Tylenol is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter pain medications, but it can also be dangerous. In the past 10 years, there have been more than 1,500 Americans who have died after taking too much of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Acetaminophen is typically safe when it is taken at the recommended dose. There are millions of Americans currently using it with little to no effects. However, in large doses, especially if combined with alcohol, the drug can start to damage the liver.
There have been several instances of healthy individuals (including a 12-year old and a healthy 23-year old) who have died from acetaminophen poisoning.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been aware of the risks of acetaminophen. In fact, they have several studies in their possession showing the potential risks and especially how it can cause harm. But, the harm of this over-the-counter pain reliever is much less than other over-the-counter options. Federal regulators have not adopted measures that can reduce deaths or injuries related to acetaminophen use, even though the government has labeled it a “persistent, important public health problem.”
Just four years ago, an FDA panel started to back a new set of proposals that would increase the safety of these over-the-counter medications – especially Tylenol. The agency has yet to implement these procedures and just a month ago, the FDA missed another deadline for implementing these new safety protocols.
Other countries, such as Switzerland or Great Britain, have already limited how much acetaminophen consumers can purchase at one time as well as how much can be sold by a pharmacy. The FDA has yet to do this or even consider such limitations in the United States. Instead, they have continued their debates about safety.
The company that created acetaminophen has been more proactive at protecting consumers. In fact, they found an antidote that saved many lives from acetaminophen poisoning. However, that same company has still fought safeguards and restrictions for their medication for more than three decades.
According to recent numbers, however, there have been 1,567 deaths from 2001 to 2010 as the result of taking too much acetaminophen. But, the FDA has still yet to protect consumers – even though the number of deaths of Tylenol far exceeds any other over-the-counter pain medication.
Because of relaxed regulations and little participation by the manufacturer, there are still thousands of people dying from acetaminophen poisoning. If you or a loved one has been injured because of an over-the-counter pain medication, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Berkowitz and Hanna LLC today to discuss your case. While Tylenol is a trusted brand, it does not always mean it is safe.
Contact Berkowitz and Hanna LLC today to schedule a no obligation case evaluation. Call 866-479-7909 or contact us online to get started.
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