Acetaminophen overdoses, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2006-2015

Acetaminophen, a drug commonly used to relieve pain and fever, is generally safe and effective when used as directed. However, acetaminophen overdose can cause serious adverse events, including liver damage and death. From 2006 through 2015, a total of 2,588 cases of acetaminophen overdose were identified in active component military members. Rates of acetaminophen overdose declined during this 10-year surveillance period, from 2.2 cases per 10,000 person-years (p-yrs) in 2006 to 1.2 cases per 10,000 p-yrs in 2015. Rates of overdose were higher among females, members of the Army, and service members younger than 25 years of age. Despite the apparent decline in acetaminophen overdose in the active component, continued surveillance is warranted to monitor this trend.