What to know as paracetamol 'risk' alert issued to millions in UK

Need to know What to know as paracetamol 'risk' alert issued to millions in UK Study finds most commonly used painkiller in the UK comes with 'heightened risk' All you need to know as regular paracetamol use linked to increased blood pressure risk: - Regular paracetamol users are being warned about serious health risks after a major study found the common painkiller can dangerously raise blood pressure. - The 2022 research revealed that paracetamol affects blood pressure similarly to NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which are known to increase heart disease and stroke risk by around 20%. - Professor James Dear from Edinburgh University said: "This study clearly shows that paracetamol, the world's most used drug, increases blood pressure, one of the most important risk factors for heart attacks and strokes." - Experts stressed that occasional use for headaches or fever remains safe. Dr Iain MacIntyre from NHS Lothian explained: "This is not about short-term use of paracetamol for headaches or fever, which is, of course, fine - but it does indicate a newly discovered risk for people who take it regularly over the longer term." - The study found blood pressure returned to normal levels once participants stopped taking the medication. It's estimated one in three UK adults with high blood pressure take paracetamol regularly. - Doctors now recommend long-term users should get the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, with regular reviews of whether the medication is still needed. - READ THE FULL STORY: Paracetamol 'heightened risk' alert to millions of people across UK