A Tylenol liver damage lawsuit may be an option for people who took the medication and suffered severe liver damage. While Tylenol is one of the most commonly used medications in the United States to lower fevers and reduce aches and pains, studies suggest that there may be a link between Tylenol and liver damage. Affected individuals and their families may be eligible to pursue a claim and seek compensation with the help of a bad drug attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Tylenol liver damage lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Tylenol?
Tylenol is a brand name for the medication known as acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol). Tylenol is sold by Johnson & Johnson. According to Wikipedia, acetaminophen works according to the following mechanism of action:
The main mechanism proposed is the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX), and recent findings suggest that it is highly selective for COX-2. Because of its selectivity for COX-2 it does not significantly inhibit the production of the pro-clotting thromboxanes. While it has analgesic and antipyretic properties comparable to those of aspirin or other NSAIDs, its peripheral anti-inflammatory activity is usually limited by several factors, one of which is the high level of peroxides present in inflammatory lesions. However, in some circumstances, even peripheral anti-inflammatory activity comparable to NSAIDs can be observed.
The active ingredient in Tylenol was first discovered in 1877. It is reportedly the most-commonly used drug in both the U.S. and Europe for pain relief and fever reduction.
FDA Issues Tylenol Liver Damage Warnings
In an article published in the journal Advanced Critical Care in December 2016, researchers noted that a number of drugs have been associated with drug-induced liver injury (DILI), including acetaminophen or Tylenol. According to the article, the use of acetaminophen is the most common cause of DILI, with approximately 46 percent of all Americans who suffered from acute liver failure could attribute their condition to acetaminophen related liver injury. Because acetaminophen is combined with other drugs, it is sometimes difficult to determine when too much has been taken.
In February 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that taking high amounts of Tylenol and other acetaminophen-based products could potentially increase a patient’s risk of suffering from liver damage. According to The Los Angeles Times, the FDA stated that Tylenol is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the U.S. and the second most common cause of liver failure that will ultimately require a liver transplant.
In August 2013, Bloomberg.com reported that Extra Strength Tylenol caplets contain 500 milligrams of acetaminophen -– levels that are well over what the FDA has established as “safe.” As a result, Johnson & Johnson and McNeil Consumer Healthcare stated that they would be updating the labels on their products to better inform consumers of the apparent link between Tylenol and liver damage.
Tylenol Liver Damage Lawsuits Filed
Federal Tylenol liver damage lawsuits have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania and now include more than 200 cases. Plaintiffs claim that they suffered from liver damage and were not adequately informed of the risks of Tylenol prior to taking the medication. Additionally, both Johnson & Johnson and McNeil are accused of failing to warn the public and medical communities of the link between Tylenol and liver damage, although the manufacturers did update the warning labels on several products. Lawsuits were delayed as parties were reportedly involved in settlement conferences in September 2016, however, a case management order was issued and the trial was ordered to continue at an undetermined date.
As these Tylenol liver damage lawsuits progress, the FDA has once again issued a statement on April 28, 2014 in which it warns physicians of the apparent dangers of prescribing high-dose acetaminophen medications. The FDA reported that medications containing more than 325 milligrams of acetaminophen may increase a patient’s risk of experiencing liver damage and advises pharmacists throughout the U.S. to immediately refrain from refilling these prescriptions and to return any leftover product to the wholesaler or manufacturer. Additionally, the FDA stated that the products in question are being voluntarily withdrawn from the market and will no longer be available for consumer use.
While most experts agree that acetaminophen is safe when taken as directed, or less than 4,000 milligrams per day, liver specialists report that it is often too easy for patients to take more than what is directed. Those who believe they have suffered from liver damage by taking over-the-counter acetaminophen may consider filing a Tylenol liver damage lawsuit to seek compensation for their conditions.
How a Tylenol Liver Damage Lawsuit Can Help
Drug manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are accompanied by full and accurate instructions and warnings to guide prescribing doctors and other health care providers in making treatment decisions. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
Patients who are injured by Tylenol may be entitled to compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- The permanency of the injury
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of income or ability to work
If a patient dies from complications after taking Tylenol, family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Conscious pain and suffering of a loved one prior to death
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
Patients who have suffered severe side effects after taking Tylenol, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of complications with the drug, are encouraged to seek the advice of a Tylenol liver damage lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
