The white, capsule-shaped pill with the imprint L544 has been identified as Acetaminophen Extended Release 650 mg. It is supplied by Perrigo Company. L544 pill is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, and reactions to vaccinations (shots), and to reduce fever.
The L544 pill may also be used to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by the breakdown of the lining of the joints). Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take L544 pill?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- if you often drink alcohol
- liver disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding.
How should I take L544 pill?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of L544 pill, contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), taking too much acetaminophen can damage your liver. The recommended maximum daily dose is 4,000 milligrams (mg) per day for adults. However, the difference between a safe dose of acetaminophen and one that may harm the liver is very small.
Other factors add to the risk of liver damage when taking acetaminophen. For example, the chance of liver damage is greater if you already have liver problems, if you drink three or more alcoholic beverages a day, or if you take warfarin. In severe cases, an overdose of acetaminophen can cause liver failure or death.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
- alcohol
- imatinib
- isoniazid
- other medicines with acetaminophen.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if the pain lasts more than 10 days (5 days for children), if it gets worse, or if there is a new or different kind of pain. Also, check with your doctor if a fever lasts for more than 3 days.
Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen with this medicine. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much acetaminophen get medical help right away. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous and cause liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to get help right away.
What are the side effects of L544 pill?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- fever or sore throat
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusually weak or tired
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- headache
- nausea, stomach upset.
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.