Acetaminophen in excessive doses may be deadly

Today is a sad anniversary.

Marcus Trunk died thirteen years ago today. At the age of 23, he was the victim of an unintentional overdose from a combination of over-the-counter drugs that contained acetaminophen. When he was admitted to a hospital with flu symptoms (later discovered to be symptoms of liver toxicity) he was given acetaminophen to reduce his fever.

That’s how easily it happens.

For instance, many people believe that Excedrin is simply a brand name for aspirin. In fact, extra strength Excedrin contains equal amounts of aspirin and acetaminophen.

For many years, Tylenol and other acetaminophen products have been touted as a gentle alternative to aspirin – a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Combine that gentle reputation with the fact that acetaminophen is an ingredient in many over-the- counter and prescription medications (such as flu drugs, sleep aids, painkillers, etc.), and you have a mix that can quickly turn deadly.

And yet, the ad campaigns for Tylenol (the most common brand name acetaminophen) still insist it’s gentle enough for babies, while highlighting the great pride that Tylenol employees take in making their product.

Those images don’t convey the dark side of this very powerful drug.

In Marcus’ memory, let’s help spread the word. Tell your family and friends – and especially your kids and grandkids – that we have to be very careful when taking this drug.

Marcus Trunk’s parents started a web page to share the facts behind their son’s ordeal and to help broaden the warning about acetaminophen dangers. Go to drug-warning.org to read their heart-breaking story, and to find out how to tell if acetaminophen is contained in a prescription drug.