Enhanced paracetamol warnings unlikely to suffice
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Enhanced paracetamol warnings unlikely to suffice Enhanced bottle labelling and passive written information about paracetamol [acetaminophen] is unlikely to be adequate to ensure the safe use of paracetamol-containing products, according to investigators from USA.1 The researchers conducted a randomised trial to evaluate the efficacy of enhanced risk communication for paracetamol-containing products (both over the counter and prescription products). Patients were assigned into one of three groups: usual care; enhanced bottle labeling with an icon identifying paracetamol as an active ingredient and a flyer to explain safe use of the product (passive written strategy); or enhanced labeling, written brochure and added verbal counseling (verbal and written strategy). Overall, 662 patients were included. Patients in either of the enhanced information groups (passive written or verbal and written) were significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to accurately identify paracetamol as an active ingredient than those receiving usual care. Only patients in the verbal and written group had a greater understanding of the risk of concomitant use with other paracetamol-containing products. However, neither strategy improved understanding by more than 50%. In an accompanying media release, the author of the study, Dr Marina Serper, commented that "Results of this study highlight the public’s lack of knowledge of the potential dangers of acetaminophen and that broader public health campaigns may be needed to raise public awareness."2 1. Serper M, et al. Effect of Enhanced Risk Communication on Patient Comprehension of Concomitant Use Warnings for Acetaminophen-Containing Products: A Randomized Trial. 64th Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases : abstr. 2036, 1 Nov 2013. 2. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). Label Warnings Not Enough to Protect Consumer Safety When Taking Acetaminophen. Media Release : 4 Nov 2013. Available from: URL: http:// www.aasld.org. 803096234
0114-9954/13/1481-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2013 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved
Reactions 7 Dec 2013 No. 1481
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