Why acetaminophen (paracetamol) is the 'most common cause of liver injury' in Canada

[Cllcanada]

Health Canada's new labelling rules for acetaminophen are not strict enough, and the extra-strength products should be removed from store shelves, some doctors say.

Acetaminophen is one of the most widely used pain and fever relievers in Canada and worldwide. It is safe if used properly, but too much can be dangerous, particularly over time.

"It is the most common cause of liver injury. Period. Full stop," said Dr. Michael Rieder, a pediatric clinical pharmacologist at Western University in London, Ont.

cbc.ca/news/health/acetamin...

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Oh, my. And the recent info that pointed to loss of hearing with recommended use over a long time. With CLL, the bleeding factor of aspirin use is one I can't accept (have had that experience in early 20's.

[AussieNeil Administrator]

I didn't recognise acetaminophen as the commonly available pain killer Paracetamol, as it is known in Australia and elsewhere, so I've modified the title to this very important post.

'In the United States, acetaminophen toxicity has replaced viral hepatitis as the most common cause of acute hepatic failure and is the second most common cause of liver failure requiring transplantation': emedicine.medscape.com/arti...

Paracetamol Toxicity: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parac...

Neil