Acetaminophen Linked to Fatal Skin Reactions

Acetaminophen can cause dangerous skin reactions in some people, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced. The pain and fever medication can cause three types of skin diseases, with symptoms ranging from blisters to tissue damage. The two more serious diseases, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermalnecrolysis (TEN), can lead to hospitalization and even death. The third disease, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is less severe and usually goes away within a few weeks of not taking acetaminophen. Many suffer from flu-like symptoms first, then rashes, blistering or peeling skin. Dr. Sharon Hertz, the deputy director of FDA's Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Addiction, says, "This new information is not intended to worry consumers or health care professionals, nor is it meant to encourage them to choose other medications. However, it is extremely important that people recognize and react quickly to the initial symptoms of these rare but serious, side effects, which are potentially fatal."

Time, 8/2/13