Acetaminophen is associated with potentially fatal skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, the FDA announced Thursday. The agency notes that these reactions likely are rare.

Patients taking acetaminophen or another pain reliever/fever reducer who develop skin rashes or reactions should stop taking the drug and seek immediate medical attention. Patients who have experienced these reactions in the past while taking acetaminophen should not take the drug again and should discuss alternatives with their healthcare provider.

The warning is based on a small number of published cases and the FDA’s own adverse event reporting system.

Source: FDA