Have you heard about the dangers that can result from taking acetaminophen after several days of fasting -- as you might if you had a particularly nasty flu?

Clark learned about this little-known threat when he was seated on a plane next to 2 lawyers from a firm named Toliver & Gainer. Both attorneys were actively involved in a pharmaceutical product liability case pertaining to acetaminophen.

For those of you who don't know, acetaminophen is the generic name of Tylenol. It's also an active ingredient in a variety of cold and cough medications.

Earlier this week, the FDA announced that it will now compel Tylenol to issue a stronger label warning about the possibility of severe liver damage resulting from acetaminophen.

Attorney William "Gil" Gainer called into the show while Clark was speaking on the topic. According to Gainer, the real problem is that when you haven't eaten for several days because of a stomach virus, a flu or even a dental operation, you're at risk of liver damage or failure even when taking recommended doses of acetaminophen.

It's important to note that his opinion differs from that of the FDA. But as Gainer explained, under normal conditions, you have enzymes in your liver that help remove toxins produced by the acetaminophen. However, once you go anywhere from 5 to 7 days without eating, those enzymes no longer work effectively.

Gainer also revealed that acetaminophen is now the No. 1 cause of liver failure in the United States. For more information on this topic, see his firm's blog.

As a safer alternative to acetaminophen, Gainer suggests either ibuprofen or aspirin. If you're prone to ulcers, you may need a buffered aspirin to protect your stomach.