Medical Experts Warn Against Acetaminophen/Tylenol Overdoses

KABC-TV in Los Angeles reported last week that every year nearly 78,000 people end up in emergency rooms in the U.S. because of acetaminophen or Tylenol overdoses.

According to KABC, nearly a quarter of Americans are taking more over-the-counter pain killer pills than they should. “We’re a medicine-taking culture. We reach for a pill for all of our medical problems,” said Alexander Kuo, MD, Gastroenterologist, at UC San Diego Health, System told KABC.

Kuo indicated that many people are overdosing because acetaminophen is found in other products besides Tylenol, like Nyquil, Excedrin, Sudafed, Robitussin and Benadryl, creating a potentially deadly mixture for people who take multiple drugs.

It should be noted that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lowered the dose recommendation for acetaminophen to four grams a day. Overdoses can lead to complications like liver failure.

Acetaminophen has also been linked to developmental complications in children and skin problems like rashes, blisters and damage to the skin’s surface.

If you have experienced the adverse effects of taking Tylenol or an acetaminophen-containing product, or have lost a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation.

Our multidistrict litigation attorneys are experienced pharmaceutical drug and device attorneys. Call toll-free at (888)841-9623 to schedule a free case review today, or explore our site to learn more about our involvement with dangerous pharmaceutical drugs and devices.

Zoll, Kranz & Borgess, LLC – MDL Attorneys

Source: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/health/your_health&id=9363141