The Dangers of Over the Counter Medications
It’s no big surprise that many of the over-the-counter medications we take daily are potentially dangerous. All you need to do is look at the warning label to see what potential side effects can occur. However, most people think it can’t happen to them when, in fact, it can. For example, consider the Tylenol class action lawsuit currently pending. It’s important to note that there are several medications to avoid or take in moderation to protect your and your family’s health.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used and often overused analgesics and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Its remarkable ability to get rid of pain and inflammation in the body has helped earn it a top spot among the most widely used drugs in the world. However, that benefit can also carry some serious drawbacks and health damage. The primary concern with ibuprofen is the damage it can do to the liver, which is called toxic hepatitis. The effects are especially pronounced if they are taken with alcohol. The best course of action is only to use this product when necessary and avoid taking it with alcohol and other medications that are hard on the liver. A top brand name for ibuprofen is Advil.
Acetaminophen
Another considerably dangerous over-the-counter fever and pain reliever is acetaminophen. This commonly used drug is known to cause an increased risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, digestive tract bleeding, and kidney disease. This drug can also affect your psychological health and cause blunted emotions. Additionally, this drug can be dangerous for children.
There is currently a Tylenol class action lawsuit pending that many may consider joining if they have been affected by using acetaminophen marketed under the brand name of Tylenol. Perhaps the most notable side effect is its link to causing autism in children. This is the current basis for the Tylenol class action lawsuit. If you feel your child has been affected, be sure to contact a legal professional to help you get the compensation you deserve to help with care, treatment, and ongoing expenses.
Aspirin
Aspirin is another common over-the-counter drug that can pose serious health risks to users. Aspirin is known to cause upper GI bleeding and lower GI bleeding. These bleeds result in systems such as chronic iron-deficiency anemia. The risk of bleeding is down with lower doses but does not exclude the patient from potential dangers. It’s crucial to monitor GI health if a doctor prescribes this medication.
Dextromethorphan
This commonly used cough medication is usually safe when used as directed. However, if the user takes too much, it can cause hallucinations. Young people commonly abuse this medication to get high, but there is also a risk of having an adverse reaction if you don’t carefully monitor how much you take. People often rely on using spoons or eyeballing how much they are taking. They may even drink it directly from the bottle, and this is where the average person can run into trouble. Always be sure to follow directions and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage.
Summary
Misuse is one of the most common reasons for people’s adverse reactions to potentially dangerous over-the-counter drugs. However, some may have been improperly marked on the warning label or marketed unethically. If you or someone you know may qualify to join the Tylenol class action lawsuit, please reach out to Dolman Law Group to help you fill out your lawsuit and guide you through the process of getting a settlement. Call today to find out more details or get started on your case.
