Your comment, "It is my understanding that just reducing the amount of acetaminophen should not have much, if any, effect on the pain-relieving ability of the medication".
I only wish that was so at least in my case. I am a chronic pain patient and was given Norco 7.5-325 for back pain - which provided no pain relief at all. Switching back to Vicodin 7.5/750 provided significant relief. As a maintenance dose was changed over to Vicodin 10/660 QID because of the lower amount of acetamminophen. For some (unexplained) reason it appears the additional amount of acetaminophen makes a huge difference for me. I am also taking 15 mg Morphine for breakthrough pain as needed. I am not looking forward to this new reduction in acetaminophen but understand it.
My doc, at one point, had me taking additional Tylenol with percocet. It was for the same reason- added benefit AND closely monitored. Unfortunately, it didn't last long with me. I'm sure this option will be utilized in the future, both doctor directed and by the self medicating.
I support the FDA on this one. I've heard many horror stories from family & friends in the medical field regarding accidental overdosing. This will protect people that aren't diligent about tracking dosages or even what all is in their meds.
And one of the most important benefits I see is that this will further educate people on the maximum dosage of tylenol.
Dana
Years ago I had learned of the dangers of APAP (easier to spell it this way *G*) so anytime I had a choice, I'd try to get my mes either have lower APAP or switch to aspirin.
I had my headache meds switched to Fiorinal from Fioricet. Fortunately, my Norco has 325mg of APAP. I try to avoid APAP altogether because I'm on meds for RA and have my liver checked regularly because of it.
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Dear Karen, thank you for keeping us on top of things as usual. I don't like the FDA either but in this case it's probably a good decision on their part. I take Vicoden , but when it's not helping ( as in breakthrough pain) I'll grab a couple of Excedrins to help boost the Vicoden, which is probably not such a great idea since I'm also on quite a few other prescriptions for other things. So thank you again for this info. Sioux.