Common painkiller could cause medical complications in people over 65: study

A new study reveals that a common drug may not be safe for everyone.

Acetaminophen, brand name Tylenol, is a pain reliever and fever reducer often found in other medicines, such as cold and flu medicines.

A UK-based study published in Arthritis Care & Research, the official journal of the American College of Rheumatology, analyzed the drug's safety in older adults.

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Researchers looked at data from more than 180,000 acetaminophen users and 400,000 non-users from 1998 to 2018.

The results of this study revealed that the use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is associated with an increased risk of serious medical complications.

These include bleeding from peptic ulcers, simple peptic ulcers, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease.

In a University of Nottingham press release sent to Fox News Digital, study lead author Professor Weiya Zhang clarified that long-term use of the drug should be “carefully considered”.

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“Due to its perceived safety, paracetamol has long been recommended as a first-line drug treatment for osteoarthritis in many treatment guidelines, particularly in older adults who are at increased risk of drug-related complications.” is writing.

“Further studies are needed to confirm our findings, given the minimal analgesic effect, but the use of paracetamol as a first-line analgesic for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in the elderly is important. Use should be considered carefully.”

“This is a good reminder that all drugs used chronically have side effects,” said one doctor. (St. Petersburg)

Dr. Mark Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at New York University Langone Health and a senior medical analyst for Fox News, shared his reaction with Fox News Digital.

“The generally accepted theory is that acetaminophen is not associated with gastrointestinal bleeding or the progression of kidney disease, but this is beginning to change,” said a doctor who was not involved in the study. .

“Yes, over-the-counter medicines are also medicines.”

According to Siegel, there is evidence to suggest that acetaminophen “modulates the same cyclooxygenase-related pathways” as anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and may “increase adverse gastrointestinal side effects.” That's what it means.

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He commented that the large UK study was limited by its “observational nature” and “the inability to track over-the-counter products as opposed to prescriptions, which were tracked”.

Another potential limitation is that some users have other factors or behaviors such as smoking or obesity.

“By inhibiting prostacyclin, there may be an increased risk of bleeding,” doctors warned about the drug. (St. Petersburg)

“Still, this is a good reminder that all drugs used chronically have side effects, and we're not always sure what they are,” he says. I did. “This is why we continue to do post-market analysis and re-evaluate medicines.”

He added: “To be sure, over-the-counter medications are still medicines. Acetaminophen is well known for its liver toxicity, but as this study suggests, it can have other side effects. There is,” he continued.

Fox News Digital reached out to Kenvue, Inc., the manufacturer of Tylenol, for comment on the study.

Risks for the elderly

Dr. Macy P. Smith, a South Carolina gerontologist who was not involved in the study, also reacted to the findings.

“I'm glad someone is talking about the side effects of certain drugs and how they disproportionately affect people who…” [age] I’m 65 years old,” she told FOX News Digital.

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Some medications are not recommended for older adults, Smith said.

“Just because you can tolerate a drug when you're young doesn't mean your body can tolerate the same drug as you get older, as your body and brain change,” she pointed out.

Experts advise that people over the age of 65 should consult their doctor before taking any medication. (St. Petersburg)

Some of the complications mentioned in the study, including gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure and kidney disease, can increase the risk of stroke, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and even early death, Smith said.

“As acetaminophen is found in cold and flu medicines and creams, we recommend that older adults consult their GP before taking over-the-counter medications. [ointments]” he advised.

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“Anything identified as a medicine or narcotic should be discussed with a doctor, as geriatric medicine is a specialized practice and people in this category need specialized treatment.”

Smith also recommended that seniors use only one pharmacy and that pharmacists have access to a “run ledger” of a patient's prescriptions.

“We recommend that older adults consult their GP before taking over-the-counter medications.”

“When someone over the age of 65 asks for an over-the-counter medication, pharmacists can easily and quickly review the medication's side effects and possible interactions between prescription and OTC medications,” she said.

Experts say that as we age, our brains and bodies may not be able to handle the types of drugs that they were able to handle when we were younger. (St. Petersburg)

Acetaminophen in particular should be “taken with caution” and people over 65 should take it under the direction of a doctor, he warned.

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Mr Smith urged older people and their carers to “read the important information on all medicines”.

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It added: “Don't hesitate to talk to your pharmacist or doctor about the risks and benefits, make an informed decision and make the right choice.”

Fox News Digital reached out to a number of drug companies for comment.