(DailyVantage.com) – A new study has raised concerns about the safety of acetaminophen, widely known by its brand name Tylenol, particularly for older individuals. Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer, often included in various cold and flu medications. However, findings from U.K.-based research published in Arthritis Care & Research suggest its long-term use may be linked to severe health risks.
The study analyzed data spanning two decades, from 1998 to 2018, comparing over 180,000 acetaminophen users with 400,000 non-users. Researchers found an association between acetaminophen use and an increased risk of complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and peptic ulcers.
Lead study author Professor Weiya Zhang of the University of Nottingham emphasized that while acetaminophen is often recommended as a first-line treatment for conditions like osteoarthritis, especially among older adults, its long-term safety warrants closer scrutiny. “Given its minimal pain-relief effect,” Zhang wrote in a press release, “the use of acetaminophen as a first-line painkiller for long-term conditions… needs to be carefully considered.”
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor at NYU Langone Health and Fox News medical analyst, reacted to the findings with caution. While not involved in the study, Dr. Siegel noted that the belief that acetaminophen is free from gastrointestinal or kidney risks may need to be revisited. He pointed to evidence that acetaminophen can affect cyclooxygenase pathways in a way similar to anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which are known to increase gastrointestinal risks.
Despite its strengths, the study has limitations. It was observational, meaning causation cannot be definitively established. Additionally, over-the-counter usage, as opposed to prescriptions, was not tracked, and other variables like smoking or obesity may have contributed to the findings.
Dr. Siegel underscored the broader lesson: “All medicines used chronically have side effects, and we are not always sure what they are.” He highlighted acetaminophen’s well-documented risks of liver toxicity, now adding gastrointestinal and kidney concerns to the list.
The study serves as a reminder for consumers to approach even over-the-counter medications with care and to consult healthcare providers about long-term use.
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