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Pharmacist warns people to think twice before using over the counter painkillers

The pharmacist says it is okay to use them in the short term

Pharmacist urges caution over over-the-counter painkillers

A picture of various tablets and water over a table

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Popular painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are not risk-free medicines to be consumed regularly, warns a healthcare professional, known online as pharmacist Anum.

She says it is okay to use them in the short term, but one needs to be aware of the risks and avoid becoming too reliant on them.


Anum says if the symptoms are long-term, it is safe to understand its root cause, and seek medical help to stay safe.

Using over the counter painkillers without professional guidance could sometimes result in a dangerous overdose.

She warns that continuous intake of painkillers can lead to other serious side effects that would make the treatment of aches difficult in the future.

Some of the common consequences for excessive use of paracetamol are damages to liver and kidney.

Too much consumption of ibuprofen can lead to stomach aches, indigestion, kidney and cardiovascular issues.

These painkillers should be used judiciously for minor ailments, but follow instructions and avoid becoming dependent on them.