New paradigm identifies gene responsible for acetaminophen-induced liver injury
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - 13:42
in Health & Medicine
Acetaminophen (Tylenol and generics) is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter drugs in the United States. While generally safe, acetaminophen is known to cause severe liver injury if taken in high doses. But likely due to genetics, even the recommended dose can induce serious liver damage in a significant number of people. In a study published online in Genome Research (www.genome.org), scientists have found a genetic marker linked to the risk of acetaminophen-induced liver injury, using a strategy that will help develop safer drugs in the future...