This week, the FDA recommended sterner warnings on common pain relievers, citing concerns that earlier warnings did not go far enough considering the easy availability of the products and their presence in combination products, such as cold medicines.

Acetaminophen is safe when taken as directed. But at higher doses, the drug can cause liver damage. Patients taking acetaminophen should also avoid alcohol, and never drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day while on the drug.

Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can cause kidney damage and gastrointestinal bleeding, even when taken at normal doses. The number of people who suffer these complications is small compared to the 17 million who take the drug each day, however. Patients at the highest risk include those over 59, those with a history of stomach ulcers or who take blood thinning drugs, or those who take other NSAID-containing drugs or use NSAIDS long term.

Most people who take these drugs will have no complications, but I think making the public aware is important, especially considering the high rate of use of these drugs and the fact that they're considered safe even for infants and children. What do you think?