In the last 10 years, there have been close to 2,000 Americans who dies because they accidentally took tom much of a drug all too well known for its “safety”: Acetaminophen. This drug is considered one of the nation’s most popular pain relievers, according to ProPublica.
As the active ingredient in Tylenol, it’s considered safe when it’s taken at recommended doses and millions of Americans take this drug each and every day with no bad side effects, but when you look at the big picture (and when you pair it with alcohol) the drug can destroy you.
Our Delray Beach personal injury attorneys understand that there are close to 200 Americans who are killed each and every year by accidentally taking to much. This drug has a narrow safety margin, which means that the dose that can help you is much too close to the dose that can harm you. For some time now, officials with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have known about the studies conducted to show consumers just how dangerous this drug is. Officials with Johnson & Johnson, McNeil Consumer Healthcare and Tylenol have also been aware of these studies. Still, for more than 30 years now, officials with the FDA have delayed or neglected to enact and kind of measures to help to reduce the number of injuries and death from this common household drug. Back in the 70s, these same officials started a comprehensive review to enact rules for the drug, but they have yet to finish.
Many people assume that over-the-counter medications are safe when taken as directed. Yet even at recommended doses, aspirin can cause ulcers, antihistamines can cause sedation, and acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage.
The maker of Tylenol, McNeil, continues to warn consumers about the possible side effects of over-usage, but after more than 30 years the company has continuously fought safety warnings, various safeguard measures and dosage restrictions.
Just four years ago, another FDA panel made a sweeping new set of proposed measures meant to increase the safety of the drug, but these measures have not been approved. Just last month, officials with the FDA passed another deadline with little concern.
Many people assume that over-the-counter medications are safe when taken as directed. Yet even at recommended doses, aspirin can cause ulcers, antihistamines can cause sedation, and acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage.
According to the 2006 article, “Tylenol Found to Cause Liver Damage, Even in Small Doses,” published July 5, 2006 in Natural News, “Healthy adults who took the maximum dose of Tylenol for two weeks were found to have liver damage,” according to a study appearing in the July 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
“I would urge the public not to exceed 4 grams a day. This is a drug that has a rather narrow safety window.” said the study’s co-author, Dr. Neil Kaplowitz of the University of Southern California.
Contact Freeman Injury Law for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Common Child Cold Remedies Recalled by CPSC, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, February 18, 2013
Consumer Product Safety Commission Releases New Product Recalls to Reduce Risk of Injury in Fort Lauderdale and Elsewhere, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, September 20, 2011