Taking too much acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, poses significant risks to liver health. While some experts link the drug to autism, this connection remains unproven. However, hundreds of Americans annually accidentally overdose on acetaminophen, leading to serious liver damage and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Experts stress that taking acetaminophen as directed is safe, but excessive consumption can cause severe liver injuries. According to medical research, a few hundred Americans die each year from unintentional overdoses, with some cases also involving suicidal intent.
To put this into perspective, despite being one of the most widely used medications in the US, acetaminophen overdoses are still the leading cause of acute liver failure. As Dr. Timothy Davern, a liver specialist, notes, “If it’s used in higher doses, we’re all susceptible to liver injury from that.” The American public should be aware of these risks and use acetaminophen responsibly to minimize harm.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/07/health/tylenol-acetominophen-liver-damage-kenvue.html