Poison center reports liver injury calls rise 400% since 2000, acetaminophen a leading cause

A recent study from UVA Health, published in *Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology*, reports that calls to poison centers regarding liver injuries caused by medications, dietary supplements, alcohol, and other substances have risen by nearly 400 % between 2000 and 2024. The analysis drew on national poison control data, tracking incidents that resulted in liver damage or failure.

The research found that the surge encompasses a broad range of agents, from prescription drugs and over‑the‑counter pain relievers to herbal supplements and alcoholic beverages. The authors note that the steep increase mirrors growing trends in polypharmacy, supplement use, and alcohol consumption, all of which can strain hepatic function. The findings suggest that liver injury is becoming a more frequent and serious public‑health issue.

UVA Health’s investigators call for enhanced monitoring of drug and supplement safety, stricter regulation of high‑risk products, and greater public education on the potential hepatotoxic effects of commonly used substances. The study adds to a growing body of evidence that liver injury related to substance exposure is an escalating concern in the United States.