Painkillers are one of the most commonly used and frequently abused drugs in the world. They’re an effective way to deal with pain, but if you take them for too long, they can be bad for your health. The Tylenol Lawsuit is a chilling reminder of the unforeseen side effects of many common drugs.
It was found that in many cases, Autism or ADHD in children could have been caused by the consumption of Tylenol by their mother during pregnancy. These disorders can disrupt the normal lives of affected children and their caregivers.
No warnings in these regards were given by the manufacturers of Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson. This is grounds for a class action lawsuit, as multiple parties across the country have been affected by this.
If your child or anyone you know has been affected by Autism or ADHD, and the same can be attributed to Tylenol taken by their mothers in the pre-natal stage, there might be a compensation case. To know more about your eligibility to sue in such a situation, track reliable online resources on the Tylenol Lawsuit.
Painkillers are essentially a combination of ingredients that, when used effectively, reduce pain and inflammation. Taking too many painkillers can be bad for your health. Here are five reasons why regular consumption of painkillers can be bad for you.
1. Can Damage Liver
If you consume painkillers regularly, your liver can be damaged. Liver failure is a serious problem that can cause death if it’s not treated quickly.
Medicines like acetaminophen and naproxen can also cause liver damage if taken along with alcohol or other drugs that damage the liver. The risk of liver injury becomes greater as more acetaminophen is taken over time.
2. Can Damage Kidneys
Many people do not realize that painkillers can damage their kidneys. As a result, they take them for a long time without any reservations or consideration about their long-term effects on the body. Some of these people may end up with kidney failure due to excessive use of painkillers over some time.
It is estimated that around 10% of all cases of Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD are caused by taking too many painkillers over many years. In the USA, 15% of adults are currently affected with CKD, reports the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s more common in those aged more than 68 years. Nearly 38% of them have CKD, displaying the magnitude of the problem.
Chronic Kidney Disease refers to an impairment in the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and maintain certain electrolyte balances in our body fluids, leading to a build-up of fluid within tissues such as our joints or skin. This can cause joint swelling or edema, increased blood pressure, and heart disease due to excess fluid accumulation there too.
3. Can Cause Ulcers
Several painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are known to increase the acidity of your stomach. This can damage the lining of your stomach or even cause an ulcer if left untreated.
When you take a painkiller, it blocks your body’s natural reaction to pain. This is why they are effective for treating acute injuries and illnesses like headaches and fevers. However, this also means that less blood flows to your gut when you’re taking a painkiller.
If there isn’t enough blood flowing to your stomach, it may lead to complications like liver damage and ulcers.
4. Can Cause Hypertension
Painkillers can raise your blood pressure. The higher the dose, the more likely it is that you’ll experience an increase in blood pressure. This can result in heart attacks and strokes.
Painkillers are NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflamatory Drugs. They often retain bodily fluid, reducing kidney function and causing hypertension. Hence, if you have hypertension, consume painkillers with caution.
5. Can Cause Addiction
If you are taking painkillers for a normal ailment, such as the flu or an injury, then it is likely that these medications will help you and improve your quality of life.
Painkillers such as codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone are powerful substances that work by changing how our brain responds to pain signals coming from the body.
They can be very effective at reducing chronic or severe pain. But when used for longer than two weeks, it may lead to dependence on those drugs for relief from pain due to the development of tolerance among some people taking them long-term.
Normal consumption of painkillers for the treatment of general aches and pains can be a good thing, but if you find yourself addicted to them, it is probably time to get help.
It is important to keep in mind that painkillers are not the same as opioids. While painkillers can be dangerous if taken in excess, they do not cause an intense high like opioid drugs do. Painkillers in the United States are part of a $7 billion-plus analgesic industry, as per Statista. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.77% by 2027.
As responsible consumers, we need to find better options when we buy painkillers to minimize harmful side effects.
