FDA To Discuss Liver Risks With Tylenol,Other Painkillers

Image via Wikipedia

The FDA will be taking a look at painkillers such as Tylenol next week.




The issue front and center relates to acetaminophen, a drug found in Excedrin as well as NyQuil and Theraflu, that can cause liver damage. Acetaminophen is the most widely used drug in America.


Acetaminophen is found in more than 100 products, including many prescription drugs administered by pharmacies. Much of its popularity is because - when taken at recommended doses - acetaminophen does not cause stomach discomfort or bleeding, unlike other drugs commonly used to reduce pain and fever, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.

When, however, it's taken over the maximum amount of 4 grams per day, acetaminophen can cause liver damage, ranging from abnormalities in blood tests used to assess liver function to acute liver failure (ALF), and even death; a problem not caused by other over-the-counter painkillers.

Despite efforts since the early 1990s to reduce the incidence of acetaminophen-related liver damage, liver injury from acetaminophen overdose remains a serious public health problem. Source.



You'll be able to see the FDA at work by logging on to FDAAdvisoryCommittee.com


Source here.