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For Immediate Release
Aspirin Foundation Says New Tylenol
Lables Mislead Consumers
July 9, 1998
The Aspirin Foundation of America, Inc. said that the announcement by McNeil Consumer
Products of new packaging for Tylenol may have the unfortunate effect of further confusing
consumers about the relative risks of acetaminophen products and alcohol.
"The makers of Tylenol placed an alcohol warning on their product in 1994 after they lost a
much publicized court case involving an occasional user of alcohol who suffered irreversible
liver failure while taking the recommended dose of Tylenol," noted Dr. Thomas E. Bryant,
president of the Aspirin Foundation of America. "That is what prompted the warning."
"At the same time, the manufacturers of Tylenol urged similar warning labels for all pain
relievers, despite the fact that there was no sound evidence to show that aspirin and alcohol
posed such serious risks," said Dr. Bryant.
The Aspirin Foundation of America has always expressed strong support for warnings that
are scientifically documented and clinically significant to consumers. It has also assisted
FDA in developing voluntary warnings without the necessity of a rulemaking where
appropriate.
The Aspirin Foundation of America was established in 1981 to facilitate and encourage an
understanding of the potential health benefits of aspirin based on sound data and good
science.
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Contact:
Caroline Perrin
807 National Press Building, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 800-432-3247 Fax: 202/737-8406
info@aspirin.org
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