FDA Sends Out Another Acetaminophen-Liver Failure Warning
According to the Los Angeles Times, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) warning four months ago that large doses of acetaminophen could be unsafe to a patient’s liver was missed by many healthcare providers, so the agency had to reissue it.
The FDA sent out another reminder in April telling pharmacists, patients and doctors to stop taking, prescribing and dispensing medications containing more than 325 milligrams of acetaminophen.
The Times reported that acetaminophen overdoses have become such a problem in the U.S. that acute liver failure from the medication has overtaken viral hepatitis as the second most common cause of organ failure requiring transplantation.
“Acetaminophen has become a workhorse of our home medicine chests and an ingredient contained in many combination medications, including the opiate pain-relievers Percocet and Vicodin and in such over-the-counter stalwarts as Benadryl, Excedrin, Nyquil, Robitussin, Theraflu and Vicks,” the Times reported.
Some patients might unknowingly mix acetaminophen products, as they could inadvertently mix over-the-counter medications like Tylenol with powerful prescription painkillers.
What Are My Legal Options If I Get Liver Damage Because of an Acetaminophen Product?
These FDA warnings highlight dangers of these products and their ties to liver failure. It should be noted that your injury claims regarding Tylenol liver damage could be subject to certain time limits in which you must file a claim depending on the state you live in, so time is of the essence if you have been injured.
If you have questions about a dangerous drug claim, you can contact us today at 888-841-9623.
Zoll, Kranz & Borgess, LLC – Defective Medical Drug and Device Lawyers