NHS Paracetamol warning issued as 5 groups advised to seek advice before taking painkiller

A woman's hand holding a pill against a table with medicine on it (Image: Olga Dobrovolska via Getty Images)

If you're battling flu symptoms or experiencing aches and pains, paracetamol is often the go-to remedy. Renowned for its effectiveness in relieving various ailments, approximately 200 million packets of this painkiller are purchased over the counter annually across the UK.

However, it may come as a surprise that paracetamol isn't appropriate for everyone. Certain individuals are recommended to seek professional medical guidance before using this medication to prevent potential adverse reactions.

The NHS particularly advises caution for anyone who has previously experienced an allergic reaction to medications, including paracetamol, as well as those with a medical history of k