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Home > About ALF > Media Center

The American Liver Foundation Responds To Proposed FDA Requirements on Drug Labelling

The American Liver Foundation (ALF), a national nonprofit organization that provides education, advocacy and research on behalf of the 30 million Americans affected by liver disease, today commented on the new rules on drug labeling which the FDA has just proposed.

New York, December 21, 2006 – The American Liver Foundation (ALF), a national nonprofit organization that provides education, advocacy and research on behalf of the 30 million Americans affected by liver disease, today commented on the new rules on drug labeling which the FDA has just proposed.

The proposed rules include the highlighting of the word “acetaminophen” on all products containing the product and adding specific language to product labeling. The FDA also recommended similar changes to labeling on all over the counter products containing a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) ingredient, such as ibuprofen. Excess acetaminophen can damage the liver and NSAIDs can cause kidney damage and internal bleeding if not taken properly.

“It is crucial for people to understand what drugs they are putting into their system,” said Dr. James Boyer, chairman of the board of directors of the American Liver Foundation. “Acetaminophen is a wonderful drug, something I regularly prescribe for my patients with liver disease. The crucial issue is to take the correct amount of the drug and no more. We feel the new information on the labels will help people understand the proper dosage of all of these products.”

Key Facts About Liver Disease

  • The liver is one of the body’s largest organs, performing hundreds of functions every day. It removes harmful substances from the blood, makes bile to help digest fat, and stores energy.
  • 30 million Americans - one in every 10 - are or have been affected by a liver, biliary, or gallbladder disease.
  • Liver disease and cirrhosis are the 7th leading cause of death among adults between the ages of 25 and 64 in the U.S.
  • Many forms of liver disease are preventable, and many more, if detected early, can be treated effectively.

About the American Liver Foundation
The American Liver Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting liver health and disease prevention. ALF provides research, education and advocacy for those affected by liver-related diseases including hepatitis. Please visit the American Liver Foundation’s Web site at www.liverfoundation.org

Page updated: March 14th, 2007