Desiree Phillips leaves behind her one-year-ancient son, Jayden
The family of a young woman who died after accidentally taking “a few extra” paracetamol, are warning others about taking the painkiller.
Desiree Phillips, 20, from south Wales, took the over the counter drug to cope with pain after an operation to remove non-cancerous lumps from her breast.
The single mum died from severe liver hurt after taking extra paracetamol tablets over two weeks.
Her family say they now want to prevent further tragedies.
Her grandad, Des Phillips, said: “I reckon she must have been taking a few extra tablets than the recommended eight a day.
“She seemed fine to us, then out of the blue her boyfriend found her stretched out on the sofa and he rang an ambulance. We never thought she would die.”
Desiree, from Llanelli, was rushed to hospital where surgeons gave her a liver transplant but she died at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth hospital on 26 August.
“People don’t realise. They reckon an extra two [paracetamol] won’t harm you. An extra two over a period of time can harm your liver if you keep taking that over two to three weeks,” Mr Phillips added.
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People don’t realise they reckon an extra two [paracetamol] won’t harm, that extra two over a period of time can harm your liver if you keep taking that over two to three weeks
Des Phillips, Desiree’s grandad
New medical research published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology last month found that taking just a couple extra of paracetamol a day over the recommended amount could be fatal.
Dr Kenneth Simpson, of the University of Edinburgh, led the research and found that a perilous dose “might just be a few pills too many taken regularly over days, weeks or months”.
“Those who’ve taken a ‘staggered overdose’ do worse than the people who’ve tried to kill themselves,” Dr Simpson added.
Right dosage
The advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says: “Paracetamol is a safe and effective painkiller for a range of conditions when used correctly and when the dosage recommendations are followed.
“The marking with every pack includes details of what the product is for, how to use it and any warnings and precautions.
“This includes a warning about paracetamol overdose and instructions not to take more than eight tablets in any 24-hour period.”
Dr Kenneth Simpson said people should always stick to the recommended daily amount.
“The drug is dose-related so liver hurt will affect everyone if they’ve had enough of it,” he said.
An inquest is going to be held into Desiree Phillips’ death. Her family is keen for action to be taken to try to prevent further tragedies.
Des Phillips said: “I have had a huge shock. If a painkiller is that perilous, it should be prescribed. You should not be able to buy them over the counter.
“Paracetamol can be fatal. But when you look at the packets, they don’t look perilous.”
Desiree Phillips had a one-year-ancient son, Jayden, who is now being cared for by his dad.
