A new report highlights a concerning truth for millions who reach for over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers: you’re probably using them incorrectly, putting your health at risk. Recent findings and expert advice, published by NPR on April 18, 2025, urge users of medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), to rethink their habits to avoid accidental overdose and dangerous side effects [NPR].
For Thai families, OTC painkillers are a household staple, picked up at 7-Eleven or pharmacies with little hesitation. Yet, experts, like Dr. Trisha Pasricha of Harvard Medical School, warn that misunderstanding labels, exceeding recommended doses, and combining various pain remedies can lead to serious complications—ranging from liver damage to heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. One study found that 15% of surveyed patients had exceeded safe NSAID dosages, often without realizing they were doubling up on the same class of drugs in different products. In Thailand, where self-medication is common and many products are sold without a prescription, these warnings are especially relevant to our everyday habits [NPR].
Why does this matter? Thailand’s love of convenience and relatively easy access to medicines can sometimes backfire. Whether it’s relieving the aches of a late-night Songkran party or managing period pain, many seek quick fixes without understanding the risks. According to University of California San Francisco (UCSF) pharmacist Candy Tsourounis, the choice of painkiller should match the problem: acetaminophen is safer for fevers and gentler on the stomach, while NSAIDs are better for inflammatory pain, like sore muscles. Acetaminophen, if overused, can lead to liver damage, and combining it with alcohol—a common practice for some adults—amplifies the risk. Meanwhile, NSAIDs, though effective for inflammation, may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or raise blood pressure when overused.
Expert advice stands out: “Please utilize us. That’s what we’re here for!” says Blamoh Twegbe, pharmacy manager at UCSF outpatient pharmacy, highlighting pharmacists’ role in helping patients choose safely. Asking a Thai pharmacist—which many overlook or view as unnecessary—is encouraged to avoid combining multiple products that contain the same active ingredients, such as cold and flu remedies that secretly pack an extra dose of acetaminophen.
The misuse of painkillers has deep roots in both habit and marketing. “If you’re taking naproxen every day of your period every month because of muscle cramps, that pain might signal a larger underlying health problem,” Dr. Pasricha explains, emphasizing a common scenario among Thai women. Chronic or frequent pain might require medical investigation, not just a trip to Boots or Watsons. This issue is particularly important in Thailand, where traditional remedies and Western pills are often combined, sometimes with little clarity about active ingredients.
Another widespread misconception is that taking “a little extra” or mixing two types of NSAIDs provides stronger relief. In reality, taking more than the recommended dose or combining different NSAIDs increases risk without any extra benefit. This is a habit likely mirrored by Thai consumers, who may not always read the label closely or consult with a healthcare provider, especially when in a hurry.
For those facing high fever or post-injury pain, experts recommend alternating between acetaminophen and NSAIDs at proper intervals. This strategy can control pain effectively while minimizing each medication’s side effects—but requires careful attention to dosing and timing. In a culture where “สองเม็ดก็พอ” (two pills will do) is a common refrain, the new guidance asks us to pause before swallowing an extra tablet.
Not all pain needs a pill. Topical NSAIDs—creams and patches—and non-drug remedies like hot packs or exercise in water can provide similar relief with fewer side effects. In Thailand, easy access to herbal balms and masaage therapy offers alternative routes that might actually be safer than routine OTC use. “They might even control your pain more reliably than just taking medicine,” says Dr. Pasricha, encouraging discussion with doctors about all available therapies rather than relying solely on pills.
Looking forward, healthcare providers globally and in Thailand are likely to emphasize patient education, proper drug labeling, and the critical role of pharmacists. The Thai Food and Drug Administration (อย.) may also increase warnings or refine regulations about OTC sales, especially as the rising burden of chronic diseases heightens the risks of improper self-medication [Ministry of Public Health Thailand]. Younger Thais, comfortable searching for advice online but still susceptible to social media misinformation, would benefit from trustworthy, evidence-based resources in both Thai and English.
For readers, the takeaway is simple but essential: Read the labels, stick to recommended doses, and seek professional advice before combining products. If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist—a service included in every pharmacy visit, even those tucked in Bangkok’s busiest sois. Regular or severe pain deserves a doctor’s attention, not just repeated trips to the medicine cabinet. And don’t forget: physical therapies, relaxation, and even a break from screens can sometimes be the medicine you need.
For more information, readers can consult the original NPR article [NPR], check medicine labels carefully, and visit the Thai Food and Drug Administration’s website for local guidance [Thai FDA]. When in doubt, speak to your pharmacist—ความปลอดภัย (safety) is always in style.