Headaches, toothaches, back pain, or cold symptoms are an integral part of daily life for many of us. In most cases, the solution lies just a short visit to the pharmacy away. Painkillers are sold over the counter, are available in almost every home, and are perceived by the public as safe and simple medications to use.
However, according to experts, this very sense of security can be misleading.
"People think that if it's an over-the-counter painkiller, there's no reason to worry," explains Dr. Noa Mor, director of the Clinical Pharmacy Unit at the Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital. "In practice, we see quite a few cases where patients cause themselves harm simply because they didn't know they were taking the same active ingredient twice, or were combining medications that shouldn't be taken together."
According to World Health Organization data, one in 20 patients experiences preventable harm as a result of medication treatment. As part of an international program aimed at reducing medication errors, the organization set a goal to reduce preventable medication harm by half. One of the most prominent drug groups in this context is, ironically, the one found in almost every home medicine cabinet: Painkillers.
<br>When the active ingredient appears twice
One of the most common mistakes is taking several different medications that actually contain the same active ingredient.
According to Dr. Mor, such a situation can happen very easily. A person takes a cold medication containing paracetamol, and later in the day takes another pill for a headache or muscle pain. As far as they are concerned, these are two completely different medications, but in practice, both contain the same active ingredient.
The problem is that an excessively high dose of paracetamol can cause significant damage to the liver. In particularly severe cases, such toxicity can lead to liver failure and even be life-threatening.
According to Dr. Mor, many patients are surprised to discover that during a single day they took several different products that appeared completely distinct from one another, yet all contained the same pharmaceutical component.
A toothache that led to a double dose
Another common scenario occurs when a person suffers from a sharp toothache or back pain.
They purchase a painkiller at the pharmacy, and later remember that there is another medication at home intended for pain. They take that one too, without realizing that both medications contain ibuprofen.
The result is an unintentional doubling of the dose.
According to Dr. Mor, this is why it is important to read the list of active ingredients on the packaging and not rely solely on the brand name. Two medications with completely different names may contain exactly the same active ingredient.
<br>The combination that could end in a fall
The risk is not limited to an excessively high dosage. Sometimes the problem lies in the combination of different medications.
One of the most concerning combinations, according to Dr. Mor, is between strong painkillers from the opioid group and sleeping pills or sedatives from the benzodiazepine family.
This combination can cause increased drowsiness, dizziness, and instability. Among older adults, the risk is particularly significant, because it can lead to falls, fractures, and even prolonged hospitalizations. In certain cases, there is also a risk of respiratory depression.
<br>Not every pain requires another pill
When pain persists, many people assume the solution is simply to take more medication. According to Dr. Mor, this is not always the right approach.
Many patients suffering from prolonged back pain, muscle aches, or headaches begin to combine several different products in the hope of achieving faster relief. However, in many cases, they are unaware that some of the medications contain identical components.
Sometimes, a proper adjustment of the treatment, or a wise combination of different active ingredients, can provide a better and safer outcome.
According to her, it is sometimes possible to correctly combine paracetamol, ibuprofen, or dipyrone, but this must be done with an understanding of the dosages and the patient's medical condition.
One of the most widespread misconceptions is that a medication sold over the counter is necessarily completely safe. According to Dr. Mor, prolonged or uncontrolled use of medications from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug family, such as ibuprofen, can cause significant side effects.
Among other things, such use can be linked to abdominal pain, impaired kidney function, and additional medical complications, especially among people with underlying medical conditions or those taking additional medications.
The five questions everyone should ask
According to the experts, before starting a new treatment or adding another painkiller, one should stop and ask a few simple questions:
• What is the active ingredient in the medication?
• Am I already taking another medication that contains it?
• Could the new medication conflict with a regular treatment I receive?
• Are there underlying medical conditions that could affect the safety of the treatment?
• Should I consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication?
"The important message is that painkillers are medications in every sense," concludes Dr. Mor. "They can significantly improve quality of life and relieve suffering, but for this to happen safely, you need to know what you are taking, how much you are taking, and what you are combining it with. Sometimes, a single question at the pharmacy can prevent a significant medical complication."