Two pain drugs used by millions will be combined in a single tablet - USA Today

What the report says

USA Today reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 24 approved a new over-the-counter pain medicine that puts acetaminophen, sold as Tylenol, and naproxen sodium into one tablet. The approved dose combines 650 milligrams of acetaminophen with 220 milligrams of naproxen sodium, an anti-inflammatory drug. According to the FDA, the non-opioid product is intended for adults and children 12 and older for short-term relief of common pain, including headaches, backaches, muscle aches, toothaches, menstrual cramps and minor arthritis pain.

Kenvue, Tylenol’s parent company, said the product is expected to reach major retailers without a prescription. USA Today noted that both ingredients are already widely used in nonprescription pain relievers, but had not previously been sold together in a single tablet. The FDA said the combination may provide up to 12 hours of pain relief. A Kenvue research and development executive said the drugs work through different mechanisms, with acetaminophen acting on pain signals and naproxen targeting inflammation-related pain.

The company said the combination was studied in eight clinical trials and performed better than either medicine alone. Kenvue also cited a March 2026 survey of more than 6,200 people in which many persistent pain sufferers expressed dissatisfaction with existing options.

The approval comes amid continuing public debate over acetaminophen. USA Today reported that President Donald Trump and senior health officials in 2025 urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol while promoting an unproven autism link. Medical groups have said acetaminophen remains the preferred treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy, while Kenvue has defended its safety. Litigation over pregnancy-related warnings is also ongoing.