In April 2023, The Conversation reported on Larissa, a 21-year-old Canadian college student, who lost her life due to an acetaminophen overdose. She was recovering from COVID-19, and this medication overdose tragically ended her life.
The incident shocked her family. Darby, her sister, shared her thoughts after this massive loss. She revealed that Larissa had regained her health, but exactly one week after the overdose, she experienced liver failure. Although she received a liver transplant, Larissa couldn’t survive due to other health complications.
Darby lamented that the sad part is that Larissa will always remain unaware of the overdose. Her initial aim was to help Larissa eat well and recover from COVID-19 symptoms.
According to a Forbes news report, the FDA had issued a warning against prescribing acetaminophen doses exceeding 325 mg. Acetaminophen is found in drugs like Tylenol, and excessive use can lead to liver damage and other long-term health risks.
In this article, we will delve into how acetaminophen causes liver damage and touch on other health hazards. Additionally, we will discuss how to file a legal complaint to seek compensation for damages and suffering resulting from Tylenol usage.
How Does Tylenol Cause Liver Damage?
The NIH (National Institutes of Health) asserts that acetaminophen poisoning is a prominent form of drug toxicity. It can cause liver damage because the organ processes any compound that passes through it. When it comes to acetaminophen, the breakdown produces NAPQI, a byproduct that can accumulate and harm liver cells.
Considering the risks that outweigh the benefits of this drug, the FDA has recommended limiting its dosage. According to the FDA, no conclusive data is highlighting that consuming acetaminophen over 325 mg will lead to liver injury. However, anecdotal accounts have necessitated caution regarding its use.
In August 2022, Healthline discussed the symptoms of liver failure, which include diarrhea, fatigue, appetite loss, and nausea. It also leads to discomfort on the right side of the body below your ribs. As this condition progresses, confusion or drowsiness may occur, and patients may develop a swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup and experience bleeding.
Acetaminophen toxicity typically progresses through four stages. All the aforementioned symptoms occur in the initial two phases, and people usually receive treatment to prevent liver failure risks.
However, if a person continues to consume excessive acetaminophen for 3 to 5 days, they may enter the third stage. Symptoms in this stage may include fatigue, vomiting, nausea, jaundice, and, in some cases, central nervous system symptoms such as coma or confusion. Here, the patient can succumb to organ failure, sepsis, or brain swelling.
Tylenol and Gut Health Issues
Chris Kresser, a popular clinician and educator in Functional Medicine, in his blog talks about chronic acetaminophen use of more than 2,000 milligrams getting linked with bleeding in the upper GI (gastrointestinal tract). The overdose leads to necrosis in liver tissue, resulting in excess protein release. It causes the gut bacteria to get leaked into the bloodstream.
People who have increased levels of particular gut bacterial metabolites can be vulnerable to acetaminophen toxicity.
Tylenol and ADHD, Autism, and Brain Health
Women who use Tylenol during pregnancy will face neurodevelopmental consequences in the fetus. A study done on over 2000 mother-child pairs during their pregnancy has interesting conclusions.
The results stated that 40% of the kids got exposed to acetaminophen in utero. And this exposure to acetaminophen got linked to a higher risk of ADHD and lower attention function. In the case of boys, Tylenol resulted in autism spectrum symptoms. Mothers who used this drug had a greater chance of giving birth to children who exhibit autistic-like behavior.
Filing a Legal Complaint for Tylenol Health Hazards
In July 2023 Undark reported on over 100 families of kids who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, are suing brands that market acetaminophen. In fact, Tylenol-maker Johnson & Johnson, along with other retailers using acetaminophen was aware of its potential to cause neurodevelopmental disorders in kids. Hence, they should have taken accountability and added the same to their product labels.
Most mothers who have filed the Tylenol lawsuit for autism are burdened with guilt, firmly believing that they have caused their child’s disability by using an over-the-counter pain reliever. In numerous instances, these women express that had they been aware of the potential harm acetaminophen could pose to their babies, they would have either reduced their usage of the drug or abstained from it entirely.
TorHoerman Law asserts that mothers who think that their kids have autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental issues because of their Tylenol use, should take the necessary legal action. It is essential to keep all the medical records handy and use them to build a strong legal case with the help of a lawyer. The settlement amount can be approximately $500,000 and more, depending on the individual case and multidistrict litigation.
Conclusion
The health hazards associated with acetaminophen, commonly found in drugs like Tylenol, cannot be overlooked. The potential for liver injury caused by acetaminophen poisoning highlights the importance of understanding the proper dosage and risks involved. The FDA’s suggestion to restrict the dose of acetaminophen acts as a reminder to be cautious and prioritize patient safety. Individuals must be aware of the symptoms of liver failure and seek medical attention promptly if they suspect acetaminophen toxicity.
Furthermore, mothers who have used Tylenol during pregnancy and have witnessed their kids developing ADHD and autistic symptoms should get both medical and legal assistance.
