Experienced Tylenol Side-Effect Lawyers
Missouri • Kansas • Southern Illinois
Acetaminophen is one of the most widely used pain-relievers in the U.S. and can be found in more than 100 products, both prescription and over-the-counter. By itself, it is marketed in generic form and as the name brand Tylenol over-the-counter. In prescription form, it is combined in many products with opiods for pain relief. While generally safe in short-term use, chronic use of the drug, taking the drug at higher than recommended dosage or usage among those who drink excessive alcohol or have kidney disease can all have serious side effects - including kidney cancer or even death. In addition, high doses of this drug have been linked to liver failure leading to liver transplants and even death.
On January 13, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked manufacturers of prescription combination products that contain acetaminophen to limit the amount to no more than 325 mg in each tablet or capsule. The FDA is also requiring manufacturers to update labels of all prescription combination acetaminophen products to warn of the potential risk for severe liver injury. The "Boxed Warning" is the strongest warning required by the FDA for drug products that could have very serious or life-threatening risks. The same type of warning has been required on over-the-counter Tylenol and acetaminophen and products containing the substance since 2009.
Is Tylenol Safe?
"FDA is taking this action to make prescription combination pain medications containing acetaminophen safer for patients to use," said Sandra Kweder, M.D., deputy director of the Office of New Drugs in FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). "Overdose from prescription combination products containing acetaminophen account for nearly half of all cases of acetaminophen-related liver failure in the United States; many of which result in liver transplant or death."
In 2006, the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that Tylenol may hurt the liver even at the recommended doses. In the clinical study, the highest recommended dose of Extra Strength Tylenol in healthy adults sharply increased liver enzymes, which is an early sign of possible organ damage. The Food & Drug Administration notified the State Boards of Pharmacy in 2004 that the pain reliever could cause gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage when taken in amounts higher than the recommended dosage. However, the 2006 study is the first to spot hints of trouble in healthy people taking the medicine as directed. Because OTC drugs do not require a prescription, many consumers mistakenly believe that these medications are completely safe.
While the dangers of taking products containing acetaminophen are well-documented, it is important that you consult your physician before discontinuing any medication.
Make sure you know the signs of liver damage - nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea. If you have taken any of these medicines in quantity, and have any of these symptoms, contact your physician right away.
Tylenol has also been associated with the onset of Stevens Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, an allergic-type reaction to its use. SJS begins with flu-like symptoms and can progress to a painful rash that spreads over the skin and may also blister.
Contact the Attorneys of Brown & Crouppen
If you or someone you love has been injured because of their use of acetaminophen, Tylenol, or paracetamol and N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), you need an attorney familiar with pharmaceutical liability. Brown & Crouppen has represented many victims of defective drugs, and as our client, you will be backed by a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators who are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected. We can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights. Call us toll-free at 888-891-2022 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online contact form.
