A new study has revealed that long-term use of paracetamol could raise the risk of heart attacks, stroke, gastrointesinal bleeding or kidney failure and early death.

The drug is believed to be safer than aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeds, and ibuprofen, which has been linked to heart attacks and strokes.

The study has found that patients prescribed with high doses of paracetamol for long periods were up to 63% more likely to die unexpectedly.

However, British researchers urge that a systematic review should be carried out to ensure the effectiveness of the drug as the risks associated with its long-term use may have been underestimated.
They believe that paracetamol might be causing illness by preventing the action of an enzyme in the body called COX-2.

Professor Philip Conaghan from the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine said, “There’s no reason for mass panic but people should be careful when taking it long-term and doctors should consider carefully what other drugs they can recommend to their patients”.

Research team led by Conaghan focused at eight studies that contained information on patients who take paracetamol daily for up to 14 years, for conditions such as arthritis and severe back pain. Their research also covered patients who took the medicine less often or hardly at all.

Conaghan pointed out that the risks were very small for most patients, however patients who took paracetamol over a long period had illnesses likely to kill them early.

Those who fear heart problems can start consuming caffeine and make its consumption their daily habit. According to an article in the Telegraph, people who drink three to five cups of coffee per day have the lowest amount of coronary artery calcium compared to those who drink more or fewer cups per day.