Tylenol or Acetaminophen Found To Cause Liver Damage and Liver Failure
New data and studies reveal that Tylenol (generic names acetaminophen and paracetamol) is associated with acute liver failure, liver transplant and death. If you believe you have sustained liver injury, liver damage or liver failure due to your use of Tylenol or acetaminophen, you should seek an attorney to pursue a lawsuit. Ashcraft & Gerel, LLP is a national law firm representing victims of dangerous drugs in every state in the United States.
The result of an acetaminophen or Tylenol overdose (and sometimes even from normal dosage) can be devastating. More such cases are being reported in the United States each year. Although Tylenol has not been recalled, a recall at some time in the future or some other more restrictive regulatory action cannot be ruled out. In response to the increasing number of accidental overdoses, McNeil Consumer Heathcare, which manufactures Tylenol, recently announced new, more restrictive dosing instructions for the drug, which directs users not to exceed six pills in one day (3,000 mg). This new limit is a two pill per day reduction from the eight pill per day (4,000 mg) limit the company had previously recommended. These new dosing instructions were released in conjunction with McNeil’s admissions that Tylenol can cause liver damage at higher doses. In its July 28, 2011 press release, McNeil’s Vice President of OTC (over the counter) Medical Affairs and Clinical Research stated that “some people accidentally exceed the recommended dose when taking multiple products at the same time, often without realizing they contain acetaminophen or by not reading and following the dosing instructions.” In an attempt to prevent more overdoses, McNeil has also begun to revise the labels for its products containing acetaminophen. McNeil’s recent disclosures demonstrate that Tylenol can cause liver injuries even at regular doses. We believe that these actions are long overdue as these (and other) actions have long been recommended.
How does Tylenol or acetaminophen overdose cause liver injury?
Liver damage from Tylenol or acetaminophen occurs when the enzymatic pathways of the liver are blocked or overtaxed by too much of acetaminophen’s poisonous molecular remains after being metabolized. This toxic molecular residue or remains following Tylenol usage (sometimes referred to as “NAPQI”) accumulates in the liver and causes damage, including instances of acute liver failure.
There are additional factors that can combine with Tylenol use to produce the effect of an acetaminophen overdose.
Taking medications such as Phenobarbital, anti-seizure medications, and certain anti-tuberculosis drugs, while also taking Tylenol or acetaminophen, can significantly increase the risk of liver damage and liver failure.
Long term alcohol use and an inadequate diet can also deplete the liver’s supply of glutathione — a substance critical to liver detoxification.
In addition, genetic factors may play a part in making some people more vulnerable to acetaminophen overdose and even normal use.
What Should You Do If You Have Liver Damage and You Use Tyelnol?
You should consult with an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer about the possibility of bringing a lawsuit to recover for your damages. A Tylenol lawsuit may be appropriate to help offset medical expenses, damages, and lost earnings due to time lost from work. The first thing to do is contact an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in drug recalls and dangerous prescription drugs. Attorneys and law firms who, beginning with a recall or other FDA warning or adverse action, pursue pharmaceutical litigation, are staffed with teams of lawyers who, over time and through the handling of many drug lawsuits, gain the experience necessary to properly handle your individual lawsuit.
Why You Should Choose Ashcraft and Gerel
At Ashcraft and Gerel, LLP our dedicated lawyers and support legal professionals in our Tylenol Litigation Group dealing with Tylenol injury claims will take the time to review the specifics of your case and identify the best course of action in a Tylenol lawsuit.
With over 58 years of experience and a track record of success in dealing with large pharmaceutical and drug companies, we have the firsthand knowledge necessary to produce a successful outcome for your Tylenol personal injury case. Big Pharma will throw all of its resources at you in defending your lawsuit, and you need a lawyer and law firm with the size, experience and resources to withstand such tactics.
Contact Tylenol Lawsuit Firm Ashcraft & Gerel
If you believe that you, a loved one or a friend with liver damage or liver failure may have suffered from that damage as a result of taking Tylenol or acetaminophen, please contact us immediately at 1-800-829-7037 or fill out our confidential inquiry form on the left side of this page for a free confidential consultation. Alternatively, feel free to email us at inquiries@ashcraftandgerel.com. One of our lawyers or paralegals will respond to your inquiry with the information you will need to determine whether you may have a lawsuit that can be settled.

