Missouri Personal Injury Attorney Warns of Harmful Effects of OTC Acetaminophen Products
Extra Strength Tylenol and
Tylenol PM as well as other drugs containing acetaminophen could be dangerous
to your health leading to kidney or liver conditions. Acetaminophen, which is found
in over-the-counter medicine for pain and fever reduction, has not been
recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they have taken several
steps to reduce the possible risks from patient overuse. However the action by
the FDA apply to only to prescription formulations and not the OTC drugs.
Overuse of the acetaminophen has been linked with several cases of severe liver injury and toxicity, which can even lead to death. Acetaminophen is often recommended by health care professionals for patients with a fever or in pain because it is easy on the stomach and more affordable than stronger pain relievers. Because the drug is so widely used and perceived as safe, it is commonly taken over the counter by individuals without thinking about the long-term effects of taking too much. Currently, overuse of acetaminophen is the leading cause for organ transplants in patients.
Earlier this year, the FDA limited the use of acetaminophen in prescription drugs to protect consumers, but these actions do not affect OTC products that contain the drug. Dr. William Lee, director of the Clinical Center for Liver Diseases at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, stated "Too much acetaminophen in the system at one time or over an extended period can cause serious liver damage or can lead to liver failure and even death. About 100 people die annually of accidental acetaminophen poisoning and another 15,000 end up in the emergency rooms from unknowingly taking too much."
Despite the warnings and advisories from the FDA, consumers still face a risk when self-medicating with acetaminophen. In March, a 49-year-old man from Florida died from failure of the liver and kidney, which was caused by taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen to alleviate a toothache for several weeks. Because the man did not have health insurance, he couldn't afford treatment took as many as eight pills a day for the pain.
Manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure their products are safe for consumers and warn them of any harmful effects. If a recalled product injures you, the manufacturer of the product should be held liable for your injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled medication or product in Missouri, contact our experienced product liability attorneys at 800.956.2487. You and your family may be entitled to compensation as a result of the injuries sustained from the recalled product.
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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.
