{
  "id": 2188898,
  "title": "This everyday product in your medicine cabinet is wreaking havoc on people’s livers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/this-everyday-product-in-your-medicine-cabinet-is-wreaking-havoc-on",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-20T17:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91591901/liver-injury-spike-being-driven-by-common-medicine-cabinet-product"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new study revealed a staggering 400% rise in liver injuries caused by medications and substances over the past quarter-century. However, the culprit behind these cases wasn't alcohol, but rather acetaminophen, the key component in Tylenol. Led by Christopher P. Holstege MD from the University of Virginia's Heqlath's Blue Ridge Poison Center, the research identified 220,160 instances of liver injury due to \"xenobiotic,\" or foreign substances not naturally occurring in the body. The frequency of liver injury cases surged from 11 per million to 53 per million. Most patients required hospitalization, with 85% of men and 94% of women needing medical attention.\n\nAcetaminophen breaks down in the liver, producing a toxic byproduct called NAPQI, which is countered by glutathione molecules. However, excessive intake can overwhelm the liver's ability to neutralize NAPQI, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unusual bleeding, and even liver failure. This often happens when individuals consume multiple acetaminophen-containing medications. The drug is present in numerous products, including Tylenol and cold remedies. Many people unknowingly double up on the drug by taking multiple medications containing acetaminophen. Overconsumption, particularly on an empty stomach, poses the most significant risk, potentially necessitating a liver transplant. While excessive Tylenol use can harm anyone, those with pre-existing liver disease and frequent alcohol consumption face an increased risk.\n\nDoctors recommend checking medication labels to avoid doubling up on acetaminophen. In 2011, the FDA recommended discontinuing the sale of combination prescriptions containing more than 325 mg of acetaminophen, and cases involving acetaminophen-containing drugs decreased by 85%, as per the study. \"When taken as directed, according to the package label, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe and effective and does not cause liver damage,\" a Tylenol spokesperson told Fast Company. \"We work across the industry and with healthcare organizations to bolster education with consumers and healthcare professionals on the importance of safe and responsible use of over-the-counter medicines.\" Alcohol was a close second, being the second-leading cause of liver injury, though the gap is substantial. Other sources of liver injury include street drugs, stimulants, and dietary supplements. Holstege stated, \"The public should be aware of potential liver injury with various substances that are readily available to consumers.\"",
  "summary": "A new study showed a 400% increase in liver injuries linked to medication and substances over the past 25 years. But the standout substance wasn’t alcohol. It was acetaminophen—the main ingredient in Tylenol . The study—led by Christopher P. Holstege MD at University of Virginia Heqlath’s Blue Ridge Poison Center—identified 220,160 cases of liver injury caused by “xenobiotic,” or foreign…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}