Acetaminophen, the generic of Tylenol, is one of the most commonly used medications throughout the entire world. Now new research published by the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests if you take the medication regularly your health could be at risk. Frequent and long-term acetaminophen users may have and increased risk of blood cancer, and this isn’t the first time the drug is under FDA scrutiny.

Researchers from the University of Washington gathered data from approximately 65,000 men and women participants, ranging from 50-76 years old. They determined that by 2008, participants who took acetaminophen for at least four days per week for four years were twice as likely to develop some form of blood cancer.

Out of the nearly 65,000 participants researchers identified 577 cases of blood cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphomas, plasma cell disorders and myeloid neoplasms.

So, now the big question.How big is the risk?! The study’s researchers stressed that results did not show fatality and noted the actual risk of blood cancer being attributed to acetaminophen was very low. However, even though the risk is moderately small scientists believe additional studies should be conducted.

*Frequent use of other painkillers and anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, did not increase the risk. The risk only applied to acetaminophen.

So now what should you do if acetaminophen is your preferred pain-reducing drug? Medical experts believe it is still too early to make any medical recommendations based on the conducted research; however consumers should be aware that the long-term use of any over-the-counter medication can have adverse side effects.For now, persons suffering from serious conditions should use their own discretion if the potential benefits of acetaminophen outweigh the associated risks.

Acetaminophen can be found in numerous of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Federal regulators have recently raised their eyebrows at its recurrent use in numerous medications. According to the FDA, extended use of the drug could lead to liver injury among other health problems.

In January 2011 the FDA placed new limits on acetaminophen in more powerful painkillers. Stronger warnings regarding liver injury from acetaminophen are now required on all prescription combination painkillers containing acetaminophen. The FDA also proposed that a “black box” warning for the risk of severe liver injury be added to all acetaminophen products; this warning is the strongest warning that can be placed on a prescription medication.

If you or a loved one takes acetaminophen regularly you need to be aware of the associated risks. If you took acetaminophen or a drug containing acetaminophen and suffered adverse side effects call the lawyers of Parilman and Associates at 1-800-391-8000 immediately.