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Developing consumer-centered, nonprescription drug labeling a study in acetaminophen.
Jennifer P King1, Terry C Davis, Stacy Cooper Bailey
1Health Literacy and Learning Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 750 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. jenniferking@northwestern.edu
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|May 14, 2011
Summary
Improving acetaminophen labeling is crucial as unintentional overdoses cause many hospitalizations. Consumer feedback led to preferred icons and clearer warnings for safer use of this common pain reliever.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Consumer Safety
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the U.S.
- Over 30,000 annual hospitalizations are linked to acetaminophen misuse.
- A significant portion of overdoses are unintentional, indicating issues with understanding labels or dosages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To gather consumer feedback on active ingredient and dosing information for over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen.
- To elicit preferences for plain-language text and icons on acetaminophen packaging.
Main Methods:
- Six focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 45 adults.
- Individual interviews assessed OTC pain reliever knowledge, label attention, and literacy.
- Focus groups gathered preferences for label messages and icons.
Main Results:
- 44% of participants read at or below a 6th-grade level.
- Less than 50% routinely check product labels; only 31% knew acetaminophen is in Tylenol®.
- Consensus was reached on an acetaminophen icon, a liver damage warning, and maximum dose information.
Conclusions:
- A consumer-centered approach to developing clear icons and messages can enhance awareness and safe use of acetaminophen.
- Improved labeling is essential given the high prevalence of OTC acetaminophen use.
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