The other name of acetaminophen is paracetamol and this is a widely used drug all over the world as a pain killer and for controlling the fever. Acetaminophen was approved by the FDA in 1951 and Tylenol the most popular brand came into the market. The action of acetaminophen is still not clear. Acetaminophen is available in different dosages in the U.S.325 and 500 mg immediate –release and a 650mg extended release which is found to be very effective in the treatment of arthritis. Various forms of suspensions, chewable tablets and dissolvable tablets are also available in the market. The drug is sold over the counter world wide.
American Association of the poison control states that the commonly used analgesic and antipyretic agent acetaminophen has toxicity, if used for a longer duration. This can lead to hepatic failure which will lead to a state of liver transplantation. Acetaminophen toxicity in the U.S has replaced viral hepatitis as the normal cause for hepatic failure. A series of pharmaceutical regulatory of modifications are initiated to bring down the menace of acetaminophen .As a step to find solution to bring down the threat of the drug FDA s contemplating on the withdrawal of acetaminophen from the analgesic combination drugs and is also considering the reduction in the recommended daily dosage. Certain other changes the FDA is considering are as follows,
Dosage in pediatric cases, limiting the package size, acetaminophen sedative combinations, safe daily dose in acute liver problems, safe daily dose for patients in good physical conditions.
In the year of 2001 FDA asked the manufactures of combination drugs to limit the dosage of acetaminophen to 325 mg per tablet and capsule. The FDA strongly is in the assumption that such a move will bring down the risk of liver problems, decrease the possibilities of hepatoxicity and also deaths related to the overdose of the drug.
Side Effects
Many people are of the belief that Tylenol is a safest drug and is prescribed as a substitute to ibuprofen with less side effects, but on the contrary, serious side effects have been noticed by the continuous usage of acetaminophen. A study during the year of 2010 revealed that acetaminophen leads to male infertility problems and usage during pregnancy is also very harmful. There is always a possibility for liver injury and the other noted side effects are , risk of leukemia in adults, asthma and eczema among children. Excess dosage of acetaminophen has become a real problem on the stressful healthcare system of the U.S. Approximately five hundred deaths are reported every year as a result of overdose and acetaminophen is a major cause for fifty percent of liver failure cases in the U.S
Side effects revealed
Studies revealed that Tylenol is more harmful than hydrocodone, the toxicity of acetaminophen was traced only six years ago. The study also reveals that out of six hundred patients died without a liver transplant because of overdose of the drug.
Consuming Tylenol along with alcohol can end up in liver injury cases.Fda asked the manufactures of the drug to come out with proper warning of the drug and also limited the usage of acetaminophen in combination drugs. Tylenol liver damage lawyers have been demanding this step for quite some time.
Lawyers are fighting liver damage cases caused by Tylenol all over the country. If you are a victim of Tylenol or anyone of your beloveds suffered liver injury, call an attorney and you are sure to get a compensation.