Hi, I am a 25 year old female and have been diagnosed both at the er and at my family dr with a rotator cuff injury. I was given naproxen for four days at the er. I also received an X-ray which was normal of the shoulder and chest. As I was not able to get an appointment with my family doctor for six days I took Advil extra strength for the last two days and am now continuing with the naproxen. The pain is not limited to my shoulder and extends into my back neck and hand. It is confined to the left side of my body. The pain is intense and has prevented me from going into my classes at university. My family doctor suggested the arm pain may be causes by my also having tennis elbow. Given that these both tend to be caused by repetitive motion and sports injury I am somewhat dubious as I have had no recent injuries, and do not play any sports or engage in any repetitive motions. There is no weakness to the arm or hand, but using it causes an intense almost tearing pain. To manage the pain I have been taking two tylenol 1s with codeine 8 times a day since my injury began. I am concerned that though I am not a heavy drinker and have abstained totally from alcohol while on pain killers that this high dose of tylenol May be damaging to my liver. I wish to know what other potential causes there may be for this pain and for how many weeks it is safe to keep taking the Tylenol 1? Would seeking alternative treatment such a massage or acupuncture be detrimental?
Hi, It isn't a question of how long.. it is how MUCH. Water, sodium, most drugs, and tylenol are very different at usual amounts and at high overdoses. The liver can detoxify tylenol but only up to about 4 grams at a time, higher than that and it is toxic to the liver. Safe is under 4 grams in a day. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist