TYLENOL DANGERS

A recent article published in the January 1998 issue of Forbes magazine outlines the inherent dangerous side effects from using the drug acetaminophen, which is most commonly purchased as the pain-reliever Tylenol. It seems that Tylenol has a very small "window" of effectiveness--in other words, there is not much difference between an effective dose (one that gives you relief from pain or fever) and one that can cause serious liver damage.

In the article, entitled "J&J's Dirty Little Secret", the authors state that Johnson & Johnson, the makers of Tylenol, know how dangerous acetaminophen can be, but refuse to put adequate warning labels on the packaging because it might affect the $1.3 billion dollar profit they make each year from the drug. The article also documents many cases of permanent liver damage in children from dosages that both parents and pediatricians thought were safe.

The initial symptoms of acetaminophen overdose are similar to those of the flu, often making it difficult to diagnose. It also points out that Tylenol is extremely dangerous if you drink alcohol. Acetaminophen is the leading cause of drug fatalities in the U.S., causing 30% more deaths than the runner-up, cocaine.

This article is available at our office for anyone who would like a copy. Please remember, all drugs have side effects, some of which are potentially dangerous!!