Paracetamol, a widely used and affordable painkiller, is purchased in vast quantities in the UK, with over 200 million packets sold annually and nearly 15 million NHS prescriptions issued last year. While considered safe and effective, recent research raises concerns about its long-term use.
A study published in Arthritis Care and Research examined health data for adults aged 65 and over, revealing increased risks of severe complications among regular users. These included a 24% higher risk of peptic ulcer bleeding, a 36% rise in lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and a 9% greater likelihood of heart failure. Chronic kidney disease was also associated with prolonged paracetamol use.
The findings suggest that while paracetamol is effective for pain relief, caution is warranted, particularly for older adults using it frequently.
