Some people who take paracetamol regularly could have a heightened risk of certain deadly diseases, according to a new study, which has prompted experts to issue a warning
A recent medical study has raised concerns about the regular use of paracetamol – prompting health experts to issue a warning to Brits.
Until recently, it was believed that paracetamol was entirely safe for patients with high blood pressure. However, new findings suggest that those who regularly take the drug may face an increased risk of certain deadly diseases. A 2022 study found that the impact on blood pressure is similar to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
Health professionals have suggested that this rise in blood pressure could potentially increase the risk of heart disease or stroke by approximately 20%. Researchers recommend that patients with long-term prescriptions for the painkiller, typically used to treat chronic pain, should be given the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
Professor James Dear, personal chairman of clinical pharmacology at the University of Edinburgh, advised doctors and patients to “together consider the risks versus the benefits”, particularly for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease. He added: “In summary, we’ve shown that two weeks of treatment with paracetamol increases blood pressure in patients who have hypertension (high blood pressure).”
However, Dr Iain MacIntyre, lead investigator and consultant in clinical pharmacology and nephrology at NHS Lothian, reassured occasional users of paracetamol, stating they shouldn’t worry. Dr MacIntyre warned: “This is not about short-term use of paracetamol for headaches or fever, which is, of course, fine – but it does indicate a newly discovered risk for people who take it regularly over the longer term, usually for chronic pain.”
The research indicated that once individuals ceased taking paracetamol, their blood pressure reverted to its original state from the beginning of the study, hinting that the medication was responsible for the increase. Experts have admitted they lack precise figures for how many people in the UK on long-term paracetamol also suffer from high blood pressure, but it’s thought that one in three adults in the UK with high blood pressure are regular users of the drug.
The specialists involved were taken aback by the significant impact on blood pressure they observed, having initially designed the study to detect only a minimal effect. Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation which funded the research, highlighted the importance of the findings, stating they “emphasise why doctors and patients should regularly review whether there is an ongoing need to take any medication” and “always weigh up the benefits and risks.”
