Are your medicines working as intended? Overuse of this common drug could lead to more problems

As we age, managing pain becomes a part of many of our daily routines.

Whether it's the aches of arthritis or the pains from past injuries, reaching for a painkiller is a quick and easy solution.

However, a recent study raised a red flag over the regular use of a common household painkiller and its potential link to several health issues.


Researchers from the University of Nottingham have issued an urgent warning about the dangers of frequently using paracetamol.

Their extensive analysis tracked the health of over half a million individuals aged 65 and lasted for over two decades.

According to the research's findings, paracetamol has a 'dose-dependent' relationship with a number of digestive, heart, and kidney problems.


compressed-pexels-paracetamol.jpeg
Paracetamol is an over-the-counter medicine often used for flu and fever. Image Credit: Pexels/JE Shoots


The study's findings were particularly concerning for those prescribed with paracetamol twice within six months.

The said group had a significantly higher risk of developing stomach ulcers, heart failure, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease compared to their peers who did not use the medication as frequently.

The research also suggested that the more paracetamol a person consumes, the greater the chance of experiencing severe complications.


One of the examples could be a stomach ulcer bleeding or rupturing.

This is alarming news, especially considering that paracetamol is often prescribed to older individuals to help manage chronic conditions.

Around 90 per cent of people over the age of 75 regularly take paracetamol primarily to treat joint and bone pain.

Paracetamol is also often used to alleviate discomfort.

However, Professor Weiya Zhang, an epidemiologist at the University of Nottingham, urged patients to 'carefully consider' the frequency of their paracetamol intake.


Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the most widely used drugs globally.

Despite its popularity, evidence indicated that it has a 'minimal pain-relief effect' for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis.

This has led health authorities like The National Institute For Health and Care Excellence to revise their guidelines for treating osteoarthritis.

Apart from painkillers, they have now started recommending exercise programmes as the first line of treatment and advised against the routine offering of paracetamol.

While paracetamol has a milder nature compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, high doses could still irritate the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Additionally, excessive use of paracetamol has been linked to increased blood pressure and kidney damage.

Overdosing on the drug has also been the leading cause of acute liver failure.

The liver could get overwhelmed with excessive amounts of paracetamol, resulting in a toxic form of the drug that damages liver cells.


The damage paracetamol could cause to the liver has been likened to that caused by alcohol and hepatitis.

Health authorities advised that the maximum safe dose of paracetamol for adults is two 500 mg tablets or capsules four times per day.

People should not exceed eight tablets in 24 hours.

Liver Disease Specialist Dr Kenneth Simpson warned about 'staggered overdoses' that often happen to individuals who take slightly more paracetamol than recommended.

Overdosing on paracetamol could potentially lead to fatal consequences.

In light of these findings, it's essential to consult with a general practitioner about the safest and most effective pain management strategies.

Alternative treatments, such as physical therapy, exercise, and other pain relief methods, should be explored to minimise the risks associated with frequent paracetamol use.
Key Takeaways

  • Scientists warned against regular use of paracetamol due to links with several complications.
  • A study from the University of Nottingham found a dose-dependent relationship between paracetamol use and an increased risk of stomach ulcers, heart failure, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.
  • Evidence suggested that paracetamol only offered minimal pain relief for long-term conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
  • Health guidelines recommend exercise programmes as the first line of treatment for conditions like osteoarthritis rather than the routine offering of paracetamol.
Have you or someone you know experienced issues with regular paracetamol use? Share your experiences with paracetamol and your thoughts about this study in the comments below.
 

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My Mum committed suicide in September 2007 from a massive overdose of paracetamol.

It took her four days to die, lapsing in and out of consciousness and eventually succumbing to renal and hepatic failure.

She suffered from a rare and aggressive from of osteoporosis for a few years previously.

To rub salt in the wound, the totally inept NSW Police accused me of being behind her death.

Trouble is I was living in Bundaberg at the time, over 1200 km away from Mum when she overdosed in Sydney!
 
My Mum committed suicide in September 2007 from a massive overdose of paracetamol.

It took her four days to die, lapsing in and out of consciousness and eventually succumbing to renal and hepatic failure.

She suffered from a rare and aggressive from of osteoporosis for a few years previously.

To rub salt in the wound, the totally inept NSW Police accused me of being behind her death.

