Study Links Tylenol (Acetaminophen) to Blood Cancer

In a report published on May 9 in the online edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers made a case for the connection between the high use of acetaminophen and an increased risk of blood cancer.

The results of this study reinforces prior studies that have been conducted that link the use of over-the-counter painkillers or non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood cancers.

The study conducted by Dr. Roland Walter, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington, was called the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) study. He and his team collected data from 64,839 men and women between the ages of 50 and 76 years old. Amongst study participants in this group, 577 cases of blood cancer were identified.

The people that used acetaminophen 4 days a week over a course of 4 years increased their risk for some blood cancers by two-fold. However, other NSAIDs, like aspirin, or ibuprofen, did not have these same risks associated with their use. The study did not establish a causal relationship, meaning definitive proof that the use of the drug would cause blood cancer. The results of the study implied that "the use of acetaminophen on a majority of days over many years appears to be associated with this new adverse affect," according to Dr. Walter.

A Tylenol spokesperson reaffirmed that while they appreciate the new information and welcome further exploration, further studies would be needed in order to draw definitive conclusions. One conclusion that requires no additional studies is that Tylenol (acetaminophen) and its manufacturer have been linked to a massive wave of problems and recalls. Some of the litany of problems that have filled media reports in recent months involving Tylenol and its maker, Johnson and Johnson, include the following:

• The shutdown of a Fort Washington plant run by its McNeil Division for contamination and lack of quality controls
• Repeated studies linking the drug to serious medical conditions including impaired kidney function and liver failure
• Massive recall including many Tylenol-type products designed for kids
• Multiple reports of contamination in Johnson and Johnson products like Tylenol including foul odors

This latest study simply adds to the growing volume of issues and problems linked to Tylenol and other acetaminophen products. If you have taken drugs containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol and have serious symptoms, you should contact your physician. Studies have established alleged links between Tylenol and many serious side effects including kidney and liver failure and potentially blood cancer.

These types of life threatening medical conditions mean significant medical costs, life changes, surgery and even death. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and believe it may be related to taking Tylenol or other products containing acetaminophen or any other drug, contact our Georgia defective pharmaceutical attorneys to discuss your legal rights.

Our Georgia product liability lawyers are dedicated to providing exceptional service as part of our goal of being the best personal injury lawyers in Atlanta and throughout the State of Georgia. Our Georgia Tylenol injury claims 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 our attorneys 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.