Health News
Tylenol and Liver Damage
July 5, 2006
Tylenol may no longer be "doctor recommended" after new research suggests that Tylenol may in fact cause liver damage. These new findings were extracted from research conducted by the University of North Carolina.
Tylenol has been on the market for 20 years and although there was some evidence that Tylenol in combination with hydrocodone caused liver damage, hydrocodone was thought to be the culprit. The new evidence is suggesting that the Tylenol is in fact causing liver damage rather than the hydrocodone. Taken as directed for four days, Tylenol (acetaminophen) poses a risk.
Tylenol is a popular painkiller taken by millions of people all over the world. It is an alternative to aspirin for people who are concerned about its gastrointestinal side-effects. The scientists said that patients who really need Tylenol should not stop taking it. If they are concerned they should discuss their medication with their doctor before considering switching.
You can read about this trial in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 5 July issue.