Naples / Bonita Springs / Port Charlotte / Ft. Myers Acetaminophen Attorneys
What is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is an ingredient found in many over-the-counter and prescription medicines to help relieve pain and reduce fever. Many people refer to acetaminophen by a brand name, Tylenol and prescription brand names, Vicodin and Percocet, which are drugs that also contain acetaminophen.
What actions are being taken?
An advisory committee for the FDA met on June 30, 2009 to address liver related injuries due to the use of acetaminophen. The committee voted 20-17 to urge the FDA to put a ban on Vicodin and Percocet. They also voted to lower the maximum dose of over-the-counter acetaminophen, which is currently 4 grams and limit the maximum single dose to 650 milligrams.
How Serious are the Side Effects?
Acetaminophen overdoses are the leading cause of liver damage and sends 56,000 people to the emergency room each year for liver related injuries, including many hundreds of deaths. Some early symptoms of liver damage are; loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Sadly, many people mistake these symptoms for something else, like the flu.
How to lower your risk of liver damage
- Follow the recommend dose directions; do not use more than directed.
- Do not take acetaminophen for more days than directed.
- Do not take more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at a time.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you consume three or more alcoholic beverages every day.
Do you have an Acetaminphen claim?
The highly trained Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at Viles & Beckman, LLC are dedicated to helping you get the justice you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered liver failure or death after taking an over-the-counter or prescription medicine containing acetaminophen; call Viles & Beckman, LLC at 1-800-64-VILES or fill out a free case review form today.