Guidance on Taking 'Tylenol' After Vaccination... Pharmaceutical Association Advises "Do Not Mention Specific Brand Names"

"Beware of Social Disorder Such as Shortage Phenomena"

Antipyretic Tylenol. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] The Korean Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) has pointed out that caution is needed regarding the quarantine authorities' statement that "it is okay to take antipyretics such as Tylenol if fever symptoms occur after COVID-19 vaccination." They explained that since Tylenol is a trademark of a specific company, the general drug name 'acetaminophen' should be used instead.

On the 6th, the KPA emphasized, "Regarding public guidance related to COVID-19 vaccination, caution is needed when quarantine authorities mention antipyretic brand names," adding, "We will be vigilant to prevent social confusion such as drug shortages."

According to the KPA, Tylenol is a trademark of an acetaminophen-based antipyretic manufactured by the multinational pharmaceutical company Janssen. In South Korea, products with the same active ingredient include Hanmi Pharmaceutical's Suspension IR, Bukwang Pharmaceutical's Tasenol IR, and Chong Kun Dang's Penzal IR.

The KPA is concerned that if quarantine authorities continue to mention specific company brand names, demand may concentrate only on those products, causing a 'shortage' phenomenon. They pointed out that general consumers might overlook drugs with the same active ingredient simply because they are not under a specific brand name.

Meanwhile, Lee Mo-se, head of the Patient Safety Drug Management Division at the KPA, explained, "Medications containing acetaminophen as the main ingredient come in two forms: regular tablets and extended-release tablets. Extended-release tablets last for 8 hours after ingestion, which can be helpful at night when it is difficult to manage temperature changes."

He also emphasized, "If you are currently taking medication for other symptoms or diseases, it is important to consult a pharmacist at the pharmacy before purchasing antipyretics to avoid overlapping and overdosing on drugs with the same active ingredient or efficacy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.