It seems acetaminophen is constantly being investigated by the FDA due to the prevalence hepatotoxicity it causes. Interventions to reduce these adverse events continue to evolve, but what should something more be done to protect consumers from possible liver damage associated with acetominophen while new, lower dosages are considered?
It could take quite a while for the FDA to definatively decide about new dosages of acetaminophen. In the mean time, people and doctors are baffled. The vote that took place in June from the panel was for the reduction of the current recommended dose of acetaminophen. Another vote included making certain products containing 500 mg or more available through prescription only. Once a decision from the FDA is reached, it could still take years for it to actually take effect.
Acetaminophen related hepatotoxicity is a major concern for the FDA because it is one of the most commonly used pain relievers on the market. In 2004, they released a campaign to inform the public about the dangers of acetaminophen misuse. Some believe that it has not been fully effective in reducing the amount of toxicity because it is still at the top of the list of drugs that commonly cause liver damage.
Some have countered that doctors and pharmacists need to be the ones to take note of the dangers related to acetaminophen. Currently, the recommended daily dose is 4 g, but pharmacists say that they have seen doctors prescribe much more than that. Who's responsibility is it to reach the consumer?
In the end, what has one representative said about the safety of the current dose? People have no need to worry, that as long as it is used correctly 4 grams per day should be just fine.
Is acetaminophen (brand name, Tylenol) cause for concern? Next time you reach into the medicine cabinet, what will cross your mind?
For more details, view the article:
http://libproxy.uta.edu:2066/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2010377171&site=ehost-live
This is a video with the discussion of safety:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7WCSwEWjdk
Reference:
Traynor, A., (2009). FDA’s acetaminophen meeting sparks confusion.
American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 66(16), 1422, 1425-6.
Retrieved from: http://libproxy.uta.edu:2066/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2010377171&site=ehost-live
What exactly is hepatotoxicity, and why should I be worried?
The liver is a vital organ that is responsible for many body functions, including blood cell composition, breakdown of nutrients we eat, balancing cholesterols, and ridding our body of foreign chemicals, such as alcohol and drugs.
Hepatotoxicity is damage that occurs to the liver by chemical means. Medications that we use every day can ultimately be damaging our liver!
Unfortunately, hepatotoxicity from commonly known drugs is often a cause of liver injury. It is estimated as many as 1000 drugs can be blamed for some form of liver damage.
The liver’s role in detoxification makes it especially vulnerable to damaging substances. Liver cells, hepatocytes, can be injured by various pathways depending on the type of drug being metabolized. Reactive particles can destruct the cellular components of the hepatocytes, leading to cell death. Other metabolites alter liver enzymes responsible for drug metabolism leading to toxicity. Drug fragments can also bind to liver proteins initiating an autoimmune attack on the liver tissue.
Effects of hepatotoxicity can be seen throughout the body. General symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, upper right stomach pain, loss of appetite, brown urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice.) It is important to note these changes early and notify the health-care provider immediately if they are experienced. Early intervention is the safest way to limit damage to the liver!
Who is at risk for hepatotoxicity? EVERYONE! It may be a patient you are monitoring, a family member you are educating, or yourself. Concerns extend far beyond high dosages of prescription medications. Hepatotoxicity can result from combining multiple drugs, alcohol consumption with medications, genetic predispositions, age-related metabolism rates, and underlying diseases. Over-the-counter products, such as Tylenol, and herbal remedies, that are often considered “safe”, play a HUGE role in liver damage.
The key to lowering your risk is EDUCATION. Knowledge about hepatotoxicity is critical to keeping EVERYONE safe.
Reference:
Kaplowitz, N. (2004). Drug-induced liver injury. Clinical Infectious Diseases: An Official Publication Of The Infectious Diseases Society Of America, 38 Suppl 2S44-8. http://libproxy.uta.edu:2066/.
More information on hepatotoxicity, like specific symptoms to look out for can be found here: http://www.liverdisordersfocus.com/articles/liver-disorders/drug-induced-liver-damage.php
Hepatotoxicity is damage that occurs to the liver by chemical means. Medications that we use every day can ultimately be damaging our liver!
Unfortunately, hepatotoxicity from commonly known drugs is often a cause of liver injury. It is estimated as many as 1000 drugs can be blamed for some form of liver damage.
The liver’s role in detoxification makes it especially vulnerable to damaging substances. Liver cells, hepatocytes, can be injured by various pathways depending on the type of drug being metabolized. Reactive particles can destruct the cellular components of the hepatocytes, leading to cell death. Other metabolites alter liver enzymes responsible for drug metabolism leading to toxicity. Drug fragments can also bind to liver proteins initiating an autoimmune attack on the liver tissue.
Effects of hepatotoxicity can be seen throughout the body. General symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, upper right stomach pain, loss of appetite, brown urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice.) It is important to note these changes early and notify the health-care provider immediately if they are experienced. Early intervention is the safest way to limit damage to the liver!
Who is at risk for hepatotoxicity? EVERYONE! It may be a patient you are monitoring, a family member you are educating, or yourself. Concerns extend far beyond high dosages of prescription medications. Hepatotoxicity can result from combining multiple drugs, alcohol consumption with medications, genetic predispositions, age-related metabolism rates, and underlying diseases. Over-the-counter products, such as Tylenol, and herbal remedies, that are often considered “safe”, play a HUGE role in liver damage.
The key to lowering your risk is EDUCATION. Knowledge about hepatotoxicity is critical to keeping EVERYONE safe.
Reference:
Kaplowitz, N. (2004). Drug-induced liver injury. Clinical Infectious Diseases: An Official Publication Of The Infectious Diseases Society Of America, 38 Suppl 2S44-8. http://libproxy.uta.edu:2066/.
More information on hepatotoxicity, like specific symptoms to look out for can be found here: http://www.liverdisordersfocus.com/articles/liver-disorders/drug-induced-liver-damage.php
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I had no idea tylenol was so harmful. My uncle takes tylenol extra strength before dirt bike races to prevent joint pains. It sounds like he might be doing more damage to his body than good, since he also takes the same medicine for headaches.
ReplyDeleteWell Steven, You are absolutely right. Your uncle could very well be causing serious damage to his liver by taking acetaminophen like that. The key is to use it correctly. He should definately not exceed more than 4g per day of acetaminophen. Perhaps, he should consult his physician for suggestions to get help dealing with his joint pain.
ReplyDeleteOMG!!!! I take tylenol everyday for my back pain!!! Im going to change this daily activity because i did not realize how bad tylenol was for me!!! Im glad i came across this article!!! It just may have saved my life!! thanks!!!!
ReplyDeleteSebastian,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that our site was able to teach you something new. Hopefully, others will also benefit by being exposed to the information on here about all of the potential health risks. Don't forget that Tylenol is safe if it is taken in therapeutic doses, like those on the label. It's also a great idea to team up with your doctor to discuss a plan of action about chronic pain.
Sebastian,
ReplyDeleteThere are holistic ways of treating your chronic pain. You should discuss physical therapy with you doctor, therapy will teach great core exercises to stengthen muscles and manage your pain at the same time.