Many people reach out for a quick safe remedy by purchasing an over-the-counter medication, not realizing that these drugs may carry negative effects.

Over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen can have serious negative effects similar to a prescription drug.

Unfortunately, many people treat over-the-counter drugs not as a drug. I know I have personally heard people stating it’s just acetaminophen, using the most common brand name, Tylenol. 

Of course, acetaminophen can be a helpful medication for such things as arthritis pain, common cold symptoms, headaches, and fever reduction. The key is to recognize it as a drug with precautions similar to a prescription drug. Just because it is over-the-counter doesn’t mean risks are not involved.

As a user of acetaminophen, I know the benefits of it. But I also have become aware of the negative effects it can bring on your liver as well as potential overdoses.

The fact is that any medication whether over-the-counter or prescribed must be looked at carefully.

So next time you purchase an over-the-counter medication as a quick remedy, know all the facts:

• Can it interact with any other medication, supplement, or vitamin?
• What is the correct dosage?
• How long can you take it?
• Are the ingredients in the over-the-counter in anything else you are taking to cause a possible overdose?
• Will consuming alcohol or recreational drugs interfere with the medication?