A new study has revealed that a common drug may not be safe for everyone.
Acetaminophen, brand name Tylenol, is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is often included in other drugs, such as cold and flu medications.
A UK-based study – published in Arthritis Care & Research, the official journal of the American College of Rheumatology – analyzed the drug’s safety in adults.
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Researchers looked at data on more than 180,000 acetaminophen users compared to 400,000 non-users from 1998 to 2018.
The results revealed that the use of acetaminophen – sometimes called paracetamol – was associated with an increased risk of serious medical problems.
Acetaminophen can be found in cough, cold and flu medicines, as well as in creams, gels, salves and even suppositories, one gerontologist noted. (Stock)
These include peptic ulcer bleeding, uncomplicated peptic ulcers, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease.
In a press release from the University of Nottingham sent to Fox News Digital, lead study author Professor Weiya Zhang, PhD, clarified that long-term use of the drug should be “carefully considered.”
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“Because of its perceived safety, paracetamol has long been recommended as a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis by many treatment guidelines, especially in the elderly who are at high risk of drug-related complications,” he wrote.
“Although more research is now needed to confirm our findings, given its limited analgesic effect, the use of paracetamol as a first-line pain reliever in long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in the elderly needs careful consideration.”
“This is a good reminder that all drugs used for a long time have side effects,” said one doctor. (Stock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and senior medical analyst at Fox News, shared his reaction with Fox News Digital.
“It is widely accepted that acetaminophen is not associated with GI bleeding or the development of kidney disease, but thinking has begun to change in this regard,” said a doctor who was not involved in this study.
“Yes, over-the-counter medicines are still medicines.”
There is evidence to suggest that acetaminophen “modifies the same cyclooxygenase-related pathways” as anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, which “can increase GI side effects,” according to Siegel.
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The large UK study, the doctor noted, was limited by “observation,” and “the inability to track over-the-counter as opposed to prescriptions, which were tracked.”
Another potential limitation is that some users have other contributing factors and behaviors, such as smoking and obesity.
“By inhibiting prostacyclin, it can increase the risk of bleeding,” the doctor warned about this drug. (Stock)
“Nevertheless, this is a good reminder that all long-term medications have side effects, and we are not always sure what they are,” he said. “That’s why we continue to do post-marketing analysis and re-evaluate medicines.”
He continued, “And yes, over-the-counter medications are still medications. Acetaminophen is best known for its liver toxicity, but it has other side effects as well, as this study shows.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Kenvue, Inc., the maker of Tylenol, for comment on the study.
Risks for the elderly
Geologist Dr. Macie P. Smith of South Carolina, who was not involved in the study, also reacted to the findings.
“I’m glad someone is talking about the side effects of certain medications and how they affect… [age] 65,” he told Fox News Digital.
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Several medications are not recommended for older adults, Smith said.
“Just because they can tolerate medication when they are young does not mean that their bodies cannot tolerate the same medication when they are older, as their body and mind will change as they get older,” he said.
People over 65 should consult their doctor before taking medication, experts advise. (Stock)
Some of the problems identified in the study, such as GI bleeding, high blood pressure and kidney disease, can increase the risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and even premature death, according to Smith.
“I would recommend that older adults consult their primary care physician before taking any over-the-counter medications, because acetaminophen can be found in cold and flu medications and creams as well. [ointments],” it advised.
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“Anything that is identified as a medicine or a drug should be discussed with a doctor, because aging is a special process and those who fall under this category should receive special care.”
Smith also recommended that older adults use only one pharmacy, so the pharmacist can consult a patient’s “running book” of prescriptions.
“I would recommend that older adults consult their primary care physician before taking any over-the-counter medications.”
“If someone over 65 comes in looking for prescription drugs, the pharmacist can easily and quickly check for side effects and possible interactions between prescription and OTC drugs,” she said.
Older brains and bodies may not be able to handle the kinds of drugs they couldn’t handle when they were younger, experts say. (Stock)
Acetaminophen in particular should be “taken with caution” and under a doctor’s supervision in those 65 and older, he warned.
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Smith urged seniors and their caregivers to “read the important information that comes with all medications.”
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He added, “Don’t hesitate to talk to your pharmacist and/or doctor about the risks and benefits, then make an informed decision and make the right choice.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to a number of drug manufacturers for comment.
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