Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) and Acute Liver Failure

Around 25 billion doses of acetaminophen, or paracetamol, are sold globally every year. Worldwide, acetaminophen overdose is among the leading causes of acute liver failure, and the leading cause in many countries. Acetaminophen is most often purchased as an over-the-counter medication. Prescribed pain relievers often combine acetaminophen with other medications. In 2011 the US FDA issued a mandate limiting the maximum acetaminophen dose in prescribed products that include opioids and required boxed warning labels. Watch this video to find out whether the mandate worked to decrease hospitalizations for acute liver failure resulting from acetaminophen and opioid toxicity.

Topics discussed in this video
0:00 Prevalence of acetaminophen (paracetamol)
0:37 Safety and recommended dose
1:30 Unintentional acetaminophen overdose
2:21 Acetaminophen and opioid toxicity
2:44 2011 FDA mandate
3:10 Did the mandate work?
3:54 Acetaminophen overdose without opioids
4:44 What can be done?

Featuring:
Jayme E. Locke, MD (University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine and Joan & Sanford Weill Medical College of Cornell University)
Lewis S. Nelson, MD (Rutgers New Jersey Medical School)
Babak J. Orandi, MD, PhD (University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine)

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[Defnitelyntacp]

I am dying of acetaminophen toxicity from taking Excedrin every day since 1998. I suffer from debilitating migraines so I've always just taken a couple in the morning. I knew I had become addicted to them when the company pulled the product off the market a few years ago. It took until now to find out the damage on my liver is worse than an alcoholic. I don't even drink. It was my fault, but I'm not the only person.

[DawaSupplyCo]

The doctor at the VA recently told me to switch from ibupofen to acetaminophen because its better for my liver… wow

[rachaelvaccaro]

Patients need to be better educated by their PCP during visits about max dose and side effects.

[ashishpatel-kquj]

DILI (Drug-induced liver injury) :-((((