This is a great article. I think you should also link this one to your other article in the Healthy Living area, http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/healthy_living/JohnsHopkinsHealthyLivingHealthAlert_125-1.html on the fine line between safe and harmful dosages of acetaminophen. Many people think just because it is a non-prescription drug, there is nothing to worry about. It is very easy to think "more is better" or take the doses too close together, forget when you have taken them, or, take other products, like a cold remedy, for example, that might have the same ingredient. Thanks so much for the great info! And beautiful website. I will tell other people about this excellent new health resource.

Isn't acetaminophen to be avoided if one has any liver problems ?

True. And it can cause it too. See http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/healthy_living/JohnsHopkinsHealthyLivingHealthAlert_125-1.html for safety guidelines.

Thank you very much for your quick reply to my post. Although liver issues were mentioned in the "Arthritis" article, I neglected to refer to the article referenced in the post immediately preceding mine; which referred to the same article that you recommended. This is one over-sight I will not be guilty of again.

Does Tylenol provide any relief from inflammation in cases of osteoarthritis?

I asked about Tylenol since its stated in your article as the first choice to treat arthritis pain. The reason I asked is my doctor (orthopedic surgeon) just started me on Celebrex samples which seem to have so many possible side effects. I was taking Arthrotec which also has many possible side effects.

Thank you in advance for any comments.

my MD recently did a glomular filtration test. The reading, in the measurements used in Canada, was 60. Having just come from a continuing education lecture by a nephrologist my doctor told me that the nephrologist had said that anyone with a reading of 60 or lower, should not take ANY anti-inflammatories, including ibuprofen. In the past I have on occasion taken ibuprofen 400mg at bedtime OR voltaren 75 mg, with or without misoprostyl. This is not an every day occurence but perhaps 2-3 times per week, usually at bedtime, and when the discomfort level makes sleep very difficult. Your comments on the glomular filtration test and potential for kidney damage, would be appreciated. Thank you John Speck

My internest has recently suggested the daily use of celebrex for my sometimes intense hand pain. Because I have coronary artery disease (under control) I`ve limited my dosage to one or two times a week.Can you give me your thougths on this? Thanks.