Dr. Jon Hallberg talks about Percoset, Vicodin and other painkillers

by Dr. Jon Hallberg, Minnesota Public Radio

The FDA is trying to decide whether or not to ban the pain-killing drugs Percoset and Vicodin. Both contain acetaminophen, which -- in high doses -- can harm the liver.

So an FDA advisory panel is recommending the ban as well as limits on the amount of over-the-counter acetaminophen people should take.

Acetaminophen is the man ingredient in Tylenol and some other over-the-counter painkillers. Johnson & Johnson, the company that makes Tylenol, strongly disagrees with the proposal.

Dr. Jon Hallberg, our regular medical analyst, joined Tom Crann to talk more on the common painkiller, and why the FDA is so concerned.