Misuse can quickly cause permanent harm, Fimea says.
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Some challenges circulating on social media have involved paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid. Image: Petteri Bülow / Yle
Finland’s medicines agency (Fimea) is warning about social media challenges involving over-the-counter drugs, as the consequences can be life threatening.
Some challenges circulating on social media have involved paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid.
Paracetamol, commonly used for pain relief and fever reduction, is safe when taken in the correct dose, but even a slight overdose can cause serious liver damage, Fimea said in a statement.
Acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, also has blood-thinning properties.
“High doses or prolonged use of acetylsalicylic acid can cause stomach and intestinal problems, and in some cases potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding,” said Piia Vuorela, a director at Fimea.
She said that adults should talk with children and teens about the social media challenges and the risks associated with medicines.
Yle News’ All Points North podcast looked at moves to ban social media for kids in Finland.
Should Finland ban kids from using social media?
