Tylenol Class Action Lawsuits

Current research and data link Tylenol (acetaminophen and paracetamol) to acute liver failure, transplants and death. If you believe Tylenol or acetaminophen caused your liver injury, damage or failure, consult with a lawyer.

Devastating results can occur from the normal usage or overdose of Tylenol or acetaminophen. Although there are no Tylenol recalls, the possibility of recall and restrictive regulatory action remains due to the increased number of Tylenol liver injury cases each year. In April 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued new regulation requiring stronger labeling for over-the-counter products containing acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen manufacturers must include precise warnings about liver injury, increased risk due to alcohol and the dangers involved in taking more than one acetaminophen product. In a May 2009 statement released by Tylenol manufacturer, McNeil Consumer Healthcare voiced fears that FDA recommendations will discourage the use of a “safe drug.” In January 2010, the FDA followed with a request that prescription drug makers use no more than 325 mg of acetaminophen in a combination drug. The request did not include Tylenol.

In a July 28, 2011 press statement, McNeil Consumer Healthcare announced new, restrictive dosing instructions for Tylenol in an attempt to reduce overdoses. The old dosing instructions recommended taking no more than eight pills per day. Tylenol’s new label recommends taking no more than six pills daily, reducing the old dosage by from 4,000 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams.

How Does Tylenol or Acetaminophen Overdose Cause Liver Injury?

Under normal conditions, the acetaminophen attaches to a sulphate and glucuronide molecule before leaving the body. Separately, acetaminophen, sulphate and glucuronide are harmless. Liver damage occurs when acetaminophen saturates the sulphate and glucuronide molecules creating a toxic metabolite known as NAPQI. The toxic metabolite accumulates in the liver resulting in liver damage, which can cause instances of acute liver failure.

Other factors that lead to an acetaminophen overdose include:

- Combining acetaminophen with Phenobarbital, anti-seizure medications and certain anti-tuberculosis drugs increase the risk of liver damage and failure.
- Poor dieting and long-term alcohol use deplete the liver’s glutathione supply, which is critical in the liver detoxification process.
- Genetic makeup can make a person more susceptible to an acetaminophen overdose, even under normal use.

What Should You Do If You Have Liver Damage and You Use Tylenol?

Consult with an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer to discuss your options. A Tylenol lawsuit can help offset medical expenses, damages and loss wages. Personal injury lawyers who specialize in drug recalls and dangerous prescription drugs employ an experienced team of professional lawyers ready to fight for you.