Aurophen

Aurophen is used to reduce fever, relieve minor aches and pains such as colds or flu, headache, sore throat, tooth pain, back pain, joint or muscle pain, and menstrual cramps.

Aurophen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. An Aurophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with a full glass of water and do not crush, chew, or break it.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure any liquid dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Read and carefully follow the instructions provided with this medicine on how to prepare and take Aurophen powder. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand these instructions.

Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a certain period of time, or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause false results on certain blood tests. Tell the laboratory staff that you use Aurophen.

Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Protect the liquid medicine from light. Keep each dose of the oral powder in its packet until you are ready to use it.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Call your doctor at once if you have loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

In rare cases, Aurophen may cause a severe skin reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

You should not take Aurophen if you are allergic to it, or if you take other medications that contain this medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Aurophen is safe to use if you have or have ever had:

• if you use a blood thinner (such as warfarin);
• any allergies; or
• liver disease, cirrhosis, alcoholism, or more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, Aurophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal, even if you took this medicine in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking Aurophen and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Stop taking Aurophen and call your doctor at once if you have:

• any new or worsening symptoms;
• redness, swelling; or
• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aurophen is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms include vomiting, stomach pain, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain Aurophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP).

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage.

Other drugs may affect Aurophen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.