Acetaminophen is a common household painkiller and an active ingredient in hundreds of over-the-counter medications including Tylenol, Dayquil, Nyquil, Excedrin and many others. Millions of Americans use these products every day to help relieve pain and fever.
As one of the most widely used drugs in the U.S, many people are not aware that acetaminophen is also linked to serious health problems.
Acetaminophen Linked to Liver Damage
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), liver injuries related to acetaminophen overdose remain a serious public health problem. Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of Acute Liver Damage (ALF) in the U.S, and is responsible for as many as 50,000 hospitalizations annually.
Liver damage caused by acetaminophen overdose can be severe and even life-threatening. Symptoms of acetaminophen overdose can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Upset stomach
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Jaundice
- And more
FDA Limits Acetaminophen Levels in Many Products
The FDA’s maximum recommended daily dosage of acetaminophen is 4 grams. In higher doses, acetaminophen can become toxic and cause cellular damage to the liver.
In 2011, the FDA announced that it would require manufacturers to limit the maximum amount of acetaminophen in oral prescription medication to 325 mg per tablet. The FDA believed that imposing this limit would help reduce the risk of liver injury caused by acetaminophen overdose.
The FDA also places warning labels on all prescription medications containing acetaminophen. These warning labels highlight the risk of severe liver injury associated with acetaminophen.
Henson Fuerst is Here to Help
If you or a loved one suffered liver damage, acute liver failure, or required a liver transplant after taking acetaminophen, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the experienced North Carolina Drug Injury lawyers at Henson Fuerst right away at (919) 781-1107 or complete a free initial consultation form online for a FREE consultation about your case.
Henson Fuerst has extensive experience representing the rights of patients that were injured by a dangerous or defective drug. We stand up to major drug manufacturers on behalf of our clients and ensure that your rights are protected.
At Henson Fuerst, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front. In fact you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.
