Warning: Pain Relievers, Like Tylenol, Can Cause Death
February 18, 2008
Photo by Twenty Questions
Each year, over-the-counter pain relievers containing acetaminophen are to blame for more than 100,000 calls to poison control, nearly 56,000 emergency room visits, over 26,000 hospitalizations, and more than 450 deaths from liver failure.
Many consumers believe that taking over-the-counter medications are safe as long as taken as directed. The truth is, even a low dose of acetaminophen can put us at risk for severe liver damage, a liver transplant, and even death. But you would never know it just by reading the warning on the label.
Most likely, your acetaminophen bottle has this simple message on it,
“Warning: Taking more than the recommended dosage can cause severe health problems, including liver damage.”
As it turns out, however, this widely used pain reliever causes liver failure even at doses that are within the recommended range. Doctors have reported cases of liver failure among individuals who were taking acetaminophen while following the dosage rules on the package. From these individuals, doctors have concluded that when acetaminophen is taken by consumers who are not eating (perhaps due to vomiting, fasting, or anorexia), or are drinking alcohol, the pain reliever would become very toxic and the consumer would basically be taking an accidental overdose, possibly resulting in liver failure. Yet, the warning on acetaminophen packaging is weak and does not convey the serious risks.
Why isn’t anyone changing this?
When comparing the above statistics to the millions of people taking acetaminophen without harm, the liver failure and death rates are fairly low. However, they are high enough that you would think the FDA would require the drug companies to list stronger warnings on their labels … that is, if the FDA is at all concerned about our safety. The FDA’s own guidelines require drug companies to list adverse drug events on packaging “even if there are only one or two reported events.” With acetaminophen, there have been many. It appears to be a case of the FDA protecting the pharmaceutical companies.
What you can do to protect yourself.
Acetaminophen is found in many over-the-counter medications (such as Tylenol) as well as numerous prescription drugs (such as Vicodin, Lortab, and Lorcet). You can protect yourself by:
- only using one acetaminophen product at a time
- avoiding the pain reliever during vomiting or fasting
- and avoiding alcohol while using the drug
Half of the people who overdose on acetaminophen do it unintentionally. They are not aware of either how much they are taking or that they are taking it under conditions that could make it toxic. Taking precautions will help decrease your chances of liver damage.
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Very interesting I was not aware of this. If this the same for Advil too?
Debo Hobo,
Advil does not contain acetaminophen. It’s main ingredient is ibuprofen. But no drug comes without potential risks. Even aspirin can cause ulcers.
There have been reports that ibuprofen (in Advil and Motrin), when taken in too large doses or for prolonged times, can have serious effects on the heart and stomach/intestines. If you already have problems in these areas, you should avoid ibuprofen. If you take any pain reliever regularly, it is always best to discuss it with your doctor.
[...] Acetaminophen. When a dog is in pain, we may be tempted to give it something for relief. But only two extra-strength acetaminophen tablets in a 24-hour period can kill a small pet. The pain reliever can lead to anorexia, vomiting, depression, and vomiting. High doses can be fatal. [...]
my child had sjs and tens,on 8/2006.he was 3years and 10 months. due to this terrible syndrome my child got blind,he almost die when he was in the hospital, but thank GOD he is with us now. but when he has fever or he needs something for pain,we can’t give him anything because he is allergic to tylenol and motrin. i hope some day somebody make a good medecine for fever and pain.
I can’t take ibuprofin in advil or motrin,( I was told years ago that I can’t take that, only tylenol), so I’ve been taking tylenol for years. I especially like to take tylenol PM liquid (because I can’t swallow pills), each night before I go to bed. It does help me sleep and relaxes me. Sometimes I have a headache, but I usually just take it to help me sleep at night. I mentioned this to my doctor, who said it was alright. (just 2 teaspoons a night). I also take tylenol liquid for regular headaches, with no problem, so far. Now, since it has been recalled, I can’t find the tylenol PN liquid anywhere! The shelves are empty. I do rely on this to help me sleep and relax at night. I also take other prescription medications, which do not have acetominophen in them. I’m afraid to order online, to make sure it’s the real thing. What is your opinion on this, and where can I continue to buy this. If I have to purchase this pm liquid online from Tylenol site, I will do so. Thank you for listening to my concerns.