Tylenol Overdose May Cause Acute Liver Failure

Tylenol Overdose May Cause Acute Liver Failure

By Robert J. Boumis

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in many common over-the-counter pain and fever medications, including Tylenol. However, despite the drug’s widespread use and reputation for safety, acetaminophen is one of the leading causes of acute liver failure in the United States. Hundreds of lawsuits concerning Tylenol overdose and subsequent liver damage have been filed against its manufacturer. These cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation in Pennsylvania.

Normally, the ingredients in Tylenol are broken down by the liver. During the process, the breakdown produces some toxic byproducts. Under normal circumstances, the liver can metabolize these byproducts safely. However, individuals’ ability to break down acetaminophen and its metabolic byproducts vary considerably from one person to another. 

In some individuals, the lethal dose for acetaminophen may be very easily reached. Some people cannot tolerate even the regular dose of Tylenol without experiencing serious liver problems. Since individual tolerance for acetaminophen varies so wildly, physicians often cannot determine how serious the damage is based on the dosage. Instead, physicians are dependant on blood tests to determine the extent of the damage, meaning more time in the hospital. 

Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Tylenol and other acetaminophen-based drugs. These Tylenol lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of these drugs were aware of the serious risks associated with these drugs but failed to adequately protect the public from these risks. The lawsuits seek damaged related to Tylenol liver damage, including medical costs, lost wages, and continuing medical surveillance for survivors. 

Obtain a Free Tylenol Liver Damage Case Review

If you or someone you care about suffered from liver damage after taking Tylenol, you’ve almost certainly suffered through serious hardship. Tylenol liver damage is a medical crisis, and it often requires weeks of medical intervention to treat the condition. Physicians often need to observe the patient for extended periods of time, since it can take days for the extent of the liver damage to become apparent, and it can require intensive medical observation to care for patients during the weeks it takes a liver to heal. 

Unfortunately, sometimes Tylenol liver damage leads to death. In these cases, surviving family members must cope not only with the massive emotional toll of a loved one’s death, but also with the financial strain that can follow the sudden death of the deceased. This strain can be exacerbated by unpaid medical bills, final expenses, and the lost income of their loved one. 

While it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed in such a situation, it is important to remember that you still have rights, and there are steps that you can take to regain a measure of control over your situation. You can start by visiting the Tylenol Liver Damage, Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit Investigation. Here, you can enter information about your situation for a review by a legal expert with a background in this type of litigation. From here, you can receive additional guidance on the best steps to take in your exact situation. The consultation is completely free of charge.