Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers

 

Questions and Answers on Using Over-the-Counter (OTC) Human Drug Products Containing Analgesic/Antipyretic Active Ingredients Safely

• "The best way to take your over-the-counter pain reliever? Seriously." This brochure explains what OTC pain relievers and fever reducers are and how to use them so they are safe and effective. It also discusses the dangers from using more than one over-the-counter medicine with the same active ingredient.
  
  
  • En Español "¿Cuál es la mejor manera de tomar su medicina comprada sin receta médica? Con seriedad." This brochure explains what OTC pain relievers and fever reducers are and how to use them so they are safe and effective. It also discusses the dangers from using more than one over-the-counter medicine with the same active ingredient.
    
    
• "Use Caution With Pain Relievers." This FDA Consumer article, revised in November 2003, discusses the benefits and risks of using over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers. For reprints, e-mail dpapubs@fda.hhs.gov, or call 301-796-3703 or 1-888-INFO-FDA.
  
  
• "Health Bulletin: Use Caution With Pain Relievers." This article is about acetaminophen, an active ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription medicines to fight pain and fever. However, misusing this active ingredient can lead to a very serious injury.
  
  
• "Health Hints: Use Caution with Pain Relievers." This short article discusses the importance of knowing the active ingredients of and directions on all the over-the-counter medicine you use.