Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used analgesic\/antipyretic compounds worldwide, and is contained in hundreds of over-the-counter and prescription products in the U.S.\u00a0 While generally safe when taken as directed, concerns have been raised about over-use of acetaminophen and its potential effect on health consequences, especially liver failure.\u00a0 A particular concern is inadvertent overdose due to taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products.\u00a0 We are conducting a program of behavioral surveillance of U.S. adults, beginning with a baseline assessment of consumer knowledge, attitudes, and self-dosing in 2010 followed by continuous surveillance since early 2011. Participants are recruited from Lightspeed, an internet panel with 1.5 million members. \u00a0The survey design uses web-based daily diaries to collect detailed data on the use of acetaminophen-containing products (both Rx and OTC), dose, and timing. \u00a0Information on respondents\u2019 knowledge about acetaminophen-containing products, attitudes toward the use of medicines, relevant medical history, and other characteristics is obtained in an exit survey.<\/p>\n
The behavioral surveillance program is designed to ascertain the characteristics of acetaminophen users, with a focus on those who exceed the maximum recommended daily dose.\u00a0 The data will suggest areas for potential consumer interventions and allow for the monitoring of user attitudes, knowledge, and dosing behavior over time as interventions are undertaken.\u00a0 A separate diary study of a low education population recruited by mall intercept in 23 sites throughout the U.S., in which similar data were obtained, was conducted in late 2011.<\/p>\n
Investigators:<\/strong><\/p>\n David W. Kaufman, Sc.D. (Slone Epidemiology Center), Co-Principal Investigator Mary K. Malone, M.B.A. (Appleseed Consumer Insight), Co-Investigator Study Staff:<\/strong><\/p>\n Judith P. Kelly, M.S. (Slone Epidemiology Center), Epidemiologist <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Source of Funding: <\/strong><\/p>\n McNeil Consumer HealthCare<\/p>\n Study Period: <\/strong><\/p>\n July 2010 to present<\/p>\n Current Data File:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Kaufman DW, Kelly JP, Rohay JM, Malone MK, Weinstein RB, Shiffman S. Prevalence and correlates of exceeding the labeled maximum dose of acetaminophen among adults in a U.S.-based internet survey. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2012;21:1280-88. doi: 10.1002\/pds.3350.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\nSaul Shiffman, Ph.D. (Pinney Associates), Co-Principal Investigator<\/p>\n
\nRachel Weinstein, Ph.D. (Janssen Research and Development), Co-Investigator<\/p>\n
\nMark Sembower, Ph.D. (Pinney Associates), Statistician
\nDeena Batista, Ph.D. (Pinney Associates), Statistician<\/p>\nStudy Details<\/h3>
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\n Surveillance<\/td>\n 9,463 acetaminophen users<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Low Education Study<\/td>\n 756 acetaminophen users<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Publications<\/h3>