Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP

Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics and is used for the relief of fever as well as aches and pains associated with many conditions. It is commonly associated with the Tylenol brand pain reliever, but is also an active ingredient in a number of over-the-counter (such as Excedrin, Midol, Theraflu, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine, NyQuil) and prescription (Vicodin and Percocet) drugs.

Acetaminophen Overdose and Liver Damage | Liver Failure

The accidental taking of toxic doses of acetaminophen is by far the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States. According to press reports, acetaminophen-related liver problems cause 450 deaths and 56,000 emergency-room visits a year.

In 2006, a clinical study found that the highest recommended dose of Extra Strength Tylenol sharply increased liver enzymes in healthy adults, an early sign of liver damage. The standard oral dose for adults is 325 to 650 mg every 4-6 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 4 grams. Consistent use of as little as 7.5 grams a day could lead to severe liver injury.

Users most at risk for overdose include those with depression, chronic pain, alcohol/narcotic use, and those who take several acetaminophen-containing products at the same time -- for example, Tylenol for a headache and a second acetaminophen-containing product for cold symptoms.

In addition, some babies die every year because parents give them liquid acetaminophen for adults instead of solutions that come in droppers and are prepared specially for infants. The two contain different concentrations of medication.

Tylenol Overdose, Tylenol Liver Failure and FDA Warnings

In July 2011, Johnson & Johnson said it would lower the maximum recommended dose of its drug Tylenol from eight to six pills a day to lessen accidental overdoses and liver damage from its main ingredient, acetaminophen.

Two years earlier, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended sweeping and substantial limits on acetaminophen, due to unintentional overdoses that have led to acute liver failure and death. The panel advocated lowering the maximum daily dose to 2,600 milligrams from 4,000 mg and limiting the amount in a single over-the-counter pill to 325 mg, from 500 mg currently.

This was not the first time the FDA looked into the liver problems associated with acetaminophen. In 2002, a FDA advisory panel recommended new warnings about liver damage dangers on the labels of over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. However, it wasn't until December 2006 that the FDA officially proposed such a rule, and suggested that products containing acetaminophen come in packaging that highlights the potential liver damage associated with use, particularly when taken in high doses or with a moderate amount of alcohol. This went into affect in April 2009.

Furthermore, about 10% of acetaminophen-related deaths occurred at dose levels between 2,000 mg and 4,000 mg. Those who drink three or more alcoholic beverages per day or suffer from liver disease are particularly vulnerable.

Tylenol Lawsuits | Accidental Overdose Complaints

Patients who have suffered liver failure have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and other drug manufacturers alleging that these companies failed to warn the public that even a small amount of acetaminophen taken multiple times can lead to severe liver injury.

Tylenol Lawsuits | Legal Rights of Patients

The law in most states provides several personal injury claims for persons who have been seriously injured by prescription or over-the-counter drugs with dangerous, undisclosed side effects. These claims include strict liability for a defective product, failure to warn, and negligence.

Damages sought against drug manufacturers for side effects and injuries include:

• Physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and physical impairment;
• Medical expenses associated with the allegedly defective product; and
• Loss of earnings and/or earning capacity.

In the case of a patient who dies, a wrongful death suit may be filed by the family.

Contact Lieff Cabraser

If you or a family member have suffered acute liver failure or other injuries from Tylenol or another painkiller, you may be eligible to file a claim. Please click here to contact an attorney at Lieff Cabraser to discuss your legal rights at no cost or obligation. We will handle all inquiries with the strictest confidentiality and sensitivity. Inquiries from Canada and other nations are also welcome.

You are also welcome to call us toll-free at 1-800-541-7358; Visitors from Canada can call 415-956-1000. Please ask to speak with lawyer Fabrice Vincent.

About Lieff Cabraser

Founded in 1972, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP is an over fifty attorney law firm with offices in San Francisco, New York and Nashville. For the last nine years, the National Law Journal has recognized Lieff Cabraser as one of the top 20 plaintiff law firms in America.

For our personal injury cases, we bring a team of experienced lawyers. Each client is assigned an individual lawyer. In addition, we have on staff multiple nurses, legal assistants, scientific analysts and case clerks to assist the attorneys. To learn more about our firm, click here.

Trademark Notice

Tylenol is a registered trademark of McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Excedrin and Theraflu are registered trademarks of Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. Midol and Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine are registered trademarks of Bayer Corp. Nyquil is a registered trademark of Proctor & Gamble, Inc. Vicodin is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories. Percocet is a registered trademark of Endo Pharmaceuticals. These trademarks are used herein for informational and product identification purposes only. Lieff Cabraser is not affiliated with McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., Proctor & Gamble, Inc., Bayer Corp., Abbott Laboratories, or Endo Pharmaceuticals.