Commonly,
acetaminophen is better known as Panadol or paracetamol. Everyone, inclusive of
healthcare professionals, doctors as well as pharmacists assumes that
acetaminophen is a very safe option for pain relief which is not surprising
considering the fact that acetaminophen containing products are easily
available for purchase or prescribed over the counter. However, a recent VITAL study
published showed that increased risk of blood cancer is found to be related to
persistent 'high' usage of acetaminophen1. If you are taking
acetaminophen at least four times a week, you are categorized as ‘high’ user.
Besides
that, high consumption of acetaminophen could also lead to liver problems. As
the FDA (U.S Food and Drug Administration) stated on acetaminophen information " … taking more than the recommended
amount [of acetaminophen] can cause liver damage, ranging from abnormalities in
liver function blood tests, to acute liver failure, and even death."
So is it safe to
take acetaminophen at recommended dosage?
It turns
out that it might not be necessarily true as a study published in the Journal
of The American Medical Association showed that 31% to 44% of the participants
who consumed acetaminophen at recommended dosage for 2 weeks (4g per day)
displayed marked ALT increase2.
ALT is an enzyme found highest in the liver and abnormal reading of this
enzyme might indicate some form of injury to the liver.3
Other study
shows that that regular consumption of acetaminophen will lead to higher rates
of asthma and reduced lung function.4
So are there
alternatives for pain relief?
Non-steroidal
Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Voltaren, Celebrex, Arcoxia and opioids
analgesics such as tramadol are widely available pain killer alternatives at
pharmacies. However, do take note that all these drugs will still do more harm
than good if consumed in long term.
Besides, we
must always remember, should any part of your body be experiencing persistent
pain, it might be a signal that something is wrong. Pain killers will only
relieve your symptomatic pain temporarily and not treat the root cause.
Some
suggestions that I have which can provide excellent pain relief without any
hazardous side effects includes:
•
Exercise: Moderate exercise
(15-30 minutes a day) can produce and deliver endorphins - your body’s natural
painkillers.
•
Omega 3: It is well-known
to have anti-inflammatory properties and very good in relieving arthritis
problem.
•
Astaxanthin: This is one of
the most potent lipid-soluble antioxidant known to have anti-inflammatory
properties and you may need a high dose of it to achieve the desired effect
(more than 8mg).
•
Curcumin: A spice commonly
used in Asian food which had shown a very promising effect in reducing pain and
immobility.
•
Ginger: A herb that
provides some degree of pain relief as well as stomach settling.
•
Bromelain: This enzyme,
found in pineapples, is a natural anti-inflammatory.
•
Broccoli: It contains a type of phytonutrient known as
sulforaphane which may help to alleviate inflammation of joint.
•
Cherries: This delicious
fruit is rich in antioxidant which can alleviate inflammations and shorten
exercise–induced pain.
•
Avoid deep fried, high
in sugar and processed food.
References:
1.
Long-term use of acetaminophen, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of hematologic malignancies: results from the
prospective Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) study. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Jun
10;29(17):2424-31. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2011.34.6346. Epub 2011 May 9.
2.
Aminotransferase Elevations in Healthy Adults Receiving 4 Grams of
Acetaminophen DailyA Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. July 5, 2006, Vol 296,
No. 1
3.
Medline Plus
4.
The Association of Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen with
Respiratory Disease and Lung Function. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Vol 171 no 9,966-971. 1st May 2005