According to The Sun (US), more than one in ten Brits admits to relying on painkillers to get through their daily routines, with Mamedica statistics suggesting that 13% of people need pain medication merely to get by.
However, excessive use of paracetamol, a regularly used pain reliever, raises worries about significant health disorders such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
According to Mamedica’s findings, 16% of respondents take medications every four hours when in pain, while 12% report experiencing no benefit despite taking the required quantity. Chronic pain affects around 28 million adults in the United Kingdom, highlighting the ubiquity of the problem.
However, long-term usage of paracetamol has been associated with severe adverse effects, ranging from deadly allergic responses to the liver to kidney damage. Here are the five side effects that users should be aware of:
1. A heart attack or stroke.
Certain paracetamol tablets containing the hidden ingredient sodium have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
2. An increase in blood pressure.
Contrary to its reputation as a safer alternative to other pain relievers, a 2022 study discovered a concerning association between regular paracetamol usage and high blood pressure.
3. Allergic response.
While rare, severe allergic responses, known as anaphylaxis, can occur, necessitating immediate medical care.
4. Liver and renal damage.
Excessive paracetamol usage has been linked to liver and kidney damage, especially in people who already have trouble with these organs.
5. Blood Disorders
In rare situations, paracetamol can lead to blood problems such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts) and leukopenia (insufficient white blood cells), impacting blood clotting and the body’s ability to fight diseases.
The risks associated with long-term paracetamol use underscore the importance of caution and adherence to recommended dosages to safeguard users’ health.
