The CDSCO report has named 50 medicines which violated CDSCO standards. Our ‘favourite’ medicine used for headache and fever was also included in this list, whose name is Paracetamol. Why the dangers to our health are increasing due to use of paracetamol, know from experts.
There is an organization named The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Also called CDSCO in short. He issues reports every month regarding the standards of medicines. This time the report contained the names of 50 medicines which had violated CDSCO standards. This list also included our ‘favourite’ medicines commonly used for headache and fever. Whose name is Paracetamol.
This is not the first time that CDSCO has warned about the dangers of paracetamol. He had done this in September and earlier in July this year also. During our research, we found a 2011 report of CDSCO. In which it is clearly written that the organization suggests that the use of paracetamol should be minimized while prescribing medicines.
In the same report, it was also said that patients should use medicines sparingly so that the liver does not get damaged. The question is, what are the losses due to which CDSCO has to do this again and again? And what risks you may face from overuse of medicines. Today we will understand this with the help of experts.
Side Effects of paracetamol
According to Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, director of Ujala Cygnus Foundation and health policy expert, every medicine brings with it side effects. How each person’s body will react to that medicine is also a question. But when medicines are overused then they cause more problems.
Read also
Health risks of paracetamol increase in these situations
1. If you take too much dose. Nowadays, people resort to painkillers even in minor pain. This should be avoided.
2. If you drink alcohol then you should avoid taking paracetamol. By the way, you should also avoid alcohol.
3.Many people are allergic to paracetamol. Still they take the medicine. Always avoid this.
4.If you are already on medication then you should avoid taking paracetamol without doctor’s advice.
5. If you are having fever again and again. This could be a sign of some other problem. You should avoid taking paracetamol in such a situation.
6. If you have any liver related disease or you have any kidney problem then stay away from paracetamol.
What are the possible risks of paracetamol? (Harmful Effects of Paracetamol)
1.Liver damage
If you already have any liver disease then you should not use medicines like paracetamol. This may further increase the risk to the liver. Apart from this, overdose of paracetamol also increases the risk to the liver.
2. Skin infection
Many times we understand late why rashes or red spots appear on our skin. This can happen in two situations. Either you have taken an overdose of some medicine or you are allergic to the medicine.
3. Reason of Heart Damage
Dr Shuchin Bajaj quoting a report show that paracetamol overdose can cause cardiac damage and even Heart Attack Can also cause. Therefore its overdose should be avoided.
4. Damage to kidney
Medicines were created with the assumption that they would be used during problems. But now this facility has been made and people are buying and consuming medicines like Paracetamol as per their convenience. Repeated, continuous consumption of paracetamol can cause serious damage to the kidneys and may even cause kidney damage.
Keep these things in mind to avoid Paracetamol side effects (How to prevent from Side Effects of Paracetamol)
1.Give children the correct dose according to their age and weight. Try to do this only on the advice of the doctor.
2. Taking paracetamol after drinking alcohol means putting your body in danger. Avoid this.
3. Avoid using paracetamol for frequent pain or fever. If you are having frequent fever or headache, consult a doctor.
4. If needed, take only 500 mg dose at one time and do not take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours.
What about at the level of policies? (What to do at policy level)
According to Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, overuse of medicines can be easily avoided if the government shows a little more willpower. Laws have been made that no medicine can be given without doctor’s advice. But is it being followed? No.
You tell the chemist about your problem. He is giving the medicine himself. This is the reason for overuse. The government should intervene here so that no one should give or take medicine without a doctor’s prescription.
Apart from this, those doctors who are not qualified to prescribe allopathy medicines, Ayurvedic doctors or Unani doctors. They are also prescribing English medicines. People are keeping and consuming common medicines as per their wish. Food is also fine but taking overdose. This should be as much a matter of concern at the policy level as it is for the common man.
Also read – Symptoms of asthma in children may be different from those of adults, experts are explaining in detail about both.
