OT: Generic acetaminophen (Tylenol) recalled

[Rowan]

(AP) Updated: 2 hours, 40 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - A major manufacturer of acetaminophen sold by Wal-Mart, CVS, Safeway and more than 100 other retailers recalled 11 million bottles of the widely used pain-relieving pills Thursday after discovering some were contaminated with metal fragments.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or illness. The recall affects bottles containing various amounts of 500-milligram caplets made by the Perrigo Co.

The contaminated pills included metal fragments ranging in size from “microdots” to portions of wire one-third of an inch long, the Food and Drug Administration said. Perrigo discovered the metal bits during quality-control checks after realizing the equipment it uses to make pills was wearing down prematurely, the FDA said.

A company investigation turned up metal in roughly 200 pills, after passing 70 million of the caplets through a metal detector, according to the FDA.

Consumers who swallow any of the contaminated pills could suffer minor stomach discomfort or possible cuts to the mouth and throat, the FDA said, adding that the risk of serious injury was remote. Anyone who suspects they have been injured should contact a doctor, the agency said.

The FDA posted on its Web site the recalled batch numbers and the dozens of chains supplied by Perrigo, which bills itself as the world’s largest manufacturer of store-brand nonSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM drugs. The 129 retailers that could potentially be affected by the recall include Wal-Mart Stores Inc., CVS Corp., Safeway Stores and SuperValu Inc. They typically sell the Perrigo-made pills under private labels.

Perrigo, based in Allegan, Mich., said the pills contained raw material purchased from a third-party supplier and affected 383 batches. A company spokesman did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Acetaminophen is best known as the drug in products sold under the Tylenol brand, but is widely available in generic versions. The drug, along with aspirin and ibuprofen, is one of the most widely used pain relievers available without a doctor’s note. The retail market for the pain-relievers is worth more than $2 billion a year, according to Perrigo.

The recall does not affect Tylenol. The recall should not cause a shortage of acetaminophen, the FDA said.

The voluntary recall is considered a Class II recall since it covers products that might cause a temporary health problem or pose only a slight threat of a serious nature, according to the FDA.

Consumers with questions can call Perrigo toll free at (877) 546-0454.

The batch list appears on the FDA Web site. Batch numbers appear on the container’s label.

[Rowan]

Stores possibly affected by pill recall
Generic drug maker found metal fragments in caplets

MSNBC
Updated: 10:39 a.m. CT Nov 9, 2006

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a voluntary recall being conducted by Perrigo Company (Perrigo) of Allegan, Mich. for 383 batches of acetaminophen 500-milligram caplets manufactured and distributed under various store-brands as a result of small metal fragments found in a small number of these caplets.

