Updated September 2007- Tylenol is a
painkiller containing the active ingredient acetaminophen. An
overdose of Tylenol or other products containing acetaminophen can cause serious health problems, especially in children.
A recent study conducted by a Dallas
hospital found that acetaminophen overdose was the leading cause of the hospital's acute
liver failure cases. Acute liver failure can be fatal.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that, in 1996, slightly less than 32,000 children under the age of six were inappropriately exposed to pediatric acetaminophen. While the majority of these children required no treatment, several suffered life-threatening injuries.
In 2007, the
Institute for Safe Medication Practices and the Division of Public Health
Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, conducted a longitudinal
Adverse Events Reporting System Review of the U.S.
FDA's
most dangerous drugs. The study found Tylenol to be the fifth most
dangerous drug on the market today with the fifth highest number of suspect drug
deaths. Over the eight years of the study, acetaminophen was a
seriously lethal drug in the marketplace with over 1,350 suspect drug deaths in an 8-year period.
See a doctor if you have experienced serious health problems after taking Tylenol or any other product containing acetaminophen. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Painkillers: Overview
- Liver Failure: Overview
- Overdose: Overview