A prominent NHS doctor has issued a stark warning to millions of Britons who regularly take common over-the-counter painkillers, revealing that their prolonged use leads to tens of thousands of serious hospital admissions annually.
The Hidden Dangers of Everyday Pain Relief
Dr Mark Porter, a GP well-known for his appearances on BBC's The One Show, has highlighted the severe risks associated with medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, and normal-dose aspirin. These drugs, classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are widely used to treat pain and arthritis but can cause significant internal damage.
Dr Porter pointed to a critical audit led by the University of Oxford, which found that bleeding from the stomach and upper gut results in at least 60,000 hospital admissions every year in the UK. Alarmingly, he stated that about one in ten of those admitted never return home, underscoring the potential fatality of these complications.
Who is Most at Risk?
The dangers are particularly acute for specific groups of people. Research published in the journal Gut, comparing data from 2007 and 2022, showed how many patients suffering bleeds were on medicines that could cause or worsen the problem.
"Just under half of the 5,141 patients analysed were on some form of medicine that exacerbated bleeding," Dr Porter explained to The Times. This includes those on low-dose aspirin, clopidogrel, and anticoagulants like warfarin and apixaban. Furthermore, one in 14 was taking an NSAID like ibuprofen.
Dr Porter expressed concern that while many people on blood-thinning medication are aware of bleeding risks, too few people taking NSAIDs realise quite how dangerous they can be. He noted that NSAIDs account for roughly a third of all NHS hospital admissions caused by adverse drug reactions.
The risks extend beyond stomach issues. NSAIDs can also trigger heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. People with existing conditions should be especially cautious, including:
- Anyone on low-dose aspirin, clopidogrel, or anticoagulants.
- Those prone to indigestion, heartburn, or with a history of stomach ulcers.
- People diagnosed with heart failure or chronic kidney disease.
- Anyone over 65 not taking accompanying protective medicine like omeprazole.
Balancing Benefits and Seeking Safer Alternatives
Doctors often prescribe antacid medicines like omeprazole alongside prescription NSAIDs to mitigate stomach impact, but Dr Porter stressed these reduce the risk rather than negate it entirely. The core principle is balancing potential risks against day-to-day benefits.
For general public use, Dr Porter advised: "I would avoid medicating with aspirin altogether unless on the direction of a doctor." For occasional pain like a headache or sore knee, he suggested paracetamol as a safer option, acknowledging it may be less effective. An occasional NSAID is unlikely to harm those not in high-risk groups.
However, he urged anyone needing regular pain relief—such as daily or several days a week—to consult their GP to discuss the best and safest approach.
Finally, Dr Porter highlighted a crucial warning sign: black, tarry stools (melena), which can indicate slower bleeding from the gut and may be overlooked. He urged anyone experiencing this symptom to seek immediate medical help, just as they would if vomiting blood.
