Hello I was sent here to ask this question, I am being treated for a herniated dics, bulging disc, pain in nerve thus causing fibromyalgia. For the most part, I have been able to use natural methods but extreme temps, an injury or now a cyst or mass on my ovary is causing pain. Level can be up to 8. Anyway, for 5 days of ovulation if it's bad, the doctor will treat me with lortab 10/500 and sometimes tramadol. August was very painful in the heat and swelling, so it was both medications. My question about acetaminophen. Since for the 5-7 days I may be at the max dosage for both which is rare but yes for October and now looks like September too! Is this going to cause liver damage? Just because I dont overdose doesn't mean that it can't hurt the liver. I took a tylenol yesterday because I didn't realize Tylenol was acetaminophen! I've been having anxiety attacks all day worrying that my liver will begin to shut down. The high dosages haven't been two months straight: just like two weeks per month with the last week being a kind of taper down. I've stayed on the tramadol for the lingering pains of FM. But I'm worried about the tylenol yesterday. Should I stop taking everything? Is there a chance my liver is crying out for help?! I calculated the dose would have been 3700mg. I think! If anyone can give me some peace of mind about the liver that would be great. They did a panel a few months back just to check things since I have thyroid issues too, and everything was fine. But, online I read stories of people dying from tylenol!!!!! Scared!!!
This is from:
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Acetominophen.pdf
"...The following tips can help prevent acetaminophenrelated
liver toxicity:
• Do not take more than the recommended dose of 4 grams
within a 24-hour period (for example, 12 regular strength or 8
extra strength Tylenol tablets)
• Do not take the full day’s dose at one time; space it out over
the course of the day
• Do not take acetaminophen for more than 10 days in a row
• Avoid drinking alcohol; this is important for people with
hepatitis whether or not they use acetaminophen
• People who do consume 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day
should not take more than half the usual recommended dose
of acetaminophen (2 grams within 24 hours)
• People with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis should avoid
acetaminophen
• Write down how much acetaminophen you take, and when,
if you have trouble remembering
• Check the labels of all medications; small doses of
acetaminophen in combination remedies can add up to big
trouble."
In my opinion your dose of 3700 mg was probably OK depending on your alcohol intake. I think you'd be better off trying to get by with less but that is something best resolved by consultation with your doctor.
I'm not a doctor or in the medical profession in any capacity so bear that in mind when you consider my opinion. I'm just a patient who had liver disease.
Good luck,
Mike