Whether they know it or not, 50 million Americans Weekly use of acetaminophen makes it the most widely used pharmaceutical ingredient in the United States.
Acetaminophen is used as both a pain reliever and fever reducer and is often the only active ingredient in many medicines, but because brand-name drugs are heavily advertised, sales of generic versions sold at half the price have soared.
As pharmaceutical companies rush to bring new products to market, one pharmacist is warning users against overspending for this very reason.
Last month, Dr. Ethan Melillo (FollowMelillo, who has been publicly vocal on his TikTok account, an informational platform criticizing these big-name pharmaceutical companies and their marketing strategies, educates viewers on one of Vicks’ newest pharmaceutical products, which has garnered more than 621,000 views and 58,000 likes.
It’s a liquid painkiller called “PainQuil,” which is also sold in PM form.
Fueling a wave of consumer skepticism, Melillo superimposed himself onto another video showing shoppers researching a new over-the-counter drug, narrating the content and offering his own personal take on the issue.
The problem with Painkill
“I, Dayquil and Nyquil Furthermore, theyPainkillMelillo begins:
The Rhode Island native was visibly annoyed, but continued on.
“This is almost liquid. Tylenolthen all you pay for is the name ‘PainQuil.'”
Melillo says this because the main active ingredient in the new drug is actually acetaminophen, which The exact same drug was found Found in Tylenol products.
“Honestly, if you need Tylenol, just buy the generic store brand.”
Perhaps this is recommended due to the price difference. According to the FDAGeneric drugs are usually around 80% to 85% cheaper than brand-name drugs.
Alcohol Considerations
“Can you also talk about why acetaminophen has alcohol in it?” Melillo continues. “As we’ve said many times before, acetaminophen can damage the liver. Alcohol and acetaminophen is a terrible combination for the liver.”
A closer look at the contents of PainQuil reveals that Melillo is right: The back of the bottle lists alcohol as one of the inactive ingredients, but the drug only contains 10 percent alcohol, which may just be there to help dissolve the other ingredients evenly.
Commenters saw that level of content and were sure to respond.
“10% ABV… you don’t feel anything after that,” one commenter pointed out.
“I’ll have a Painkill and a Coke on the rocks, please,” joked another.
But I understand why Melillo brought this up. Acetaminophen is primarily used Metabolized in the liverLike alcohol, when combined it’s not necessarily the best option in terms of long-term health effects and overall liver damage.
Follow Beware of great marketing on the OTC counter #pharmacy #Painkill #pharmacist #medicine #Pharmacist Technician #PainManagement #Millennialrx #GreenScreenVideo #GreenScreen ♬ Original Sound – Dr. Ethan Melillo, PharmD
What about PainQuil PM?
Melillo then goes on to talk about a similar drug, Painkill PM.
“We need to talk about this Painkill PM,” Melillo begins. “It’s generic Tylenol and diphenhydramine. […] It’s generic Benadryl.”
Melillo said such generic drugs don’t actually work as the best sleep aids.
“If you’ve ever taken Benadryl to help you sleep, it may make you sleepy, but it doesn’t really give you restful sleep,” Melillo says.
Believing this to be another example of pharmaceutical company marketing cleverness, Mr. Melillo again warns his audience of potential tricks. Returning to the idea that the drug’s ingredients include alcohol, Mr. Melillo again demonstrates the simplicity of Painkill’s contents.
“This is literally Tylenol PM with alcohol in it,” Melillo concludes the video.
Is this pharmacist a reliable source of information?
The pharmacist, who currently works for L’Oreal, justified his claims with a seemingly endless list of qualifications: After completing his PGY1 training at the University of Houston in Texas, Melillo now seeks to use his platform to educate others about the pharmaceutical industry.
“I hope I’ve been able to give back to everyone,” Melillo said. Personal Statement TikTok Video.
The Daily Dot is led by Dr. Ethan Melillo.FollowThe Daily Dot also reached out to Vicks via press email.
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