Health
Common pain reliever could cause medical complications in some people over 65, study suggests
New research has revealed that a common medication might not be safe for everyone.
Acetaminophen, brand name Tylenol, is a pain reliever and fever reducer that’s often included in other drugs, such as cold and flu medicines.
The U.K.-based study — published in Arthritis Care & Research, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology — analyzed the safety of the drug in older individuals.
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The researchers looked at data for more than 180,000 acetaminophen users compared to 400,000 non-users from 1998 to 2018.
The findings revealed that the use of acetaminophen – sometimes also called paracetamol – was associated with an increased risk of serious medical complications.
Acetaminophen may be found in cough, cold and flu medications, as well as in creams, gels, salves and even suppositories, one gerontologist noted. (iStock)
This includes peptic ulcer bleeding, uncomplicated peptic-ulcers, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
In a University of Nottingham press release sent to Fox News Digital, lead study author Professor Weiya Zhang, PhD, clarified that long-term use of the drug should be “carefully considered.”
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“Due to its perceived safety, paracetamol has long been recommended as the first-line drug treatment for osteoarthritis by many treatment guidelines, especially in older people who are at higher risk of drug-related complications,” he wrote.
“While further research is now needed to confirm our findings, given its minimal pain-relief effect, the use of paracetamol as a first-line painkiller for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in older people needs to be carefully considered.”
“This is a good reminder that all medicines used chronically have side effects,” said one physician. (iStock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and senior medical analyst at Fox News, shared his reaction with Fox News Digital.
“It is generally accepted doctrine that acetaminophen is not associated with GI bleeding or advancing kidney disease, but the thinking is starting to change on this front,” said the doctor, who was not involved in the study.
“Yes, over-the-counter medications are still medications.”
There is evidence suggesting that acetaminophen “modulates the same cyclooxygenase-related pathways” as anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which can “increase adverse GI side effects,” according to Siegel.
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The large U.K. study, the doctor commented, is limited by “being observational,” as well as by an “inability to track over-the-counter as opposed to prescriptions, which were tracked.”
Another potential limitation was that some users had other contributing factors and behaviors, such as smoking and obesity.
“By inhibiting prostacyclin, it can increase the risk of bleeding,” a doctor warned about the drug. (iStock)
“Still, this is a good reminder that all medicines used chronically have side effects, and we are not always sure what they are,” he said. “This is why we continue to do post-market analysis and to re-evaluate medicines.”
He continued, “And yes, over-the-counter medications are still medications. Acetaminophen is well-known for its liver toxicity, but there are other side effects as well, as this study suggests.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Kenvue, Inc., maker of Tylenol, requesting comment on the study.
Risks for older adults
Gerontologist Dr. Macie P. Smith in South Carolina, who was not involved in the study, also reacted to the findings.
“I am happy someone is talking about the side effects of certain medications and how they disproportionately impact … those over [age] 65,” she told Fox News Digital.
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Several medications are not recommended for the older adult population, Smith said.
“Simply because they could tolerate the medications at a younger age does not mean their body can tolerate the same medications at an older age, since their body and brain will change as they age,” she noted.
People over age 65 should consult with their doctor before taking medications, experts advise. (iStock)
Some of the complications mentioned in the study, such as GI bleeding, hypertension and kidney disease, can increase the risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, even premature death, according to Smith.
“I would recommend that older adults consult with their primary care doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications, since acetaminophen can be found in cold and flu medications and in creams and [ointments],” she advised.
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“Anything that is identified as a medication or drug should be discussed with the doctor, as geriatrics is a specialized practice and those who fall under this category should receive specialized care.”
Smith also recommended that older adults use only one pharmacy, so the pharmacist can consult the patient’s “running ledger” of prescription medications.
“I would recommend that older adults consult with their primary care doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.”
“If someone over the age of 65 comes in for over-the-counter medications, the pharmacist can easily and quickly check for medication side effects and possible interactions between their prescription and OTC medications,” she said.
Older brains and bodies might not be able to handle the types of medication they could at a younger age, experts say. (iStock)
Acetaminophen in particular should be “taken with caution” and under the direction of a doctor for those 65 and older, she cautioned.
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Smith urged older individuals and their caretakers to “read the important information that comes with any and all medications.”
She added, “Don’t hesitate to speak to the pharmacist and/or your doctor about the risks and the benefits, then make an informed decision and choose well.”
Fox News Digital reached out to a number of drug manufacturers for comment.
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Health
Parasitic infection causing ‘explosive’ stomach illness exceeds 1,000 cases in northern state
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Cases of cyclosporiasis infections are rising across America, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed in Michigan and more than 500 in Ohio.
This is the largest outbreak of its kind in Michigan’s history and one of the country’s largest in years, according to the Associated Press.
The parasitic infection can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. The source of the infections has not been identified and no deaths have been reported.
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Michigan officials announced the outbreak last week following the identification of more than 170 cases since June 22 in the southeastern part of the state. Typically, only about 50 cases are identified in Michigan each year, according to AP.
A cyclospora infection often causes watery, “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. (iStock)
Similar illnesses have been reported in 28 other states, including neighboring Ohio, where diagnoses have popped up across the Michigan border.
Cases have been climbing since the CDC identified an uptick in infections in mid-June, with illnesses now reported in dozens of states.
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Michigan has now reported more than 1,200 cases and at least 40 hospitalizations. In Ohio, northwest counties have identified more than 500 cases, including at least 306 in Lucas County, according to the latest available local figures.
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Texas has reported at least 48 cases, and illnesses have been identified in numerous other states as health officials investigate the source.
The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.
Other symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss. (iStock)
Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.
The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.
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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multistate clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before eating, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted. (iStock)
Past infections have reportedly been linked to consuming contamined fruits or vegetables, or being exposed to contaminated irrigation water.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before being eaten, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted.
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Michigan officials recommend purchasing salad mixes or whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce. Remove two to three leaves from the outer layer of the lettuce head before washing and cook vegetables when possible.
Fox News Digital’s Khloe Quill contributed to this report.
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Washington, DC – GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.
“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”
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This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.
Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.
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“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”
Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)
“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”
Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.
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“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”
“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”
Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)
While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.
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“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”
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“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”
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