Acetaminophen, An Ingredient in Tylenol, May Cause Liver Failure | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

If you’ve ever had a headache or back ache and used a pain reliever such as Tylenol, you’ve used Acetaminophen. In fact, it’s one of the most common ingredients found in pain relieving medications. This is why it’s so surprising to discover Acetaminophen is the most common cause for acute liver failure in the United States, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“This is not only something that we need to be aware of, but so do others all around us,” said Dr. Robert Fontana, director of the Liver Transplant Program at the University of Michigan Health System at Ann Arbor.

Between 1998 and 2004, the proportion of acute liver failure cases connected to Acetaminophen use increased by 23 percent, according to Liz Highleyman.

Acetaminophen is safe when taken at a recommended dose but people rarely take those doses since it’s such a widely used ingredient and many people have a perception that taking a couple more Tylenols than recommended won’t seriously affect their health in a negative manner.

Poison control officials consider roughly 10-to-12 grams at one time an overdose, but eight grams can be dangerous in someone who weighs 120 pounds or less, and if you have a child, three grams can be dangerous.

Here’s a video discussing the risks associated with Acetaminophen…

As an injury lawyer who’s represented clients hurt by medications, I advise you take the recommended dosage of Acetaminophen and if you experience any negative side effects seek medical attention immediately.

About the Editors: Shapiro & Appleton& Duffan personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

 

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