Painkillers are harmful to the liver

Scientists warn that pain relievers such as paracetamol may be harmful to the liver after statistics show it is the leading cause of liver disease in the United States.

Paracetamol's risk of liver damage has increased from 28% in 1998 to 51% in 2003. New Scientist also reported that a group of US researchers found 20 capsules a day - while the dose was maximum of 8 - is also lethal enough.

A group of acute liver disease studies in the US, including many scientists from leading universities, analyzed data on 662 patients treated for acute liver disease between 1998-2003 and discovered Among 275 patients who used painkillers, 48% of people accidentally used overdose and 44% used this medicine to commit suicide. 1/4 of these patients died.

Research results show that taking 10g of painkillers, equivalent to 20 tablets, can be harmful to the liver.

According to the researchers, education is needed for patients to know about the harms of painkillers, such as guiding them about the maximum daily dose, its potential risks . They also call for restrictions. selling pain relievers to minimize the risks caused by this medicine.

In the UK, since 1998, pharmacies are only allowed to sell no more than 32 paracetamol tablets per person, while in the past, the number of pills sold was unlimited. At retail pharmacies only limit up to 14 tablets per person.