A promising university student described as "fit and healthy" by his devastated family died suddenly after taking paracetamol for minor pain, an inquest has heard.
Harry Webster, 21, a business management student at the University of Central Lancashire, collapsed at his family home in Leyland, Lancashire, after suffering a catastrophic reaction to the common painkiller.
The Desperate Race to Save a Life
Harry's brothers, Tom and George, made a frantic dash to buy paracetamol after medical professionals suggested it might help his condition, unaware he was already experiencing a rare and fatal reaction to the medication.
The 21-year-old had initially taken paracetamol for what he believed was a trapped nerve, but his condition rapidly deteriorated over the following days.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Account
Harry's mother, Louise, described the terrifying sequence of events to the coroner's court. "He was being sick and had a rash on his chest," she recalled. "We called 111 and they said to take Piriton and paracetamol."
As Harry's condition worsened, his family grew increasingly concerned. "He was hallucinating and saying random things," Mrs. Webster told the hearing. "We called an ambulance and they said the same thing - to give him paracetamol."
The Final Hours
Harry was eventually admitted to Royal Preston Hospital where he suffered two cardiac arrests. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he died on May 5, 2023.
Consultant hepatologist Dr. John Dyson revealed the shocking cause: "Harry died from acute liver failure due to a rare reaction to paracetamol called DRESS syndrome - Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms."
A Rare But Deadly Condition
Coroner Kate Bisset explained the medical tragedy: "This was an idiosyncratic reaction, meaning it was unpredictable and would have occurred regardless of the dose."
The syndrome is exceptionally rare, affecting only 1 in 10,000 people who take the common medication. Unlike paracetamol overdose cases, this reaction can occur at normal therapeutic doses.
A Life Full of Promise
Harry was remembered as a vibrant young man with a passion for football and a bright future ahead of him. His family has been left devastated by the sudden loss.
The coroner recorded a conclusion of death by misadventure, noting that Harry had taken the medication appropriately for legitimate pain relief.
This tragic case has raised awareness about the importance of recognising unusual reactions to common medications, even when taken as directed.