Trouble is I was living in Bundaberg at the time, over 1200 km away from Mum when she overdosed in Sydney!
😲
 
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Reactions: Veggiepatch
OMG, how terrible for you.
I don't know about these reports. I've been on Panadol Osteo, 4 per day, for about twenty years.
I have a bad back from a horse fall injury and osteoarthritis in my knees.
It's pretty hard to exercise with dicky knees.
Despite this long term use my yearly bloods and health checks come back perfect. Hope I'm not jinxing myself here.
 
My Mum committed suicide in September 2007 from a massive overdose of paracetamol.

It took her four days to die, lapsing in and out of consciousness and eventually succumbing to renal and hepatic failure.

She suffered from a rare and aggressive from of osteoporosis for a few years previously.

To rub salt in the wound, the totally inept NSW Police accused me of being behind her death.

Trouble is I was living in Bundaberg at the time, over 1200 km away from Mum when she overdosed in Sydney!
How absolutely horrifying ! Your poor mum
 
OMG, how terrible for you.
I don't know about these reports. I've been on Panadol Osteo, 4 per day, for about twenty years.
I have a bad back from a horse fall injury and osteoarthritis in my knees.
It's pretty hard to exercise with dicky knees.
Despite this long term use my yearly bloods and health checks come back perfect. Hope I'm not jinxing myself here.
I also take 4 osteo panadol every day, for 2 years because of painful knees and osteoarthritis. I have had both knees replaced, one a partial reconstruction, the other a full reconstruction. I have been getting stomach pains almost every day so I am off to see my doctor again. I have had every test possible and they cannot find anything! All I get is that it is probably related to my diverticulosis but they are not really sure....
 
I use daily a pain relief which actually concerns me although my doctor said it's OK.
I'm taking and have been on Lyrica for around 2 years
My husband has been on 75mg morning and night for pain caused by being crushed at work in 1988 - he was on morphine in the end and when Lyrica came onto the Medicare list he was trialled on it and has been on it now for 16 years with no side effects. I take it for peripheral neuropathy in my feet at night and have been taking it for 3 years. I wouldn't worry too much and the relief you get makes it worth it.
 
Back in the day the pain killer of choice was. Bex powders. I remember my mother taking them every day. She paid the price as she ruined a kidney and had to have it removed.
Same , Bex powders caused my dads nephritis which he died from , he was only 52 ,the reason I stay away from these types medications and only use If really necessary .
 
Back in the day the pain killer of choice was. Bex powders. I remember my mother taking them every day. She paid the price as she ruined a kidney and had to have it removed.
2a0cdf325118aeb0ee15325dd4cf7878.jpg

Bex, the silent killer. Known as an APC (acetylsalicylic acid-phenacetin-caffeine) preparation, it was withdrawn from sale in 1975 due to its propensity to cause renal carcinomas and necroses.

Nasty stuff due to its 42% component of phenacetin.
 
My husband has been on 75mg morning and night for pain caused by being crushed at work in 1988 - he was on morphine in the end and when Lyrica came onto the Medicare list he was trialled on it and has been on it now for 16 years with no side effects. I take it for peripheral neuropathy in my feet at night and have been taking it for 3 years. I wouldn't worry too much and the relief you get makes it worth it.
I also take 75mg morning and night and tried stopping but went straight back on.
Ive got nerve damage due to surgery
 
View attachment 67190

Bex, the silent killer. Known as an APC (acetylsalicylic acid-phenacetin-caffeine) preparation, it was withdrawn from sale in 1975 due to its propensity to cause renal carcinomas and necroses.

Nasty stuff due to its 42% component of phenacetin.
There was also Vincent’s powders I think they caused similar problems. The powder was pink.
 
My Mum committed suicide in September 2007 from a massive overdose of paracetamol.

It took her four days to die, lapsing in and out of consciousness and eventually succumbing to renal and hepatic failure.

She suffered from a rare and aggressive from of osteoporosis for a few years previously.

To rub salt in the wound, the totally inept NSW Police accused me of being behind her death.

Trouble is I was living in Bundaberg at the time, over 1200 km away from Mum when she overdosed in Sydney!
 
I`m so sorry to hear about your Mother`s death. I have osteoarthritis and like so many others are advised to take paracetamol. They don`t realy help much at all. Also anything stronger i.e codeine based pain relief has so many side affects. Surely the pharmacutical giants could come up with something that is not as dangerous and more effective. Meanwhile I get why your mother was so desperate!! lots of love!
 

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