Page 15 - April 2023

cases in the United States are correlated
to acetaminophen overdose. The liver

metabolizes the medication, so too much
of it can overwhelm the way the liver

normally functions. Acetaminophen-
induced liver damage occurs slowly;
often, by the time it’s noticeable, it is

likely too late to treat it.

Like liver damage, heavy use of
acetaminophen is associated with
an increased risk for kidney disease.

Several studies have investigated its
relation to cardiometabolic health.

Those who misuse over-the-counter
medication are considered at the most
significant risk for acetaminophen

toxicity, which is an accumulation of
the drug within the body that occurs

when the kidneys become unable to
effectively expel the substance at the
rate at which it is taken in.

In rare cases, acetaminophen can

cause severe skin reactions. In 2013,
the FDA warned that its use, in rare
cases, can cause potentially fatal skin

reactions, including toxic epidermal
necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson

syndrome (SJS). It is unknown exactly
what causes such a reaction, but what is
particularly alarming about it is that it

can occur even if you’ve already taken
acetaminophen without any problems.

The best thing you can do to medicate
safely is to follow the recommended
dosage guidelines and not exceed

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