5 May 2008
News Release
Research confirms Paracetamol as asthmatic’s preferred pain relief
Up to twenty per cent of adult asthmatics are sensitive to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) –
and if consumed could trigger an Aspirin Induced Asthma (AIA) attack. This comes as a timely reminder as May 6 marks
World Asthma Day, just ahead of New Zealand’s Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s National Balloon Day on May 10.
As many as one in five people with asthma could have an attack triggered by pain relievers such as aspirin or
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac, - whereas a paracetamol based product
such as Panadol affects less than two per cent of people with asthma,.
“Many consumers are unaware of the association between some pain relievers and AIA, potentially exposing themselves to
unnecessary risks. Aspirin Induced Asthma is a distinct clinical syndrome where some patients with asthma will
experience an asthmatic attack after taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A paracetamol such as
Panadol may offer a more suitable option for asthma sufferers,” said Debbie Billcliff medical marketing manager for
GlaxoSmithKline.
World Asthma Day is a poignant reminder that asthma sufferers’ choice of pain relief needs careful consideration, as
aspirin and other ‘over the counter’ NSAIDs can pose a significant risk to some asthmatic individuals. Paracetamol can
be taken by over 98% of all asthmatics and is recommended by the Global Initiative for Asthma as a suitable analgesic
for those sensitive to aspirin and NSAIDs.
Panadol is a leading paracetamol and is not an NSAID making it a popular pain reliever for people with asthma.
ENDS
Panadol* contains paracetamol 500mg. Always read the label. Use strictly as directed. Medicines have benefits and some
can have risks. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Incorrect use could be harmful. Use: For the
relief of pain and/or fever. Precautions: Allergy to paracetamol. Liver or kidney disease. Side effects: Allergic
reactions or skin rashes are rare. Medicines have benefits and some can have risks. Always read the label. Use only as
directed. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Prolonged or excessive use may be harmful. If pain persists or you
have side effects see your healthcare professional.
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you take Panadol or other pain relievers with other regular medications.
Incorrect use could be harmful. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Auckland. *Registered trademark of the
GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
REFERENCES: 1. Jenkins C, Costello J, Hodge L. Systematic review of prevalence of aspirin induced asthma and its
implications for clinical practice. BMJ 2004; 328(7437):434. 2. Morwood K, Gillis D, Smith W, Kette F. Aspirin–sensitive
asthma. Intern Med J 2005: 35(4):240-246. 3. Jenkins C. recommending analgesics for people with asthma. Am J Ther 2000;
7(2):55-61. 4. Thien FC, Armstrong D, Gowan J, Rudolphy S. Asthma and Pain Relievers: An information paper for health
professionals, 2005. Australia, National Asthma Council.
Editors Notes:
AIA is characterised by the onset of asthma one to three hours after the ingestion of aspirin and other NSAIDs. One
factor that makes AIA difficult to diagnose is that many people will have taken aspirin in the past without any adverse
effects, thus the initial reaction is usually unexpected and quite often is not attributed to the use of an analgesic.
AIA is a common, although often under-diagnosed disease and tends to affect women more often than it does men, and
usually appears around the age of 30 although it can occur earlier.