Paracetamol can be found in almost every household and is often taken for pain or fever. The over-the-counter drug is considered to be well tolerated and is often taken as a first choice for minor ailments. However, according to the STADA Health Report of 2023, many people are not sufficiently informed about the risks of the medication. In particular, the fact that paracetamol has no anti-inflammatory effect and is only safe in the recommended dose is often overlooked.
The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has now identified a new side effect of paracetamol: metabolic acidosis. This is a metabolic disorder that leads to hyperacidity of the blood. This can occur in the event of an overdose and is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and accelerated breathing. People with chronic kidney disease are particularly at risk.
To better inform consumers, all medicines containing paracetamol should now indicate this risk in their package inserts. It is still unclear how frequently metabolic acidosis occurs. Patients who notice the symptoms described should consult a doctor immediately and possibly discontinue the medication.
- source: oe24.at/picture: pixabay.com
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