A.B. Wholesale
Access Business Group
Albertsons
Allied Merchandising Ind.
AMCON Distributing
AMCON Distributing Co.
American Sales Co.
AMERISOURCE-BERGEN
Anda Inc.
Anderson Wholesale
Bacon Grocery
Bellco Drug Corp
Bell's Wholesale
BJ's Wholesale
Brenham Wholesale Groc.
BROOKS ECKERD DRUG
Brookshire Brothers, Ltd
Urklund Distr. Inc. (GOODSENSE)
C & S Wholesale
Caldwell Wholesale
Capital Candy
Cardinal
Caridnal Health, Inc.
City Supplies
Con-Jel Sales Corp.
Crest Discount Food (GOODSENSE)
Crossroads Sales
Cumberland Swan
CVS
Dakota Drug
Dearborn Wholesalers
Dik Drug
Discount Distributors
Discount Drug Mart
Dohman Dist Partner Central
DOLLAR GENERAL CORP.
DOUGLAS COMPANIES, Inc.
DUCKWALL-ALCO WHSE
ECKERD DRUG COMPANY
F.Dohmen
FARNER-BOCKEN Co.
FLEMING CSD - PLYMOUTH DIVISION
Foley's Inc.
Food Lion
Frank Kerr
Fred Meyer
Geiss, Destin, Dunn
Gem State Distributors
General Merchandising
GENERIX
GREAT LAKES WHOLESALE
GREAT NORTH FOODS
Grocers Supply
GROCERY SUPPLY CO.-SULPHUR SPG
H. MORGAN CORPORATION
H.E. BUTT
H.T. Hackney
HACKNEY SERVICE MDSERS, INC.
HANNAFORD PROGRESSIVE
HARBOR WHOLESALE GROCERY CO.
HD Smith Wholesale
HERMAN DISTRIBUTORS INC.
Hy-Vee
IMPERIAL TRADING COMPANY, INC.
INTERNATIONAL AID ITEMS GALORE, INC.
Keefe Supply
KING DRUG COMPANY
KMART RESOURCE CENTER
Kroger
Kwik Trip, Inc
Lani LLC
Long's D&K (Hawaii)
Long's Drug Stores
LONG'S HAWAII
M.R. WILLIAMS, INC.
McKesson
McQueary Brothers Wholesale
MDI, INC.
Meijer
Melaleuca/ B&V
MERCHANDISE INC
MEYERS SUPPLY INC.
MIAMI-LUKEN, INC.
Millbrook Dist
Mills Fleet Wholesale Supply
MORALES DISTRIBUTORS
Morris & Dickson
National Wholesale Liq.
PathMark Stores, Inc.
PECHIN MARKET
PIGGLY WIGGLY
SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM SUPPLY, INC.
PROGRESSIVE DISTRIB - Disc
SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMs Unlimited
PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS INC.
QUEST PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
RALEY'S SUPERMARKETS
Ralph's Grocery
RALPH'S PEARL ST.
ROUNDY'S (GOOD SENSE)
ROUNDY'S, INC.
SAFEWAY STORES
Sav-A-Lot
SAVE MART SUPERMARKETS
SERV A RACK INC
Smith Wholesale Drug
SOMODY SUPPLY INC.
SOUTHCO DISTR CO
ST. JOSEPH DISTRIBUTING
STEPHENSON WHLSE (GOODSENSE)
Stewarts Shop Corp.
Super Valu
SUPER VALU, Inc.
SuperMarket Services
THOMAS & HOWARD COMPANY
THOMPSONS EMPORIUM
Topco
VARIETY DISTRIBUTORS
VARIETY WHOLESALERS, INC.
W. LEE FLOWERS COMPANY
Wakefern ShopRite
Wal-mart
WALSH HEARTLAND, L.L.C.
WALSH SOUTHWEST, L.L.C.
WILLIAM MACGILL
WINCO FOODS
WINN DIXIE STORES, Inc.
WOODMAN'S FOOD MARKET, Inc.

[Hershey]

Thank you for posting this important infor, Rowan. I have some of this from CVS, so I'll have to go to the FDA web site to check my serial numbers. Bummer! Thanks again.
----Hershey

[Rowan]

Your Welcome!

Here's the link to the FDA's list of Recalled Batches......

SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMwww.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/perrigo/perrigobatchlist.html

[Linda Lou]

This is kinda OT, but the title of this thread prompted me to give a heads-up on acetaminophen.

I have a physical condition, which at times, can be excruciatingly painful.

I have just learned today, from my pharmacist, that acetaminophen does absolutely nothing for any kind of inflammatory condition, for those who might be dealing with any.

I learned this AFTER using a SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM for Tylenol with codeine, and being frustrated that even this had no impact on the pain whatsoever.


Best and safest NSAID is Aleve, or Naproxen, and new findings have shown that it may even decrease the chance of heart disease b/c of it's anti-inflammatory properties.

[PK...]

Yes...

It's good for headaches and simple pain... And not much else... Tylenol with Codine will just make you sleepy... I have never figured out why they prescribe this for pain in the first place...

Aleve and Naproxen (same thing) are no better than Ibuprofen(sp)... They are simply a time release NSAID... The safeness is no different... And the ony problem with any NSAID is that stomach bleeding may occur... Something to think about if you already have problems in that area...

I have to wonder at a doctor who would prescribe Tylenol2 (or 3 - more codine) for anything related to inflamation... But then we are bombarded witn Tylenol for Arthritis ads on TV daily...

It might dull the pain, but will do nothing for the arthritis, as an NSAID will...

