Polish pharmaceutical agency warns of viral “Paracetamol Challenge” on social media after reports of youth overdoses.
The Dangerous Challenge
On Wednesday, February 11, Poland’s Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate (GIF) issued a warning about a life-threatening trend circulating online. It concerns the “paracetamol challenge.” The warning cites reports of youth overdosing, noting European medicines agencies remind that medicines are not for play or experimentation. GIF referenced similar warnings from Belgium and Finland about risky “challenges” on social media that encourage the improper use of painkillers, including paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid (“aspirin”).
Consequences of Overdose
The warning emphasizes that overdosing on these medications can lead to severe, potentially fatal complications, such as liver damage or dangerous bleeding. Belgian authorities added that paracetamol does not produce psychoactive effects even at high doses. Paracetamol is used for pain and fever. When used at the recommended dose and with the required interval between doses, it is safe and effective. The stress is on not exceeding the maximum daily dose and maintaining a four-hour interval between doses.
GIF’s Warning
Earlier in the week, GIF also cautioned that paracetamol can be easily ingested unknowingly from multiple products simultaneously. Paracetamol is not anti-inflammatory. Adults should not exceed a dose of 4 grams per day. Pain lasting longer than 5 days or fever persisting beyond 3 days requires a doctor’s visit.
