Flu sufferers warned not to take too much paracetamol

FLU sufferers have been warned not to misuse supermarket-purchased remedies to fight the illness.

With health authorities on alert over a new strain of the influenza A virus in circulation, the medical profession yesterday highlighted in particular the risks of unintentional overdoses of paracetamol.

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union’s Janet Dillon said exceeding maximum doses could cause liver damage.

Coroners’ courts have heard in recent years that between 16 and 20 people died from paracetamol misuses, intentionally and unintentionally.

Ms Dillon said: “What can cause confusion to the public, especially those who purchase remedies in supermarkets, is that different products have varying amounts of paracetamol.”

Studies in France showed that where strict regulations applied to the availability of paracetamol, the number of overdoses reduced significantly.

“Paracetamol, when taken in normal doses, is quite safe but some people don’t think of flu and cold remedies being proper medicines when they buy them in a supermarket,” she said.

Regulations were introduced in 2000 to limit the availability in supermarkets of remedies containing paracetamol to two packets of 12 tablets per customers.

“The limitation rule is quite hard to regulate and there has not been any follow-up studies to examine any likely abuse,” she said.

Family doctor Brendan O’Shea said that paracetamol, if used correctly, was extremely safe and had significant effects in combating the influenza.

“Paracetamol is critically important in the management of fevers but, like most things in life, abuse can be dangerous,” he said.

The Kildare-based GP rejected suggestions that Ireland had a high overdose rate of paracetamol. “Most people act responsibly and know how to use it,” he said. It’s important people follow the instructions on any medication.

“Paracetamol will not cure a cold or flu but it makes the illness more tolerable for the sufferer.”

The National Disease Surveillance Centre said the levels of the influenza virus were the highest since a monitoring system was put in place in 2000.

Dr O’Shea, who writes for the Irish Medical Journal, said flu sufferers should rest, avoid strenuous activity and take plenty of hot drinks with paracetamol every four to six hours.

“If people find the symptoms are not responding very well, they should have a telephone consultation with their local GP or nurse,” he said. Sufferers with complicated conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and others, should definitely contact their family doctor, he added.