Currently, I am thanking "someone' for Celebrex... Lowest dose for arthritis (no worries about the hype on it at that level)... It's a 24 hour dose, otherwise I would be popping IB every few hours... The only caveat with Celebrex is that you have to use Tylenol for any other pain... But that works since the only other pain I ever have is a headache...

;0))

PK Sorry... didn't mean to get carried away, LOL...

[amber]

lol that's ok PK happens to all of us.

[Linda Lou]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PK...:
Yes...

It's good for headaches and simple pain... And not much else... Tylenol with Codine will just make you sleepy... I have never figured out why they prescribe this for pain in the first place...

Aleve and Naproxen (same thing) are no better than Ibuprofen(sp)... They are simply a time release NSAID... The safeness is no different... And the ony problem with any NSAID is that stomach bleeding may occur... Something to think about if you already have problems in that area...

I have to wonder at a doctor who would prescribe Tylenol2 (or 3 - more codine) for anything related to inflamation... But then we are bombarded witn Tylenol for Arthritis ads on TV daily...

It might dull the pain, but will do nothing for the arthritis, as an NSAID will...


www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585200
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PK, there is currently a small article in this week's Women's World, about the safety of Naproxen, and the findings that it may actually decrease the chance of heart disease, so I know my pharmacist didn't pull this out of the air.

As for the physician who prescribed the tylenol with codeine, it wasn't my regular doctor, it was someone filling in for him. And it's not arthritis that I have, whish NSAID are typically used for.

So far, the Aleve has definately worked better for me than any other non-SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM medication I've tried. Everyone responds differently, I feel. I don't dare go any further than this in looking for relief for pain, as I would like to be able to function on the job and drooling can be so unattractive. :D

[Hershey]

It does do something for inflammation - takes away the pain associated with it - temporarily. It does not reduce the inflammation itself. So to say it does nothing for the inflammation is somewhat misleading; it treats symptoms associated with it but not the inflammation. I take mine, the generic equivalent of Tylenol for Arthritis, for back pain associated with arthritis and it works great, for a few hours. It is esp. helpful when I'm going to be sitting in the car for a long time driving.

[Rowan]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PK...:

Aleve and Naproxen (same thing) are no better than Ibuprofen(sp)... They are simply a time release NSAID... The safeness is no different... And the ony problem with any NSAID is that stomach bleeding may occur... Something to think about if you already have problems in that area...


PK Sorry... didn't mean to get carried away, LOL...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thanks for mentioning the Stomach Bleeding when taking to much Naproxen or Ibuprofen, my Mom has been in the hospital on more than one occasion due to that. The last time was last year when we were stuck in a city where she didn't have a doctor to perscribe her usual pain med which is a narcotic......


Don't worry about getting carried away, I do it too......LOL

[beekeeper]

What about Advil?!? I think that is what I have at home ...

[Linda Lou]

Actually, come to think of it, if you have to take OTC pain relievers continually, there are side effects from ALL of them.

Acetominophen can damage your liver, when taken for too long, aspirin and NSAID's can cause stomach bleeding. I'm currently trying to find a more natural anti-inflammatory, such as bromelain, tumeric, ginger and white willow bark. You never know what might work.

[Linda Lou]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
What about Advil?!? I think that is what I have at home ...
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585257
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It's just another NSAID, Bee.

[PK...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linda Lou:
Actually, come to think of it, if you have to take OTC pain relievers continually, there are side effects from ALL of them.

Acetominophen can damage your liver, when taken for too long, aspirin and NSAID's can cause stomach bleeding. I'm currently trying to find a more natural anti-inflammatory, such as bromelain, tumeric, ginger and white willow bark. You never know what might work.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585260
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Yes there are... And no you don't...

And there are side affects with every drug, otc or SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM... LOL... What they say on "TV" may make you prefer the ailment to the solution...

But to respond to Hershey's post...She, herself, said acetaminophen only treated the pain associated with inflamation... So... Let me ask you this... Unless you have bad reaction to NSaids, why would you choose to simply treat the pain when you could treat both the pain and the inflamation at the same time?

