Tylenol Overdose Causes Side Effects, Including Liver Toxicity

It's no secret that liver damage, acetaminophen, and alcohol are dangerously linked. Researchers determined some time ago that long-time drinkers who use Tylenol or other drugs that contain acetaminophen are at risk of developing liver toxicity. Those drinkers who take the Tylenol in moderate to large doses are most likely to develop side effects, overdose, and fall ill, but even social drinkers may be at risk of liver toxicity. Here's why.

Simply put, when combined with alcohol, acetaminophen can dangerously lower the liver's levels of glutathione. When the amount of glutathione in the body decreases, the liver - and other organs - can ultimately shut down. Any amount of alcohol can trigger a breakdown, especially over a prolonged period of time.

One problem is that there are no guidelines for drinkers beyond the limited FDA warning labels on bottles of drugs that contain acetaminophen - therefore, people who drink alcohol really don't know what behaviors are safe and which might result in dangerous side effects. What's more, these individuals cannot decrease their risk of liver toxicity by simply ceasing their alcohol consumption while taking acetaminophen. The risk of an overdose is still quite high.

If you know someone who has suffered side effects such as liver toxicity as a result of an overdose of Tylenol or acetaminophen contact our firm.

What's Being Done about Alcohol-Related Tylenol Overdose and Liver Toxicity

In 1977, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel declared that using acetaminophen for more than 10 days - especially when drinking - could lead to severe liver damage. However, they did not include such warnings on labels of products containing acetaminophen, like Tylenol. Years later - and only after the maker of Tylenol lost an $8 million suit to a drinker in Virginia who claimed that Tylenol caused his liver toxicity and consequent liver failure - the FDA mandated that all products containing acetaminophen must have warning labels stating the side effects and dangers of mixing those drugs and alcohol. However, we are still waiting for the FDA to mandate that acetaminophen product labels must warn users of the risks of overdose when using products like Tylenol in any manner beyond the prescribed dosages. The explanation of how dangerous these products can be is long overdue.

Until the very real dangers of Tylenol (and other acetaminophen containing drugs) are adequately explained, it is likely that more people will suffer acute liver failure and die from liver toxicity.

If you or a loved one has suffered side effects, overdose, or liver toxicity from taking Tylenol, or any other drug containing acetaminophen, we can help. Please contact our firm today!