Avoiding acetaminophen-related liver injury
Misuse of an otherwise safe painkiller can cause acute liver failure.
It never occurred to Tara Ryan (not her real name) that she could take too much over-the-counter pain medication. She just wanted to relieve the intense back pain from a muscle she pulled while sailing one Friday afternoon. Over the next three days, she took a lot of acetaminophen — judging from the amount left in the bottle, more than twice the recommended maximum. Tara became seriously ill and died Tuesday on the way to the hospital. She never knew that her liver had failed.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
