number for identification. It should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its integrity and efficacy.

Healthcare professionals are advised to inspect the product prior to use; it should not be utilized if the printed seal under the cap is broken or missing, as this may indicate potential tampering or contamination. Proper handling and storage conditions are essential to ensure the product remains safe and effective for patient use.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with a recommended dosage of 2 caplets every 6 hours as needed for symptom relief. Patients should not exceed 6 caplets within a 24-hour period unless directed by a healthcare professional, and use should not extend beyond 10 days without medical advice.

Clinicians should counsel patients to consult a health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important to keep the medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, and patients are advised to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, as prompt attention is crucial for both adults and children, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)