Tylenol and other forms of acetaminophen are one of the most popular pain medications around the world. It’s estimated that 8 billion Tylenol pills are taken every year. Acetaminophen also is found in combination with other over-the-counter medications; some 200 or so over-the-counter medications contain acetaminophen.

Too much Tylenol can overwhelm the liver’s defenses and cause liver damage or even liver failure. Liver failure can be fatal; the only known cure for acute liver failure is a liver transplant. Consuming more than two servings of alcohol per day increases the risk of liver failure from acetaminophen.