Thousands, if not millions of people worldwide, use Tylenol or Tylenol-related products with the active ingredient Acetaminophen each week. The over-the-counter drug is labelled as an effective treatment method to reduce a fever and relieve minor aches and pains. While it is considered safe by medical professionals in some circles, new information about the risks of prolonged use, overuse and even common use have raised red flags for medical professionals.
It is well-known that excessive use of Acetaminophen (may be abbreviated as APAP on drug labels), such as an accidental overdose, can lead to severe liver disease, even liver failure and death. The active ingredient, which is common in a variety of medications produced by Tylenol, such as Tylenol PM, Motrin and Extra Strength Tylenol, increases liver enzymes in the blood. Continued or excessive levels of this enzyme can cause liver damage that can be recognized by the presence of any one of the following symptoms of serious side effects:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Flu-like symptoms
The recommended action to prevent liver damage has always been to limit the dosage to directions listed on the bottle. Additionally, a person should refrain from mixing over-the-counter drugs with Acetaminophen and cease taking the medicine more than the suggested number of days.
It turns out that this advice may not be sufficient to accurately warn consumers of the potentially life-altering side effects of even common, or recommended, use of Acetaminophen. The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) held an advisory committee meeting in mid-2009 to evaluate how to prevent liver injury. The public information report published by the FDA, however, did not directly discuss the high number of victims who have experienced Acetaminophen liver failure.
According to Advisory Committee Meeting notes, the drug was the "leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States, with 48 percent of acetaminophen-related cases (131 of 275) associated with accidental overdose" from 1998 to 2003. That number only demonstrates the number of fatalities reported to be caused by the drug. It's possible that thousands of others are unable to attribute their liver disease or liver failure to Acetaminophen use, but are still similarly harmed by using the drug.
If you or someone you love has taken Acetaminophen in Tylenol products, it is important to carefully document any medical condition that follows the use of the medicine. Discussing the potential relationship between liver disease and Acetaminophen use with your doctor is also an important step in determining whether the active ingredient may have caused additional liver damage.
If you believe that Acetaminophen use contributed to your liver damage or liver disease or directly contributed to a loved one's injury or death, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable dangerous drug lawyer. The Pennsylvania attorneys at the law firm of Marcus & Mack are aware of the health hazards of taking Tylenol products containing Acetaminophen. The lawyers may be able to assist you in seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and injuries caused by the drug.
