Acetaminophen and Lipitor are two commonly used medications that have been linked to liver damage. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that is widely available over-the-counter and in prescription form. According to the Drug Patent Watch [1], high doses of acetaminophen can cause liver damage, and it is one of the most common causes of acute liver failure in the United States. Therefore, it is important to take acetaminophen as directed and not to exceed the recommended dose.
Lipitor is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information [2], while liver damage is a rare side effect of Lipitor, it is possible. In some cases, Lipitor can cause an increase in liver enzymes, which can be a sign of liver damage. Therefore, patients taking Lipitor should have their liver function monitored regularly by their healthcare provider.
The American College of Gastroenterology [3] recommends that patients taking medications that can potentially cause liver damage, including acetaminophen and Lipitor, should be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver damage. These can include yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Patients should also talk to their healthcare provider about any concerns they have regarding the potential for liver damage with these medications.
In conclusion, both acetaminophen and Lipitor can cause liver damage, although it is a rare side effect. Patients should take these medications as directed and be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver damage. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider if there are any concerns about the potential for liver damage with these medications.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ACETAMINOPHEN
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548162/
[3] https://gi.org/topics/medications-and-the-liver/