Health Canada has told makers of over-the-counter products to provide clearer label instructions and stronger warnings on products containing acetaminophen in an effort to prevent liver damage. More than 475 different acetaminophen products are authorized for sale in Canada, the majority being non-prescription. Acetaminophen has been sold in Canada since 1961, said Dr. Supriya Sharma, senior medical adviser with Health Canada's health products and food branch in Ottawa. Health Canada's 2015 Acetaminophen Report showed more than 250 cases of serious liver injury every year related to acetaminophen. In many of these cases, patients had identifiable risk factors for acetaminophen liver injury, such as alcoholism or viral liver disease, according to the report.

Source: CBC News September 15, 2016 16:03 UTC