Taking more than the recommended dosage requirements of Tylenol pain relief medication each day can lead to liver damage according to recent studies. The active ingredient in Tylenol and other pain relievers, known as acetaminophen, is what causes the damage when over dosed.

In an article by the Huffington Post it is stated that taking higher dosages of Tylenol over time is riskier than taking an entire bottle all at once. This is because the increased acetaminophen intake over time accumulates, thus causing damage to the liver.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of liver failure in the United States. More than 50,000 emergency visits, 25,000 hospitalizations, and over 450 deaths occur annually.

In January of 2011, the FDA announced new limits on the use of acetaminophen.

Many complaints have been filed against the major drug company Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the main ingredient used in Extra Strength Tylenol^® acetaminophen causes liver damage. Liver damage can be a serious and life-threatening condition and could lead to liver failure which may require a liver transplant.  Acetaminophen is used in many popular over the counter medications because of its ability to relieve pain and reduce fever.

In June 2011, Johnson & Johnson released a statement on its website announcing a voluntary recall of Tylenol Extra Strength caplets, which were distributed in the U S and in July 2011 the company lowered dosage recommendations from 4,000mg per day to 3,000 mg per day, and agreed to label Tylenol products with stronger warnings including Tylenol liver failure.

As a result of these side effects, a growing number of people are now pursuing Tylenol liver damage lawsuits after developing liver damage, raising similar allegations that Johnson & Johnson failed to adequately warn about the known risks associated with acetaminophen.