Aging Safely:
What Older Adults Need to Know About Acetaminophen Use
By James Appleby, CEO of the Gerontological Society of America
As we grow older, maintaining our health often becomes more complex. That reality has shaped my work at the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for over a decade, where we advance cutting-edge research and challenge outdated narratives about aging. Our vision is meaningful lives as we age. Of course, maintaining our health along the way is important.
One area that deserves keen attention is how older adults use medications—especially nonprescription medicines, often called over-the-counter (OTC) products. Many rely on OTC products that contain acetaminophen to manage everyday aches and pains. While acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used ingredients in pain relievers and fever reducers across the U.S., too many people do not realize that improper use can lead to serious health risks, including liver damage.
Why Safe Acetaminophen Use Deserves More Attention from Older Adults
As we age, our bodies begin to process medications differently. Small missteps, like forgetting to read the medicine label and taking more than the recommended dose, can lead to serious consequences.
According to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, 93% of adults in the United States prefer to treat their minor ailments with OTC medicines before seeking care from a healthcare provider. Furthermore, adults 65 years of age and older use more prescription and OTC medications than any other demographic group.
It’s important that we raise awareness about safe acetaminophen use, especially among older adults, because we may be more vulnerable to these risks.
What the Latest Research on Acetaminophen Awareness Tells Us
A recent nationwide tri-annual research survey from the Consumer Healthcare Products Association’s Health In Hand Foundation and the Know Your Dose campaign revealed some encouraging news: overall awareness of acetaminophen safety remains high. There are, however, some important gaps—particularly among adults aged 65+ living with chronic pain.
People in this age group were less likely to know critical safety facts, such as how to identify whether acetaminophen is in their medications, or how to stay within the recommended daily limit. The survey also found that men of all ages are less likely to be aware of or follow safe use guidelines.
These findings underscore the need to continue educating consumers on safe acetaminophen use, especially older adults and men. Fortunately, the Know Your Dose campaign offers helpful, free resources, like the acetaminophen dosing calculator. This easy-to-use online tool helps you calculate how much acetaminophen you may be taking.
Tips for Using Acetaminophen Safely
Four simple steps can help you take medicines with acetaminophen safely:
- Always read and follow the dosing instructions on your label. Never take more medicine than directed by the label—this is an overdose, and it can lead to liver damage.
- Know if your medicines contain acetaminophen. If your OTC medicine contains acetaminophen, it will be highlighted in yellow on the label. It may sometimes be listed as “APAP” or “acetam” on prescription medications.
- Take only one medicine with acetaminophen at a time. You can take too much acetaminophen if you use more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at the same time. These medicines can include pain relievers and fever reducers.
- Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about how to take your medicines safely.
Healthy Aging Starts Now
No matter our age, being informed and proactive is crucial for staying healthy. Acetaminophen is safe and effective when it’s used as directed. Whether you’re checking for yourself or a loved one, it’s essential to follow safe use guidelines and incorporate tools like the dosing calculator into your routine.
To learn more about acetaminophen safe use, visit KnowYourDose.org and follow @KnowYourDose on X and Facebook.
Blog Contributor: James Appleby’s bio
James C. Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, ScD (Hon), is the chief executive officer of the Gerontological Society of America, the nation’s oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization focused on aging. He is leading the Society’s Reframing Aging Initiative to reshape the conventional negative narrative around aging that dominates public understanding. Other major Society programs focus on improving adult immunization rates, enabling earlier detection and treatment of cognitive impairment, enhancing the care of individuals experiencing obesity, and improving oral health for older individuals. He is a member of the National Alliance for Caregiving Board of Directors and serves as co-chair of the Mayor’s Age-Friendly Washington, DC Task Force.
The opinions within this blog do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Men’s Health Network.