;0))

PK

[PK...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linda Lou:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
beekeeper:
What about Advil?!? I think that is what I have at home ...
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585257
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It's just another NSAID, Bee.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585262
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Bee... Advil is Ibuprofen... You just pay more for it...

;0))

PK

[Hershey]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PK...:
Unless you have bad reaction to NSaids, why would you choose to simply treat the pain when you could treat both the pain and the inflamation at the same time?
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585290
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Easy answer - treating the inflammation takes a stronger drug. I go mildest to strongest. If mildest does the trick first, so be it. When I need to graduate to stronger, I do. There is at least one study showing that Naproxen can be harmful, so, while I do take it when necessary, I don't if Tylenol for Athritis works for the short term.

[Hellfire]

Wow! This is a lot of really good information on over the counter pain relievers.

The whole time I thought the only difference was one for pain and the other for a headache.

[PK...]

-Easy answer - treating the inflammation takes a stronger drug. I go mildest to strongest. If mildest does the trick first, so be it. When I need to graduate to stronger, I do. There is at least one study showing that Naproxen can be harmful, so, while I do take it when necessary, I don't if Tylenol for Athritis works for the short term.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585292
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Good point...

If tylenol handles your pain - no contest (but it still does nothing for inflamation).... Good on you...

One side effect with tylenol... Don't use it for hang overs... That could be dangerous... I'm sure it's on the label, but who can read that fine print...

;0))

PK

Missed this... << treating the inflammation takes a stronger drug.>> What is your basis for this claim???

[Hershey]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PK...:
Don't use it for hang overs...

www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585297
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No worries. I have never in my life had a hangover.

But since we are talking about caveats, NEVER give it to dogs. It is harmful to dogs. (Unless, of course, a vet instructs you to give it for some reason or another, but I doubt that one would).

[PK...]

Wasn't pointing fingers, just providing label warnings, LOL...

And yes... Only aspirin for animals...

;0))

PK

[Hershey]

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PK...:

And yes... Only aspirin for animals...

www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585307
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Correction: only BUFFERED aspirin for dogs. Their stomachs don't tolerate aspirin well and it can cause bleeding - you aren't supposed to give them aspiring that isn't buffered.

[Linda Lou]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PK...:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linda Lou:
Actually, come to think of it, if you have to take OTC pain relievers continually, there are side effects from ALL of them.

Acetominophen can damage your liver, when taken for too long, aspirin and NSAID's can cause stomach bleeding. I'm currently trying to find a more natural anti-inflammatory, such as bromelain, tumeric, ginger and white willow bark. You never know what might work.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585260
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes there are... And no you don't...

And there are side affects with every drug, otc or SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM... LOL... What they say on "TV" may make you prefer the ailment to the solution...

But to respond to Hershey's post...She, herself, said acetaminophen only treated the pain associated with inflamation... So... Let me ask you this... Unless you have bad reaction to NSaids, why would you choose to simply treat the pain when you could treat both the pain and the inflamation at the same time?

;0))

PK
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585290
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I'm not sure if you are addressing me, PK. But, I will say, that I would be willing to treat the condition I have in the typical way it's dealt with, that's with steriodal medication, but I can't. They affected my heart.

So, as for me, I can only take the edge off of the pain, with OTC meds, after trying alternate SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMs such as muscle relaxants, which are not all that effective either. ALL of the OTC meds I have tried have all had nominal effect at best, even the Aleve.

If there's something out there that's non-SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM that effectively relieves pain AND inflammation, I would LOVE to know what it is.

[Hellfire]

What about baby aspirin for dogs? I give about a half a pill to my Yorkie twice a month to help on his bad days of gettin' old. I may have to increase about once a week.

[Hershey]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hellfire:
What about baby aspirin for dogs? I give about a half a pill to my Yorkie twice a month to help on his bad days of gettin' old. I may have to increase about once a week.
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Please consult with your vet, Hellfire.

[Zippy]

Baby asprin in safe for dogs...as per vet for SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM

Also for old joints ask about Yucca tablets

[Hellfire]

Thanks, but I'm not sure he would be up to anything yucca. He's picky and spoiled. LOL!

