Concerns Over Liver Damage from Pain Medications Containing Acetaminophen

Concerned over the growing rate of liver damage associated with large doses of acetaminophen, an expert panel for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended limiting the dosage of acetaminophen in over-the-counter (OTC) medications as well as urging that all combination opioid medications with acetaminophen be removed from the market. This would include medications such as Vicodin and Percocet.

APF is always concerned when access to safe, effective pain medication is threatened. The FDA has not acted on the recommendation from the panel. Right now, combination opioid medications are still available. APF will monitor for further FDA actions. In the meantime, APF encourages you to speak to your healthcare provider to determine if you are taking too much acetaminophen.

 
To explain how these medications could increase the risk of liver damage and what options are available if you are taking any of these products, read APF’s Question and Answer Sheet>>

Dr. Scott Fishman, President of the Board of APF recently appeared on the News Hour with Jim Lehrer to explain the concerns and the risks involved with OTC acetaminophen and prescription pain medications containing acetaminophen. View here.

APF has been following the FDA’s concerns over acetaminophen products and issued a position statement last April on the FDA’s ruling to label acetaminophen products. Read position statement>>

4,075 Signatures Received in Six Days!

In just six days, 4,075 signatures were collected in support of American Pain Foundation’s petition urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider the recommendations provided by the pain community and endorsed by APF regarding the development of Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for certain opioid drugs. Signatures from residents of every state of the union and Washington DC were collected. In addition residents of 24 foreign countries and U.S. territories submitted their signatures and comments in support of U.S. citizens. On June 29, 2009, APF submitted its comments and position statement, along with the petition, to the FDA.

APF thanks everyone who supported this position with their signatures and powerful comments. We could not have done this without the collective voices of the pain community, including individuals living with pain, healthcare providers, family members and friends. To read the text of the petition and the heartfelt comments expressed by members of the pain community, click here.

APF Responds to Speculation about Pain Medication Involvement in Michael Jackson’s Death

The American Pain Foundation does not have any information surrounding the details of entertainer Michael Jackson’s death. Media reports have speculated that prescription medication may have played a role in his death. It is our hope that media coverage of high-profile celebrities’ alleged misuse or abuse of prescription medication does not further increase stigma faced by legitimate pain patients or increase barriers to their access to these important medications. Please read APF’s official statement>>

New Update on National Pain Care Policy Act (S660)

Summer 2009 Issue of Pain Community News

We are delighted to bring you the Summer 2009 issue of Pain Community News. This new issue is chock full of news you can use, including Health Insurance Woes: Staying On Top of Your Coverage, Top10 Tips for Protecting and Getting the Most from Your Coverage, Obtaining and Correcting Your Medical Record, Beating the Summer Heat, Gender Matters: Why Women Feel More Pain, Ask an Employee Benefits Advisor and much more. This issue has also been reformatted to make it easier to print. Please pass it along to friends, family members and others who might be interested in reading it. Simply click here to read the newsletter.

American Pain Foundation Calls for a Rational and Balanced Approach to REMS

APF, along with the Pain Care Forum, has been working diligently to ensure that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) protects the rights of people with pain and takes a balanced approach when finalizing their recommended Risk Evaluation Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for prescribed opioid medications. Read the Pain Care Forum REMS task force’s recommendations that were presented to the FDA and supported by APF. Learn more about the FDA meeting and the Pain Care Forum’s recommendations to the FDA by reading APF’s press release.

APF and advocates who live with pain testified before the FDA on May 27, 2009. Read APF’s position statement on REMS. Pain advocates who live with pain, Mark Maginn, Carolyn Noel, Teresa Shaffer and Mary Vargas, courageously shared their struggles with obtaining appropriate and effective pain treatment and implored the FDA to consider the voices of the millions of Americans whose lives have been restored because of opioid pain medications. Click on each name to read their testimonies.

Spotlight on Fibromyalgia

NEW!  Is Fibro the Cause? APF, with support from Forest Laboratories, is proud to unveil a brand new fibromyalgia toolkit and self-assessment tool, which will help patients and their families gain a better understanding of this painful condition.

Join APF in Support of Comprehensive Health Insurance Coverage for People With Fibromyalgia

APF supports the development of a Health Insurer Code of Conduct that develops clear and concise principles to address medical care policies, payment issues and monitor compliance of health care insurers, an effort to ensure and protect patient access to approved medical treatments. People with pain are the most affected by restrictive practices of the managed care industry that undermine the integrity of doctor-patient relationships. Read & Sign the Petition Now! You will go to the Petition Site, where you can sign the Fibromyalgia Petition, make comments and see who else signed it. Petition deadline is August 31, 2009.

National Pain Care Policy Act, S. 660 - Video and Petition

APF was recently made aware of a video created by Casey Mathews, a 19 year old Southern California college student whose mother has suffered from chronic pain for as long as he can remember. As part of a political science class project, Casey created a video and petition. The petition will be delivered to the U.S. Senate to encourage support and passage of the 2009 National Pain Care Policy Act, S. 660. Watch the video here and then sign the petition here.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Help pass the National Pain Care Policy Act, S. 660 by contacting your Senators and requesting they co-sponsor this critical pain legislation. Please click here to TAKE ACTION.  If you are from Utah or Connecticut, please click here to thank Senator Hatch or Senator Dodd. To read more about the National Pain Care Policy Act 2009, S. 660, please click here.

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