Acetaminophen, frequently known as Tylenol®, is found in many post-operative knee replacement pain medicines. Acetaminophen may be combined with a narcotic medicine to increase its effectiveness. Examples of these medicines include Lortab®, Percocet®, Ultracet®, Fioricet®, Vicodin® and Norco®.

Additionally, many over-the-counter (OTC) medicines also contain acetaminophen (APAP® or Acetam®). These medicines include sleep aids, fever reducers, pain relievers, as well as cold and allergy medicines. It is important to know all of your medicines that that may contain acetaminophenmedicines that that may contain acetaminophen.

To help you take acetaminophen safely, follow these four safe use steps:

It’s important to know that while acetaminophen is safe and effective when used as directed, there is a limit to how much can be taken in one day: 4,000 milligrams for most adults. Taking more acetaminophen than directed is an overdose and can lead to liver damage or even cause death.

Use the interactive how to read your medicine label how to read your medicine label, to find out how much acetaminophen is contained in your medicine. Take care to prevent these three common acetaminophen dosing mistakes:

My Knee Guide® is proud to partner with the Acetaminophen Awareness CoalitionAcetaminophen Awareness Coalition, and the "Know Your Dose" campaign to promote the safe use of acetaminophen.