Compelling Medical Evidence Indicates Tylenol Causes Kidney Impairment
Many consumers have heard the reports regarding the causal relationship between Tylenol (generic "acetaminophen") and serious liver injuries including liver failure, but many do not know that long-term use of Tylenol has also been linked to serious damage to the kidneys. McNeil, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, manufactures Tylenol or acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has a well-established history of causing long-term kidney damage and failure. The "PDR Guide to Drug Interactions, Side Effects, and Indications" cites a study published in a 2001 New England Journal of Medicine that reported long-term acetaminophen use was associated with an increased risk of end-stage kidney disease. Approximately 8 to 10 percent of the patients in the study who were on acetaminophen developed end-stage kidney disease.
Another cited study included 1,700 women over an 11-year period. The study found that 10% of the women in the study suffered a decline in kidney function indicating that the popular over-the-counter drug damaged their kidneys. Those in the study who took between 1,500 and 9,000 tablets during their lifetime experienced a 64% increase in kidney injuries. Those in the study who took more than 9,000 tablets had an even greater risk of kidney impairment.
Many consumers believe that Tylenol is safe because it is an over-the-counter medication. However, this increased risk of kidney failure is even more alarming when considered together with the well-established causal relationship between Tylenol/acetaminophen use and liver damage including liver failure. Much of the misconception about the safety of these medications is a result of the fact that these drugs are available without prescriptions, as well as drug manufacturer advertising, which promotes the impression that cold medicines, pain killers, antihistamines, and other drugs are safe. Inadequate warnings on the labels also mean that many consumers do not realize the serious kidney and liver health risks from Tylenol. The FDA has reported that over-the-counter drugs are responsible for more than 150,000 hospitalizations annually. FDA data also reveals that in excess of 1000 over-the-counter drugs have been linked to liver injuries, which is responsible for about 2000 deaths per year in the U.S. (Ford MD et al 2001).
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, represent clients throughout Georgia who are injured by defective drugs with dangerous side effects. Whether the defect is the failure to properly label a drug warning of potential harmful side effects or simply defective design and manufacturing of the drug, Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, represents people who are harmed by dangerous drugs including Tylenol (acetaminophen) throughout Georgia. If you have suffered serious kidney or liver damage that may be a result of your use of Tylenol, contact us for a Free Consultation to discuss your rights.
Our experienced Georgia Tylenol attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located we are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.