A debate is brewing over Doliprane, France’s most popular painkiller, as microbiologist Didier Raoult warns it may be the leading cause of liver transplants. Despite its widespread use, the Agence de sécurité du médicament highlights that paracetamol overdose poses serious liver risks. While liver transplants primarily result from conditions like cancer and cirrhosis, the rising consumption of Doliprane, which surged to over 538 million boxes dispensed in 2023, raises concerns about its safety and potential health implications.
The potential risks associated with Doliprane, a widely used medication, have sparked significant concern in society. While it’s the most commonly consumed pain reliever in France, Didier Raoult, a microbiologist, has raised alarms about its dangers—particularly its impact on liver health. In a recent post on X, Raoult stated that Doliprane has become ‘the world’s leading cause of liver transplants.’
He elaborated that ‘If your liver is already somewhat compromised and you take an excess of Doliprane, it can be fatal.’ These remarks were echoed in a January 2024 interview on the YouTube channel ‘Legend,’ where Raoult discussed this critical health issue.
Drugs and Liver Health
The term ‘liver transplant’ refers to the surgical removal of a damaged liver to be replaced by a healthy one. However, not all liver diseases warrant this procedure. Paracetamol, the active ingredient in Doliprane, poses risks to liver health. The warning on its packaging that states ‘overdose = danger’ is a clear reminder to users. According to the Agence de sécurité du médicament (ANSM), overdosing on paracetamol can lead to a ‘risk of toxicity’ in the liver, which is a significant cause of drug-related complications.
In practical terms, excessive intake of Doliprane can result in acute liver failure, accounting for 3.4% of new transplant cases in 2017, as reported by the Agence de biomédecine. Notably, since 2014, the leading cause for liver transplants has shifted to hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer, making up 32% of new cases. Alcoholic cirrhosis follows as the second most common reason, representing 25.5% of new transplant recipients.
While the statistics fluctuate yearly, the overarching trends indicate that liver cancer continues to be the primary indication for transplants in France, with cirrhosis as a close second. As highlighted by the French National Cancer Institute, ‘liver transplantation is the standard treatment for cancers that develop in cirrhotic livers.’ This approach effectively addresses both liver cancer and cirrhosis simultaneously.
It’s crucial to acknowledge the rising consumption of paracetamol, which saw a 53% increase from 2006 to 2015. In 2022 alone, over 424 million boxes of Doliprane were produced and distributed in France, surging to more than 538 million boxes dispensed in pharmacies the following year.
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