Liver Failure from Acetaminophen Overdose and Toxicity

Some of the nation's top researchers - including the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) - have concluded that acetaminophen toxicity is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States. In fact, some estimate that up to 40 percent of liver failure cases are directly linked to acetaminophen, a commonly used drug. A popular remedy for aches, pains, fever, swelling, and symptoms of the common cold and influenza, acetaminophen is found in more than 600 over-the-counter brand-name and generic drugs, such as NyQuil, Aspirin-free Excedrin, Bayer Select Maximum-Strength Headache Relief Formula, St. Joseph Aspirin-Free Fever Reducer for Children, and all varieties of Tylenol.

When used appropriately and in small doses, acetaminophen is considered extremely safe. But problems arise when medications containing acetaminophen are taken by moderate to heavy drinkers, consumed in large doses, or used by people who are not eating enough, whether because of illness (such as the stomach flu) or fasting practices. Taking acetaminophen under such conditions can quickly lead to an extremely dangerous condition called acetaminophen toxicity.

Essentially, acetaminophen toxicity is the poisoning of the liver. It occurs when the body cannot process acetaminophen quickly enough, resulting in dangerous depletion of the level of glutathione in the liver. In many cases, this breakdown leads to liver damage, then liver failure or malfunction, and ultimately, death. Acetaminophen toxicity, which kills about 100 people a year and resulted in 56,000 emergency room visits last year alone, need not develop over a long period of time, either. Just taking the drug in high doses during a weekend of binge drinking or while fasting during a weeklong battle with the flu can cause a lethal acetaminophen overdose. In other cases, taking the maximum recommended dose of acetaminophen for an extended period of time can cause acetaminophen toxicity.

Symptoms of acetaminophen overdose and/or toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, all of which can easily be mistaken as signs of other illnesses. An exclusive minority may also exhibit signs of chronic liver disease, which include gynecomastia, parathyroid enlargement, testicular atrophy, and spider nevi. If you experience any of these problems and have taken Tylenol or any other drug that contains acetaminophen, it is imperative that you contact a medical professional immediately for an evaluation before permanent liver damage or failure occurs.

If you suspect a loved one has been affected by acetaminophen toxicity or an acetaminophen overdose, contact our firm in Atlanta, Georgia for legal representation. We can help victims of acetaminophen related liver damage or liver failure receive just compensation for their injuries.

Treating Acetaminophen Toxicity
The drug acetylcysteine is used to treat most cases of acetaminophen overdose that is unrelated to alcohol. Typically, acetylcysteine is administered repeatedly (every four hours) in measured doses (70 mg/kg) through a nasogastric tube for a period of 17 hours, with an initial dose of 140 mg/kg kicking off the cycle. In some cases of acetaminophen toxicity, acetylcysteine is administered intravenously. Many medical professionals are also experimenting with herbal remedies, although the Food and Drug Administration have approved none.

Many people mistakenly believe that the primary cause of liver failure is alcohol abuse. However, experts have concluded that while heavy drinking can cause extensive liver damage and chronic liver failure (liver failure that gradually develops), acetaminophen toxicity (poisoning) is in fact the culprit in an estimated 38 percent of cases of acute liver failure (rapid, unexpected deterioration of the liver). Other sources claim it is responsible in more than 70 percent of cases. However, researchers do agree on one thing: acetaminophen, when not used precisely as directed, is dangerous, and the word needs to get out.

Existing warning labels are not enough. Currently, the FDA requires that every bottle of Tylenol and other drugs that contain acetaminophen wear a label that reads,

"If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask your doctor whether you should take acetaminophen or other pain relievers/fever reducers. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage."

Clearly, this label is insufficient. It does not inform users of the dangers of using acetaminophen in high doses, for a prolonged period of time, or in dangerous combinations. Although the FDA is making strides in improving these labels - earlier this year, it proposed that the warning be changed to "the risk of liver damage increases if you have three or more alcoholic drinks while using acetaminophen." However, until people begin to understand the serious risks involved with taking this drug, acetaminophen will remain an inherent danger.