Acetaminophen Liver Damage Attorneys

• Consumed at a higher dosage than is recommended
• Used chronically to treat pain
• Consumed by individuals who regularly drink large quantities of alcohol

In particular, acetaminophen overdose has been linked to serious liver damage, resulting in liver failure, liver transplant and in severe cases, death. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acetaminophen liver injuries have led to more than 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations, and 400 deaths annually.

Due to the widespread use of acetaminophen in over-the-counter products, it is easy to overdose on the pain reliever without realizing. For example, you may take Tylenol and a common cold medication regularly throughout the same day, causing you to exceed the recommended safe dosage of acetaminophen inadvertently.

FDA Takes Action

The FDA has recently taken action to ensure that consumers do not suffer injuries due to acetaminophen overdose. In January 2011, manufacturers of prescription drugs containing acetaminophen were required to limit its dosage to a maximum of 325 mg per tablet.

Additionally, the FDA has required pharmaceutical companies to place a “Boxed Warning” on the labels of all prescription drugs containing acetaminophen to warn consumers of the risk of developing liver damage. This is the strongest possible warning required by the FDA, and is only reserved for products which may be associated with life-threatening risks. Similar warnings were placed on over-the-counter acetaminophen products such as Tylenol as early as 2009.

Signs of Liver Damage

The onset of liver damage often occurs gradually over a long period of time. As a result, it may be difficult to detect the warning signs until your liver damage has reached an advanced stage. Furthermore, the symptoms of liver damage are often similar to those of other conditions such as acid reflux, dehydration, or the flu, making it even more difficult to tell that you are urgently in need of medical attention.

Common symptoms of liver damage include:

• Bleeding
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Upper abdominal pain
• Sweating
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Coma

Due to the seriousness of the condition, you should consult your doctor immediately if you develop these symptoms.

Acetaminophen Injury Lawsuits

If you have suffered a serious liver injury due to acetaminophen overdose, you may be entitled to receive compensation through a pharmaceutical injury lawsuit. An experienced defective drug attorney in your area can review your case and advise you as to the best way to proceed.

Please contact us today to find a qualified pharmaceutical injury attorney in your area.