Millions around the world use acetaminophen every day, but relatively few people are aware of the dangers of overdose.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
The danger from contaminated cough syrups is that early symptoms of poisoning, such as drowsiness, are sometimes observed in children without contamination.
Australians bought more than 65 million packs of paracetamol pain relief last year. TGA efforts to reduce its potential harms will need to take those who use it to manage pain into consideration.
A panel of experts has urged caution regarding paracetamol during pregnancy. But that doesn’t change current advice to discuss pain relief with your doctor or pharmacist.
The annual number of paracetamol poisoning cases in Australia has increased by 44% over the last decade. To tackle this problem, we need tighter regulation around the way paracetamol is sold.
When a pain signal gets to the brain, it lets your brain know there’s a big problem so we can respond.
AAP Image/DAN PELED
Australia’s drug regulator is looking into reclassifying codeine-based drugs as prescription-only. This is a good idea because the easy availability of these pinkillers is causing substantial harm.
Low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the world.
Kendra/Flickr
People seeing a doctor for low back pain are often told to take paracetamol. But a study published today shows the drug is ineffective for the condition and its prolonged use has harmful side effects.
Up to 90% of the population will experience lower back pain over their life time; around 25% will have it on any given day.
Flickr: Christian Bucad
People with lower back pain are usually told to take some paracetamol for relief. But research published today shows that this almost universal advice is misguided. Up to 90% of the population will experience…
Underestimating paracetamol in remedies.
Pills by Shutterstock
Strict guidelines that were introduced 18 months ago following the death of a young woman have transformed the way paracetamol overdoses are managed, including the introduction of the lowest threshold…