Tylenol Liver Problem Allegations Help: Resource4thePeople Comments on Legal Developments
San Diego, Ca (PRWEB) December 17, 2013 -- http://www.resource4thepeople.com/defectivedrugs/acetaminophen.html
Resource4thePeople today announced some of the key developments from its review of lawsuits* containing allegations that Tylenol products and other acetaminophens may cause liver damage.
This update concerns a multidistrict litigation in the federal court system involving Tylenol lawsuits from across the country that have been grouped together because they contain similar allegations that the medications can cause life-threatening liver damage.
Among the most recent developments is a compilation** by federal court officials that shows that the number of cases consolidated before a federal judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania now stands at 95.
"This judge is now presiding over pre-trial evidence-gathering and other legal actions involving nearly 100 cases from across the country that are alleging that patients suffered life-threatening liver damage because of their trust in Tylenol and other acetaminophen medications," said Resource4thePeople.
"As this litigation progresses the lawyers for the alleged victims are pressing their case to review internal documents directly affecting these claims that are currently attempting to be protected by the defendants, according to the court file."
One of the most important matters now before U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence F. Stengel is a request by defense lawyers to limit access to these documents, said Resource4thePeople.
"The judge will eventually rule on this matter but it is our position that the plaintiffs should have access to any internal documents that Johnson & Johnson has involving tests about possible toxic effects of these medications on the liver," said Resource4thePeople.
"We are also informing consumers that as this litigation and others involving similar litigation proceed our national network of attorneys is continuing to offer free consultations to consumers."
Consumers who may have been affected by these allegations are invited to consult about legal options they may have to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering and other expenses. said Resource4thePeople.
Resource4thePeople notes that Tylenol, on its web site***specifically warns that Tylenol contains acetaminophen and alerts consumers that severe liver damage may occur if you take "3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product."
The same warning also was posted**** by the U.S. Food and Drug Agency on its web site in addition to details about dosage dangers:
"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. 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 found in reviewing the inquiries from consumers about the possibility of suffering liver damage from the use of Tylenol products that it is clear that many consumers were not aware of the dangers caused by combining alcohol and acetaminophen," said Resource4thePeople.
"Therefore, we are urging all consumers to completely familiarize themselves with the dosage instructions and warnings about interactions involving alcohol that can have extreme, life-threatening consequences."
Most of the lawsuits alleging links between Tylenol and severe liver damage were filed after a June 24, 2009 safety communication (updated on Nov, 15, 2013)**** was issued by the Food and Drug Administration warning that 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.”
Meanwhile, the manufacturer’s web site***** has been updated to reflect the possibility that consumers who have been using the popular Tylenol line of painkillers may have been exposed to the possibility of overdoses that could have led to liver damage.
There are also new dosage instructions on the site in which the manufacturers say they are “taking new steps to reduce the potential for accidental overdose of acetaminophen—the active ingredient in TYLENOL® products — and to help ensure that people who use TYLENOL® Brand, and other products containing acetaminophen, use them appropriately.”
On its web site, Tylenol is making the following dosage recommendation changes:
• Reducing the maximum daily dose from 8 pills (4,000 mg) per day to 6 pills (3,000 mg) per day
• Changing the dosing interval from every 4-6 hours to every 6 hours.
The web site posting also contains the following warning:
“Some people accidentally exceed the recommended dose when taking multiple products at the same time, often without realizing they contain acetaminophen or by not reading and following the dosing instructions. Acetaminophen –the active ingredient in TYLENOL® products–is safe when used as directed, but when taken in overdose amounts, it can cause liver damage.”
Sources:
*MDL2436 In Re: Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
**http://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/sites/jpml/files/Pending_MDL_Dockets_By_District-November-18-2013.pdf
***http://www.tylenol.com/head-body/extra-strength-tylenol
****http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm168830.htm
*****http://getreliefresponsibly.com/instructions/instructions.php
Bill Callahan, iLawSuit, +1 858 602-2749, [email protected]
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