Extra Strength Tylenol and Liver Problems

Harvey Kirk

By Harvey Kirk
Posted July 2, 2013

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The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are continuing to pursue Extra Strength Tylenol lawsuits for individuals nationwide who suffered liver failure or other liver problems following use of this hugely popular over-the-counter pain medication.

Most people who hear about this litigation are surprised, since it is a widely held belief that Tylenol is safe. However, this mistaken belief is a central issue in these lawsuits, as Johnson & Johnson has built a “safe image” by providing misleading and false information about the link between between Tylenol and liver problems.

Acetaminophen is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Tylenol, and it has been known for decades to have a toxic effect on the liver at high doses. However, most consumers are not fully aware of this risk and do not appreciate the possibility of liver problems from Extra Strength Tylenol if they take too much of the medication.

While Tylenol has become one of the most widely recognized brand name medications in the country following three decades of aggressive marketing, many critics believe that the FDA may not even approve products like Extra Strength Tylenol today, given the substantial risks of liver failure.

Extra Strength Tylenol Injury Lawyers

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Extra Strength Tylenol was launched in 1971, containing 500 mg of acetaminophen in each tablet.

Johnson & Johnson pushed for this high-dose version of acetaminophen despite knowledge that the vast majority of patients are able to obtain pain relief from regular strength.

In July 2011, the maxmimum recommended dose for Tylenol was lowered from 4,000 mg per day to 3,000 mg per day due to the substantial risk of liver problems from Tylenol. Despite this substantial change to the recommended use of the product, little has been done to make sure consumers are aware about the importance of closely monitoring and limiting their use of Tylenol.

With 500mg of acetaminophen in each tablet, Extra Strength Tylenol provides little room for error between the recommended dose and a risk of liver failure. It is shocking and very unusual, especially for an over-the-counter product, to place a large fraction of users so close to liver toxicity at the ordinary dose.

Unfortunately, without adequate information about the link between liver problems and Extra Strength Tylenol, many users lose track of how many doses they take in a day, or may incorrectly assume it is safe to take three tablets instead of two if they have a particularly bad pain. This can quickly result in a Tylenol overdose and leave the individual with complete liver failure and the need for a liver transplant.

Some estimates suggest that nearly a quarter of all Tylenol users take more than the recommended dose. With most over-the-counter medications, this may lead to a stomach ache or possibly the need to have your stomach pumped. But liver problems from Extra Strength Tylenol can be devastating and deadly.

Acetaminophen has been recognized as the leading cause of liver failure in the United States, resulting in more than 50,000 emergency room visits each year, including 25,000 hospitalizations and over 450 deaths annually. Many of these liver problems may have been avoided in more information had been provided in connection with Extra Strength Tylenol and other similar products.

Extra Strength Tylenol Lawsuits

Despite the known liver risks with Tylenol, and the narrow magin between the recommended dose and liver failure with Extra Strength Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson and their McNeil Consumer Healthcare subsidiary have failed to take the necessary steps to ensure consumers are aware of the risks.

It appears that their desire for profits has been placed before consumer safety. As a result, lawsuits are being pursued to force the pharmaceutical company to compensate those who have suffered liver problems from Tylenol and to make it clear to the pharmaceutical industry that it can not profit by withholding important safety information about medications.

All cases are reviewed by the Extra Strength Tylenol lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk under a contingency fee agreement, which means that there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained for liver problems caused by acetaminophen.

To review a potential injury claim or Tylenol wrongful death lawsuit for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

1 Comment • Add Your Comments

  • Betty says:

    I used tylenon for years,even tylenon pm,that was my pain pill for a long time.But I had a lot of stomach problens,like the lining of my stomach had holes in it. and that is a lot of pain

    Posted on August 1, 2013 at 12:40 am

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