Anyone who regularly reaches for painkillers is not only fighting pain, but may even be causing it themselves. “Long-term use can lead to pain triggered by the painkiller,” warns Dr. Isabel Justus, managing director of the Bremen Chamber of Pharmacists. A permanent pain therapy in the self-course can also cause life-threatening health damage.
Pain pills: long-term use problematic
“Many people want to be able to perform at all times and do not think about the health consequences of taking medication frequently,” says Justus. For many, reaching for a pain pill is easier and faster than treating the pain with fresh air, drinking and relaxation or tackling the cause, he says. Long-term use often causes what is known as analgesic pain, he said. Says Justus, “This is pain that analgesics cause as a side effect due to habituation.” This is a chronic form of pain that is difficult to treat, he said. “It creates a vicious cycle. The sufferer takes pain pills for the pain, which in turn causes new pain.” At this stage, he said, one is already talking about a drug addiction.
Painkillers: prescription-free does not mean risk-free
Overall, he said, self-medication has increased in recent years, but especially the purchase of over-the-counter painkillers. “To counteract misuse, pain-relieving active ingredients such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), ibuprofen and paracetamol are only available in pharmacy in package sizes oriented to the duration of use,” Justus said. The active ingredients are a health hazard if used improperly. “Increased use of acetaminophen can lead to severe liver damage.” ASA is also used in low-dose form for prophylaxis in patients with heart disease, he said. Under no circumstances should people take ASA and ibuprofen together. “ASA is blood-thinning and prevents platelets from sticking together. Ibuprofen cancels out precisely this effect,” explains the chamber executive director. Cardiac patients should therefore make their doctor and pharmacist aware that they are already being treated with ASA.
Adhere to maximum dosage and duration of use
Long-term use of ASA on its own could damage the kidney and stomach and lead to internal bleeding, he said. The same side effects are to be expected with long-term therapy with ibuprofen, he said. Pregnant women should always consult a physician before taking any pain medication. “During pregnancy, however, ASA and ibuprofen are contraindicated,” Justus says. In addition, children should not take ASA under any circumstances. “This can lead to so-called Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening, non-treatable syndrome that results in severe liver and brain damage.” Painkillers should generally not be taken for more than three days in a row or ten times a month. “Patients who exceed the maximum approved dosage and duration of use are putting their health at risk in any case,” Justus said.
