One medication you may get without a prescription is Tylenol, sometimes known as acetaminophen. It reduces fever and helps with pain. It is generally safe and works rather effectively.
Many individuals are unaware, however, that Tylenol can be harmful, particularly if taken excessively or over a very long period of time. Before using this medication, you should be aware of the risks since some of these adverse effects might seriously compromise your health.
Liver Damage
Understanding the side effects of Tylenol is crucial, particularly since liver damage is one of the main risks involved.
Although the liver breaks down acetaminophen, if taken too much, it might become really stressed out and cause issues. Taking too much Tylenol can damage your liver and is one of the top reasons people in the U.S. end up needing a liver transplant. If it gets really bad, the liver damage can be fatal.
Increased Blood Pressure
Using Tylenol a lot can make your blood pressure go up, especially if you already have high blood pressure. A study showed that if you take 4 grams of acetaminophen every day, your systolic blood pressure might go up by around 5 mm Hg. This might not look significant, but for people with high blood pressure, even a small increase can make the chances of heart disease and stroke go up. If you have high blood pressure, you should ask your doctor before using Tylenol frequently.
Severe Skin Reactions
Sometimes, Tylenol can cause serious skin conditions, and you might need to see a doctor immediately. These conditions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and they make your skin peel off in painful layers. You might get a rash, some blisters, and feel like you have the flu before the skin starts reacting. If you notice anything weird happening to your skin after taking Tylenol, just stop using it and go see a doctor.
Allergic Reactions
Sometimes, people can have really severe allergic reactions to Tylenol, but it’s not common. You might see your face, throat, or tongue get puffy, have a hard time breathing, and get itchy bumps on your skin. If someone has an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, it can be life-threatening and requires emergency treatment. If you think you might be having an allergic reaction, stop taking Tylenol and get help immediately.
Kidney Damage
If you take a lot of Tylenol for a long time, it might damage your kidneys. Some studies suggest that taking too much acetaminophen can cause kidney failure, especially if you’re dehydrated or already have kidney problems. If your legs are puffy, you’re tired, or your urine is different, it might mean your kidneys are not doing so great. If you have kidney problems, you should talk to a doctor before taking Tylenol.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Even though Tylenol is usually thought to be easier on your stomach than other pain relievers, it can still cause digestive problems. Some people report nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, especially at high doses. Sometimes, if you use it for a really long time, it can make your stomach bleed inside.
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