Coalition launches to protect access to OTC pain meds

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new coalition has formed to ensure safe access to over-the-counter pain relief remedies. The Protecting Access to Pain Relief Coalition officially launched on June 22 to help ensure that American consumers continue to have access to, and choice of, safe and effective pain relief, including acetaminophen.



“For the more than 100 million Americans living with persistent pain, such as pain caused by disease or other health issues, protecting access to safe and effective pain relief is a top priority,” said Paul Conway, president of the American Association of Kidney Patients and chair of the PAPR Coalition steering committee. “While protecting access to pain relief is important to all Americans, it is particularly important to the 53% who depend on acetaminophen because their age and/or health conditions put them at increased risk of adverse events from alternative forms of pain relief.”



The FDA may be considering regulatory changes that would restrict access to OTC doses of acetaminophen over 325 mg, according to the PAPR Coalition.



“The Protecting Access to Pain Relief Coalition has come together at a critical time, when Americans are being encouraged to take an active role in their own healthcare. This coalition helps to ensure that access to the pain relief these patients currently rely upon, and in many cases the only pain relief they can take based on their health conditions, remain available as over-the-counter options,” said Conway.



Founded by advocates for pain relief, the PAPR Coalition includes public health organizations, medical professionals, consumers living with pain and concerned citizens, who plan to work collaboratively with the Food and Drug Administration, members of Congress, healthcare providers and stakeholders to ensure access to OTC pain relief medications. PAPR also advocates for education of consumers and healthcare professionals about the appropriate use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

 

According to a recent survey conducted by the Alliance for Aging Research, Americans favor education about the safe use of acetaminophen, and disagree with restricting access to those same OTC medicines. “Older adults in the United States experience pain on a regular basis, and many of these seniors rely on OTC pain relievers that contain acetaminophen to manage their pain and maintain their quality of life,” said Cynthia Bens, VP public policy for the Alliance for Aging Research and VP of the PAPR Coalition steering committee. “A survey commissioned by the Alliance for Aging Research revealed that only 16% of Americans believe that it is a good idea for the FDA to implement policies that would limit access to OTC pain medicines containing acetaminophen.”