The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) welcomes Health Canada’s announcement to improve acetaminophen safety. This will include a final revised labeling standard for non-prescription acetaminophen products, a limit of 325mg of acetaminophen in prescription acetaminophen combination products, and the creation of new educational materials.

CPhA has long asked the federal government to take additional steps to ensure that acetaminophen is taken appropriately. As an active participant in Health Canada’s technical discussions, CPhA believes that the government’s announcement represents a balanced approach to reinforce the importance of using the lowest effective dose of acetaminophen.

The organization also approves of the government’s intentions to introduce regulations for low-dose (8mg or less) codeine pro

ducts, many of which also contain acetaminophen. CPhA believes that this measure is an important part of acetaminophen safety, and urges the government to act expeditiously in this area.

Despite these new measures, there continues to be a critical need for patient education and awareness about the appropriate use of acetaminophen products. Pharmacists, who are Canada’s most accessible health care professionals, will play a key role in explaining these changes to Canadians and will continue to counsel patients on safe and appropriate use.