Seniors need to beware.
A recent study conducted in the United Kingdom has raised concerns about the long-term use of acetaminophen (known as paracetamol internationally) among older adults. Published in Arthritis Care and Research, the study found that repeated doses of the medication increased the risk of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and kidney complications in people aged 65 and older. The findings challenge the common perception of acetaminophen as a safe first-line treatment for chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis.
Acetaminophen is widely used for mild to moderate pain relief and fever reduction, and it is a key ingredient in many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. It works by blocking pain signals in the brain and regulating body temperature, while also reducing prostaglandin production, which plays a role in the body’s response to injury and illness. Despite its popularity, the study suggests that its long-term use may pose health risks, particularly for older individuals.
Led by Weiya Zhang from the University of Nottingham, the research analyzed health data from over 180,000 people aged 65 and above who were prescribed acetaminophen repeatedly within a six-month period. These individuals were compared to a control group of nearly 402,500 people of the same age who did not have repeated prescriptions for the drug. The findings revealed a significant increase in health risks associated with prolonged use of acetaminophen.
The study showed that long-term use of the medication was linked to a 36% higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, a 20% increased chance of peptic ulcers, and elevated risks of heart failure (9%), hypertension (7%), and chronic kidney disease (19%). These results highlight potential complications that may outweigh the drug’s limited effectiveness in managing chronic pain for conditions like osteoarthritis.
Researchers called for further studies to validate these findings but stressed the need to reassess acetaminophen as the default treatment for chronic pain in older adults. They urged healthcare providers to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing it for long-term use, especially when alternative treatment options might be available.
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