People who use paracetamol on a long-term basis are at an elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Paracetamol is very commonly used by people as a pain reliever and it is very easily available over the counter. Paracetamol is also commonly prescribed by doctors as a painkiller to patients suffering from minor aches and pain. Paracetamol is the most common painkiller in the UK and about 22.5 million prescriptions are handed out by doctors each year. Moreover, an additional 200 million packs of paracetamols are sold each year over the counter.
However, Professor Philip Conaghan at the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine reveals that taking paracetamol for long has adverse health effects.
Professor Conaghan conducted a review of eight existing studies to assess the link between long-term paracetamol use and adverse health conditions in adults.
The study found that daily use of paracetamol increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes by about 68 percent in adults. The study also found that taking paracetamols for longer times increases the risk of stomach ulcer or bleed by 50 percent.
"Based upon the data presented above, we believe the true risk of paracetamol prescription to be higher than that currently perceived in the clinical community. Given its high usage and availability as an over-the-counter analgesic, a systematic review of paracetamol's efficacy and tolerability in individual conditions is warranted," concluded the authors of the study.
Professor Nick Bateman, at the University of Edinburgh, suggests that the study sheds important light about long-term use of paracetamols but the risks involved are very minimal. Professor Bateman suggests that there are many analgesics available but paracetamol is the safest option and people should not avoid taking the drug when needed.
However, Professor Bateman also advised that people should opt for low doses of paracetamol over shorter period, which may prevent any adverse health conditions.
Professor Conaghan suggests that the findings of the study may concern many people who consume paracetamols on a long-term basis. However, people should not panic and consult with their doctors or healthcare professionals before taking paracetamols for longer terms.
The researchers suggest that the study is important as it will help doctors to advise patients about the risks involved with taking paracetamols for a longer period of time.
