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Painkillers and fever reducers that contain acetaminophen are a common cause of liver injury, particularly when taken in doses greater than those recommended.

But toxic hepatitis can permanently damage your liver, leading to irreversible scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis) and in some cases liver failure, which can be life-threatening.

Acetaminophen is the major metabolite of acetanilid and phenacetin, which were once commonly used drugs, and is responsible for their analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.

"Drug-induced hepatitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the liver that is caused by a harmful (toxic) amount of certain medicines," said John Hopkins Medicine.

The health site added: "The liver helps to break down certain medicines in your blood. If there is too much medicine in your blood for your liver to break down, your liver can become badly damaged.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.

Toxic hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver due to medication or exposure to toxic chemicals.

Getty Images Painkiller warning: Acetaminophen

Those at greater risk of hepatitis include those who:

• Have liver disease, such as from long-term alcohol use, HIV, or viral hepatitis
• Drink alcohol and take medicines at the same time
• Are older
• Are a woman
• Use long-acting or extended release medicines
• Take multiple medicines that contain acetaminophen or paracetamol
• Use herbal supplements.

According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of toxic hepatitis include:

• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Itching
• Abdominal pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Dark or tea-coloured urine.