New research, conducted at The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney in Australia has reported findings that support a radical change in policy direction for the treatment of spinal pain, as well as osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.
Gustavo Machado, the lead study author, says, Worldwide, paracetamol [acetaminophen] is the most widely used over-the-counter medicine for musculoskeletal conditions, so it is important to reconsider treatment recommendations, given this new evidence.
The research publication states, High quality evidence showed that patients taking paracetamol are nearly four times more likely to have abnormal results on liver function tests paracetamol is ineffective in the treatment of low back pain and provides minimal short term benefit for people with osteoarthritis. These results support the reconsideration of recommendations to use paracetamol for patients with low back pain and osteoarthritis of the hip or knee in clinical practice guidelines.
The randomized controlled study trials compared the efficacy and safety of paracetamol, generally known as acetaminophen -- and sold under various common brand names, such as Tylenol, Anacin, and numerous over the counter drugs used for sinus, PMS, and sleeplessness symptoms, to name a few.
Following the publication of this study, the U.S. National Library of Medicine released guidelines for use of these over-the-counter remedies, saying Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage, sometimes serious enough to require liver transplantation or cause death. You might accidentally take too much acetaminophen if you do not follow the directions on the prescription or package label carefully, or if you take more than one product that contains acetaminophen. Learn more about their recommendations and the other brand names that contain acetaminophen [here](https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681004.html).
Further concerning is the fact that the study found high quality evidence of a significant but small effect, compared to the placebo, on hip or knee osteoarthritis but is only helpful in the short term. So although patients get a brief amount of relief, it isn't long before the benefits stop, yet typically people most likely continue taking acetaminophen in hopes it will work as it did in the beginning possibly risking further health problems.
Study authors summarized the success of their findings, Overall, our results are based on 'high quality' evidence (GRADE) and therefore further research is unlikely to change this evidence. This systematic review should inform clinical practice and policy with regard to first line care of these patients.
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