I've noticed for now a nice massage on all his joints and back makes him feel better. Just getting worried when that will not be enough:(

[PK...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linda Lou:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PK...:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linda Lou:
Actually, come to think of it, if you have to take OTC pain relievers continually, there are side effects from ALL of them.

Acetominophen can damage your liver, when taken for too long, aspirin and NSAID's can cause stomach bleeding. I'm currently trying to find a more natural anti-inflammatory, such as bromelain, tumeric, ginger and white willow bark. You never know what might work.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585260
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes there are... And no you don't...

And there are side affects with every drug, otc or SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM... LOL... What they say on "TV" may make you prefer the ailment to the solution...

But to respond to Hershey's post...She, herself, said acetaminophen only treated the pain associated with inflamation... So... Let me ask you this... Unless you have bad reaction to NSaids, why would you choose to simply treat the pain when you could treat both the pain and the inflamation at the same time?

;0))

PK
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585290
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I'm not sure if you are addressing me, PK. But, I will say, that I would be willing to treat the condition I have in the typical way it's dealt with, that's with steriodal medication, but I can't. They affected my heart.

So, as for me, I can only take the edge off of the pain, with OTC meds, after trying alternate SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMs such as muscle relaxants, which are not all that effective either. ALL of the OTC meds I have tried have all had nominal effect at best, even the Aleve.

If there's something out there that's non-SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM that effectively relieves pain AND inflammation, I would LOVE to know what it is.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585312
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I was not disagreeing with you LindaLou... Yes, there are side effects from all of them... And no you don't know what will work until you try them...

;0))

PK

[PK...]

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Zippy:

....Also for old joints ask about Yucca tablets
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585331
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Are you talkin to me??? LOL... Maybe I should be consulting with my vet instead of my MD...

;0))

PK

[Zippy]

What clued you in? Old Joints? lol

[PK...]

Oh, yes... LOL... They seem to be older than I, even...

Spose chewing on a Yucca leaf would work? The cows in west Texas don't seem to have any joint problemsL... Hah... That's where I need to send OX...

;0))

PK

[Linda Lou]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PK...:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linda Lou:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
If there's something out there that's non-SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM that effectively relieves pain AND inflammation, I would LOVE to know what it is.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585312
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I was not disagreeing with you LindaLou... Yes, there are side effects from all of them... And no you don't know what will work until you try them...

;0))

PK
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I didn't think that you were disagreeing, PK. Believe me, I know all about side effects, that's why I'm trying to find even something natural that might work.

I was hoping to log on today, and find that someone had posted about a miraculous OTC medication they have found that worked wonders for pain.

I didn't think so. LOL!

[PlainJane]

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Linda Lou:
Actually, come to think of it, if you have to take OTC pain relievers continually, there are side effects from ALL of them.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

stomach aches
nausious (sp)
headaches
dizziness
diarriah
constipation
etc

may occur...


i see this all the time on medicine commercials the side effects....they give out a whole list of them...is it WORTH treating one thing to get a whole lot of others problems?

[sam king cat]

Reminds me of those magazine ads. Have you flipped the page over and read the "stuff" ?....think I'll stick with the original problem rather than the numerous side affects. Makes you 'wonder'.

[Linda Lou]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PlainJane:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linda Lou:
Actually, come to think of it, if you have to take OTC pain relievers continually, there are side effects from ALL of them.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

stomach aches
nausious (sp)
headaches
dizziness
diarriah
constipation
etc

may occur...


i see this all the time on medicine commercials the side effects....they give out a whole list of them...is it WORTH treating one thing to get a whole lot of others problems?
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585480
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LOL! PJ, sometimes, if the pain is bad enough, you simply must turn a blind eye to the possible side effects, or at the very least, hope that you get lucky and don't experience them. It's a trade off, but I know what you're sayin'.

[Linda Lou]

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sam king cat:
Reminds me of those magazine ads. Have you flipped the page over and read the "stuff" ?....think I'll stick with the original problem rather than the numerous side affects. Makes you 'wonder'.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1585484
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SKC, I try to never read the "stuff". It's a choice.

I have learned that if simple aspirin tried to get FDA approval today, it would never make it.