Long-Term Use of Paracetamol May Cause Serious Health Problems
Long-term use of paracetamol may cause serious health problems, including kidney, intestinal and heart problems, and even death.
Also known as acetaminophen (in the US), paracetamol is used widely as a pain-reliever and fever reducer, and is available over-the-counter. In the US, it’s available under the brand name Tylenol. New research shows that long-term use can put your health at risk. Researchers at the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine in northern England, analyzed the results of eight earlier studies on long-term use of paracetamol. The data came only from patients who had been prescribed the medicine by a doctor, and not those who bought it over the counter.
Two of the studies found an almost 63% increase in risk of death among long-term users. The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and other intestinal side-effects also rose by 49%. Three studies found an increased risk of kidney damage. Four studies found an increase in cardiovascular disease, ranging from 19% to 63%. Researchers also found that the risk increased with higher dosage.
Lead author Philip Conaghan and his team caution doctors on over-prescribing paracetamol or acetaminophen, as it’s often perceived as a safe drug for relieving pain and reducing fever, and point out the need for more research on the side-effects of the drug.
The study was published in the British journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Category: News
