Health Tip: Avoid Drug Double-Dipping

(HealthDayNews) -- If you catch a cold or get the flu this winter, be very careful if you take more than one medication to ease your symptoms.

The two drugs could share ingredients that could pose a danger of overdose, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.

For example, if you take acetaminophen tablets for pain while also taking a cough medicine containing acetaminophen, you could suffer liver damage, the agency says.

Be sure to check the active ingredients for any over-the-counter or prescription medication you take, the FDA advises.

-- Anne Thompson