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December 22, 2024 – In a groundbreaking new study, researchers have uncovered concerning risks associated with the repeated use of acetaminophen in adults aged 65 and older. The study, published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, highlights the potential for significant gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and kidney complications linked to long-term use of the popular pain reliever.
Acetaminophen, commonly sold under brand names like Tylenol, Panadol, and Mapap, is a widely used over-the-counter medication known for its effectiveness in managing mild to moderate pain and reducing fever. It has long been recommended as the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis, especially for older adults who are considered at higher risk of drug-related complications.
However, new findings from the University of Nottingham suggest that repeated acetaminophen use may not be as safe for elderly individuals as once thought. Led by Professor Weiya Zhang from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the university’s School of Medicine, the study analyzed the health records of over 180,000 people aged 65 and older.
The research team discovered that prolonged use of acetaminophen (defined as two or more prescriptions within a six-month period) was associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcers, heart failure, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. In comparison, individuals who were not prescribed acetaminophen repeatedly did not show the same heightened risks.
“We’ve long assumed that acetaminophen is a safe option for treating pain in older adults, especially given its widespread use. But our findings suggest that prolonged use may be contributing to serious health issues, particularly in those already at higher risk of such conditions,” said Professor Zhang.
The study was based on data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink-Gold, which provided health records for 180,483 older adults who had been prescribed acetaminophen repeatedly. These individuals were compared to 402,478 others in the same age group who had never been prescribed the medication on a recurring basis.
The results show a clear connection between acetaminophen and an increased incidence of severe health problems, including heart failure and kidney disease, both of which are common concerns among older populations.
Professor Zhang noted that while further research is necessary to confirm the study’s findings, these results raise important questions about the role of acetaminophen in managing long-term conditions like osteoarthritis. “Given the minimal pain relief acetaminophen offers compared to other painkillers, we need to reconsider its use as a first-line treatment for chronic conditions in older adults,” she said.
The findings of this study are a timely reminder for healthcare providers and patients to carefully consider the long-term use of medications like acetaminophen, especially in older individuals who may be more vulnerable to adverse effects.
For patients with chronic pain conditions, alternatives to acetaminophen may need to be explored to prevent further health risks.
Reference:
“Incidence of side effects associated with acetaminophen in people aged 65 years or more: a prospective cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink” by Jaspreet Kaur, Georgina Nakafero, Abhishek Abhishek, Christen Mallen, Michael Doherty, and Weiya Zhang, Arthritis Care & Research, 24 November 2024. DOI: 10.1002/acr.25471
