Perhaps one of the most prominent pain-relievers on the market today, acetaminophen is used to relieve many forms of mild to moderate pain. Unfortunately, acetaminophen has recently been linked to potentially fatal forms of acute liver damage and/or liver failure.
If you or a loved one has been injured by acetaminophen, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Acetaminophen Liver Problems
Recently, researchers from the University of North Carolina published an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that showed up to 44% of the study participants who took over-the-counter or prescription strength acetaminophen exhibit an increased level of liver enzymes.
In addition to the already existing warning for over-the-counter acetaminophen containing products, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) added a “Black Box Warning” to all prescription products containing the drug, i.e. Vicodin and Percocet.
Stages of an Acetaminophen Overdose
When patients are exposed to excess amounts of acetaminophen, an overdose may occur. Acetaminophen has been linked to liver damage, which can potentially lead to liver failure and death.
The symptoms of acetaminophen overdose occur in four stages:
Stage 1 (12 – 24 hours): During this stage, the patient may suffer from nausea, vomiting, sweating, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and irritability.
Stage 2 (24 – 48 hours): Referred to as the latent phase, it is in this stage that the patient may not show any signs or symptoms of acetaminophen overdose. However, it is in this stage that liver damage may begin to occur.
Stage 3 (48 – 72 hours): During this time, the patient may experience pain in the upper-right abdominal area or tenderness at the site of the liver. Individuals might also begin to see the following symptoms related to liver damage and/or failure: jaundice, dark urine, hypoglycemia, bleeding and nausea.
Stage 4 (5 – 14 days): This stage can last about 21 days and it is here that patients can make a full recovery or unfortunately die from liver failure.
Signs & Symptoms of Acetaminophen Liver Damage
Below are the possible signs and symptoms of an overdose or acetaminophen-induced liver damage:
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Do I have an Acetaminophen Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in acetaminophen lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by acetaminophen, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-800-773-0849. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.