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<\/p>\nPharmacist Anum has issued a warning to people who use common painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen. There are a few things you need to know to stay healthy and well<\/p>\n
Katie-Ann Gupwell Content Editor<\/p>\n
12:08, 08 Jan 2026<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The pharmacist issued a warning (stock image)(Image: clubfoto via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Many people turn to common painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen for relief from aches and pains, especially during flu season.<\/a> However, a recent warning has been issued by a pharmacist for those who regularly use these medications.<\/p>\n There are certain things you should know about these drugs before taking them, according to an expert<\/a> known online as pharmacist Anum. While she acknowledges that some over-the-counter medications can be “great”, there are situations where they could potentially cause health<\/a> problems, so it’s important to understand the risks before becoming overly dependent on them.<\/p>\n This is crucial information, given that millions of people use paracetamol<\/a> and ibuprofen. Just a few weeks ago, another warning was issued about the use of these medications.<\/a><\/p>\n Pharmacist Anum advises that you should consult a doctor before relying too heavily on over-the-counter options. She began by discussing indigestion remedies, noting that while they’re “completely fine” for short-term use for most people, anyone who becomes overly reliant on them should seek medical attention.<\/p>\n The reason being, it’s important to identify the root cause of persistent symptoms. She emphasised the importance of seeking medical advice if you find yourself using these remedies excessively.<\/p>\n She went on to say: “What I feel often gets overlooked is painkillers. So super common things. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, co-codamol.<\/p>\n “Again, when used short-term for headaches now and then, or aches and pains now and then, it’s completely fine. When you’re having to rely on these medications day-to-day to do your normal day-to-day activities, that’s an issue if you haven’t been investigated.<\/p>\n “Again, if it sounds like you, speak with your GP, so they can find out the root cause of the pain, and then you can be treated appropriately. Over-using these medications, you’re just increasing the chances of side effects, you can build tolerance to things like co-codamol, making it more difficult to treat your pain in the future.”<\/p>\n Content cannot be displayed without consent<\/p>\n In short, these medications shouldn’t be used too frequently. If you find yourself falling into this pattern, it could lead to all sorts of complications.<\/p>\n What are the risks of becoming too dependent on them?<\/p>\n What you might not realise is that it’s possible to overdose on paracetamol, which can result in serious health problems including severe liver and kidney damage and, in some cases, it can even prove fatal.<\/p>\n When taking paracetamol, it’s crucial to adhere to the recommended dosage. Exceeding this can be hazardous, as it can overwhelm your body’s capacity to safely metabolise the medication.<\/p>\n Signs of liver damage may not show up straight away, which is why it’s vital to seek medical help if you suspect something’s wrong. Taking excessive amounts of ibuprofen can also pose serious risks.<\/p>\n Excessive use of ibuprofen can result in problems such as stomach aches and indigestion, kidney damage and cardiovascular issues. It’s crucial not to become overly dependent on it or exceed the recommended dosage.<\/p>\n As pharmacist Anum pointed out, occasional use of these medications is generally safe for most individuals, provided you adhere to the instructions and avoid becoming too reliant on them.<\/p>\n If you have any health concerns, it’s advisable to consult a GP for further guidance. Always report any concerning symptoms so they can be properly investigated.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Pharmacist Anum has issued a warning to people who use common painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen. 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