A Massachusetts woman filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and McNeil Consumer Healthcare on November 27, alleging that the pharmaceutical giant and its subsidiary have for years failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks of liver failure with Tylenol use. According to the plaintiff, J&J and McNeil have been aware of the link between acetaminophen (Tylenol) and liver failure since 1975, but have kept that important information from the public. In recent years however, the FDA has indicated that acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of liver failure in the United States. If you took Tylenol and have since experienced liver damage or liver failure, contact our knowledgeable attorneys at AMA Law as soon as possible. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, which our lawyers can help you pursue by filing a complaint against Johnson & Johnson.
INJURIES AND DEATHS LINKED TO TYLENOL
In her lawsuit, Kayleigh Sechi of Massachusetts indicated that she took Extra Strength Tylenol for only two weeks in 2008, and was subsequently diagnosed with acute liver failure and hepatoxicity. Mounting research has identified a connection between acetaminophen – the active ingredient in Tylenol and a common ingredient in many other medications – and the risk of liver toxicity, possibly leading to acute liver failure and death. In fact, national estimates indicate that acetaminophen overdose contributes to roughly 50,000 emergency room visits, 25,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths every year. Despite these alarming statistics, Tylenol remains one of the most popular pain relievers in North America, likely due to the fact that many consumers are unaware of the potential dangers the drug carries.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF TYLENOL
Regular strength Tylenol was first introduced by J&J as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication in 1961, and contained 325mg of acetaminophen. According to Sechi’s complaint, it was known in the 1970s that 90% of patients who took two regular strength Tylenol capsules received the desired pain relief. Despite this knowledge, J&J proceeded to develop Extra Strength Tylenol, which contained 500mg of acetaminophen, in 1975. Since that time, Tylenol has become the best-selling brand of over-the-counter pain reliever. However, numerous studies dating back to the 1980s have indicated that taking too much Tylenol could lead to potentially life-threatening liver failure.
CONSULT OUR ATTORNEYS FOR QUALIFIED LEGAL HELP
Sechi’s complaint joins a growing number of lawsuits filed in state and federal courts over liver failure complications allegedly linked to Tylenol. The majority of the claims allege that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers about the risk of liver failure associated with the use of Tylenol, or to provide information about the dangers of taking multiple acetaminophen-containing medications at the same time. If you have suffered major side effects like liver failure or liver damage, and you believe Tylenol to be the cause, consult our skilled lawyers at AMA Law to discuss your legal options. Our team of compassionate attorneys has extensive experience litigating drug injury claims, and will work diligently to help you seek fair and timely reimbursement for your injuries.