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Home / 85 Percent of Youths Could Expose Themselves...

85 Percent of Youths Could Expose Themselves to Acetaminophen Overdose

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Many teens and young people are dangerously uninformed about over-the-counter medications. A new study enlisted 266 young people in Monroe County, N.Y., between the ages of 16 and 23 in 2008 and 2009. The youths were given the equivalent of a health literacy exam. Those 18 years and older were assessed through the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) survey. Those under 18 years were given the REALM-Teen exam. The results showed that about 36 percent of teens had limited health literacy and 64 percent had adequate health literacy. A disturbing find of the study is that a majority of teens did not appreciate the potential dangers of acetaminophen (whose brand name is Tylenol).  Neither could they understand the proper dosing of acetaminophen when given access to the label instructions. Over 60 percent of the teens in the study had never before heard of acetaminophen even though 21 percent of them had ingested the drug within the previous month. The study offered a simulated situation where the test-taker might choose to take acetaminophen. Almost 85 percent of teens in the study would have been at risk of overdosing on the medication.

Acetaminophen has historically been one of the safest medications. It is found in many over-the-counter medicines. Just because it is sold over-the-counter does not mean it is without risks. The consequences from acetaminophen poisoning can be grave. Severe liver injury from acetaminophen overdosing can lead to liver failure, liver transplant, and even death.

If you think you or your child may have suffered liver damage from acetaminophen poisoning, call Longo Legal, PLLC to discuss what options you may have toll free at (855) 566-4648.

Source: University of Rochester Medical Center

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