Latest Tylenol Liver Failure Lawsuit Allegations Report: Resource4thePeople Urges Consumers to Fully Inform Themselves about Liver Disease Danger Possibility
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) July 22, 2013 -- http://www.resource4thepeople.com/defectivedrugs/acetaminophen.html
Resource4thePeople today announced that it is encouraging consumers who may be taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) or other Tylenol products to fully inform themselves about the side effects that have caused some consumers to file lawsuits alleging that they developed liver cancer.
For instance, one easy-to-follow quiz* is provided on the MedicineNet.com web site where the answer to one of the questions is that "Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) in excess can cause liver failure that often is permanent and results in death."
The answer on the public health site mirrors the allegations contained in consolidated federal lawsuits** claiming that the use of Tylenol products may cause liver cancer and a Food and Drug Administration health advisory*** issued over the same concerns.
"Many consumers are unaware of the possible side effects from the use of the popular pain-killer Tylenol, as evidenced by the allegations made in a multidistrict litigation now pending in federal court," said Resource4thePeople.
"We have received many inquiries about the progress of this litigation and what rights consumers may have to seek compensation if they have allegedly suffered liver cancer and we are announcing that we will continue to provide free legal consultations for such inquiries."
Resource4thePeople also encourages all consumers to take such informative quizzes and fully inform themselves about the possible side effects of Tylenol and any other medication that may be prescribed for them.
Resource4thePeople also will continue to provide updates for consumers about developments involving Tylenol and alleged cases of liver cancer as well as new government reports and recently published medical research on the issue.
The multidistrict litigation has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Stengel of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, who, in a June 17, 2013 order**** posted the master complaint that contains allegations common to all of the plaintiffs who are suing the drug's manufacturers over these claims.
The master complaint identifies pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson and subsidiaries McNeil-PPC, Inc. and McNeil Consumer Healthcare as defendants in the lawsuits. The companies have denied the allegations, which the complaint specifies:
"As a direct and proximate result of the acts and omissions of Defendants, and Plaintiffs’ use of Tylenol, Plaintiffs have suffered death, serious permanent physical injury, life-changing, life-altering pain and suffering, loss of income, loss of opportunity, loss of family and social relationships, and medical, hospital, surgical and funeral expenses and other expenses related to diagnosis and treatment thereof, for which Defendants are liable," the plaintiffs claim in their filing. "As a direct and proximate result of Plaintiffs use of Tylenol, Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer pecuniary and other losses."
The complaint also contains allegations that "Plaintiffs have been prevented from pursuing their normal activities and employment, have experienced severe pain and suffering and mental anguish, and have been deprived of their ordinary pursuits and enjoyments of life."
The complaint also alleges that: "Plaintiffs' spouses have lost, presently and in the future, their spouse's companionship, services, society and the ability of Plaintiffs' spouses in said respect has been impaired and depreciated, and the marital association between husband and wife has been altered, and as such, the Plaintiffs' spouses have been caused mental anguish and suffering."
At this stage of the litigation the lawyers for both sides are in the preliminary stages of evidence-gathering, according to the court file.
Most of the lawsuits alleging links between Tylenol and severe liver damage were filed after the June 24, 2009 safety communication*** (updated on April 11, 2013) was issued by the Food and Drug Administration warning that the painkiller Tylenol (acetaminophen) when taken in doses stronger than the recommended amount can cause life-threatening health problems.
The FDA said it issued the warning after an advisory committee of medical experts and physicians met to address the problem of liver injury related to the use of acetaminophen in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products.
The FDA said acetaminophen is the generic name of a drug found in many common brand name OTC products such as Tylenol, as well as prescription products such as Vicodin and Percocet.
“Acetaminophen is an important drug, and its effectiveness in relieving pain and fever is widely known,” said the FDA. “This drug is generally considered safe when used according to the directions on its labeling. But taking more than the recommended amount can cause liver damage, ranging from abnormalities in liver function blood tests, to acute liver failure, and even death.”
Resource4thePeople has discovered that many of the consumers who have made inquiries over this litigation were unaware of the possible side effects from Tylenol products that allegedly could cause liver damage or failure. These are now being detailed on the Tylenol official web site.*****
Also included on the web site is this warning:
“It is important to be aware of the ingredients in all medications that you may be taking. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a common component of many different over-the-counter and prescription medications. You should not take two or more products that contain acetaminophen at the same time. Taking more than the recommended dose (overdose) of acetaminophen may cause liver damage.”
In seeking consolidation into a multidistrict litigation, attorneys for the plaintiffs alleged that "McNeil marketed and sold its over-the-counter Tylenol products in a manner that concealed the margin of risk of liver toxicity and liver failure,” according to the filings for their petition.******
Sources:
*http://www.medicinenet.com/liver_disease_quiz/quiz.htm
**In Re: Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation; Case 2:2013md02436
***http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm168830.htm
****http://www.paed.uscourts.gov/documents/MDL/MDL2436/CMO7EXA.pdf
*****http://www.tylenol.com/tylenol-your-liver
******http://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/sites/jpml/files/Hearing%20Order-3-21-13.pdf
Bill Callahan, iLawSuit, 858 602-2749, [email protected]
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