Drug Injury
Acetaminophen Liver Damage
Acetaminophen is one of the most widely used over-the-counter
painkillers on the market and is used in more than 100 different
nonprescription products, including DayQuil® and Tylenol®. It is also
used in combination with prescription drugs such as Darvocet® and
Percocet®.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acetaminophen may be linked to liver damage, liver failure, or death from liver disease.
Over the years, it has become a commonly used drug, and because it is
found in such a wide range of products, the risk for accidental overdose
is high.
In fact, more than 500 deaths and 50,000 emergency room visits a year are attributed to acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen overdose is the most common form of acute liver failure in the United States today.
What are the symptoms of acetaminophen overdose?
The symptoms of overdose include:
- abdominal pain
- appetite loss
- coma
- convulsions
- diarrhea
- irritability
- jaundice
- nausea
- sweating
- upset stomach
- vomiting
Are there warnings on acetaminophen products?A warning has been added to all prescription products containing acetaminophen that highlights the risk of
severe liver injury and allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, mouth, and throat, difficulty breathing, itching, or rash.
Has anything been done to protect consumers?The FDA has
asked drug manufacturers to limit the amount of acetaminophen in their
products to 325 mg per tablet, capsule, or dosage unit, to help prevent
the chance of accidental overdose and subsequent liver damage.
What should I do if I suffered liver problems?Always consult with your physician for medical advice, but if you or a
loved one took Tylenol® or other drugs containing acetaminophen and were
diagnosed with liver damage or liver failure, received a liver
transplant, or a loved one died from liver disease, you may be entitled
to compensation. Contact our firm today to learn how we may be able to
help.
Darvocet® is a registered trademark of Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
DayQuil® is a registered trademark of Procter & Gamble. Percocet® is
a registered trademark of Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. Tylenol® is a
registered trademark of McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals,
a Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. All registered trademarks are used only
to identify the products in question.
This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with
Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; the Food and Drug Administration; McNeil
Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals; Procter & Gamble; the U.S.
National Library of Medicine; or Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cases likely to be referred.
Free Initial Consultation
Have you or someone you care about been injured? Contact a Hughes & Coleman injury lawyer today. We serve clients in Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Lexington, Louisville, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Clarksville and Gallatin. Complete a FREE Consultation Form online or call us today.