Paracetamol side effects: The reaction that can occur in the lips - 'Get emergency help'

PARACETAMOL is the first resort for minor pains and niggles, but increasing evidence suggests the pill should be taken with caution. One sign in the lips could be warning that an underlying side effect is wreaking havoc on the body.

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Pharmacist explains how paracetamol and ibuprofen work

Paracetamol has long been hailed as the cure-all for numerous ailments, with clinical use of the drug ranging from headaches to labour pain. Given its ubiquity, the pill is largely considered safe when used as directed. Side effects are rare, but one sign in the lips could be a red flag.

The safety of paracetamol has been challenged in the past, particularly after it emerged that long-term use may have severe health consequences.

Though the incidence of side effects is rare for the drug, some signs of a reaction can occur shortly after ingestion.

Notably, if lips become swollen shortly after administration, you should seek emergency medical help.

The website Drug explains: “Get emergency medical help if you have any […] signs of an allergic reaction to paracetamol [such as] hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat."

READ MORE: Taking paracetamol can make chronic pain worse - Dr Philippa issues warning


Paracetamol: One sign on your lips could be a red flag (Image: Getty)

This swelling reaction is known as angioedema, which involves swelling underneath the skin.

“It’s usually a reaction to a trigger, such as a medicine or something you’re allergic to," explains the NHS.


Swift treatment will often bring the swelling under control, explains the health body.


The website Drugs, warns of other side effects that should not be ignored.

It states: “Stop using [paracetamol] and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)."

Some of these reactions will occur within minutes of taking the drug, while others may arise more gradually.

One separate line of research has previously hinted that long-term use of the drug could trigger internal bleeding - but evidence of such claims remains limited.

Michael Doherty of Nottingham City Hospital published a study in 2011 that raised concerns.


Paracetamol should be taken with caution (Image: Getty )

The analysis followed a sample of 892 men and women who suffered knee pain.

Some were administered paracetamol, while others were given ibuprofen. A third group was given a low dose of both drugs.

The blood samples taken from participants on paracetamol presented alarming results.

Levels of haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood, were dropping fast. Red blood cells, on the other hand, were growing smaller and paler.


Paracetamol are widely prescribed for a variety of ailments (Image: Getty)

At the end of a three-month follow-up period, a fifth of participants took paracetamols.

The findings suggest participants lost significant quantities of blood internally.

While these side effects exist, there is overwhelming evidence that they remain a rarity.

The drug is relatively safe to use for aches and pains when used as directed.