Most of us just grab ibuprofen for a headache or paracetamol for a fever without giving it a second thought. Painkillers like these are pantry staples, safe enough to purchase over the counter and reliable for generations but emerging research indicates they could be unwittingly driving one of the world's most urgent health challenges: antibiotic resistance.

A ground-breaking University of South Australia study has discovered that paracetamol and ibuprofen not only lead to bacterial resistance by themselves but can enhance it when combined especially when taken with antibiotics. That discovery overturns long-established beliefs about resistance formation and provokes question marks over how commonly used medicines are rewriting the rules for how bacteria adapt.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated antimicrobial resistance as one of the greatest threats to health, food security, and development worldwide. In 2019, bacterial resistance was a direct cause of 1.27 million deaths across the globe. These "superbugs" occur when bacteria evolve in such manners that antibiotics are no longer useful, transforming once-treatable infections into potentially lethal ones.

The finger of blame has long been pointed at the overuse and misuse of antibiotics prescribing them when they are not necessary, not finishing a course, or using them as pesticides. But now this new study puts a sinister spin on things, even non-antibiotic drugs could be contributing to helping bacteria get one over on advanced medicine.

The South Australia researchers studied how ubiquitous non-antibiotic drugs interact with ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic used to treat infections of the gut, urinary tract, and skin. The researchers emphasized Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium that often results in these infections.

When E. coli was given ciprofloxacin alone, mutations happened as anticipated. But when ciprofloxacin was given in combination with ibuprofen and paracetamol, mutations went through the roof. The bacteria not only developed resistance against ciprofloxacin but also demonstrated resistance against several other antibiotics belonging to various categories.

Both paracetamol and ibuprofen seemed to trigger bacterial defense mechanisms that flush out antibiotics, rendering them much less potent. In effect, the medications were preparing bacteria to be resistant to treatment.

Polypharmacy and the Aged Care Connection

One of the most disturbing implications of the results is for vulnerable populations, particularly for older adults in long-term care. Residents in aged care homes are often prescribed several medications painkillers, blood pressure medications, sleep medication, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and others. This "polypharmacy" presents the ideal condition for gut bacteria to be exposed to drug combinations that fuel resistance.

As lead researcher for the study, Associate Professor Rietie Venter said, "Antibiotics have been used for decades to treat infectious illnesses, yet overuse and misuse across the globe have fueled a worldwide increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This research indicates that the issue is greater and more profound than antibiotics alone."

What Are The Other Medications Under Scrutiny?

The research did not end at paracetamol and ibuprofen. Scientists also experimented on nine widely prescribed drugs, such as diclofenac for arthritis, furosemide for blood pressure, metformin for diabetes, atorvastatin for cholesterol, tramadol for pain after surgery, temazepam for insomnia, and pseudoephedrine for nasal congestion.

While not every drug caused the same degree of alarm, the findings added to a larger message: antibiotic resistance is no longer just an issue of antibiotics alone. Common medications the ones you have in bathroom cabinets and bedside tables around the globe could be part of the solution to resistance.

It's easy to think of antibiotic resistance as an intangible problem something that happens in hospitals or somewhere far away in the world. But it's already impacting lives around the world. Resistant bacteria complicate simple infections, increase healthcare costs, and pose a risk of complications and death.

If over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are fueling resistance, then millions of individuals unknowingly might be part of the issue simply by controlling a fever or arthritis. This is not to say these drugs are bad or should be stopped they work and are vital for many sicknesses. But it does indicate that we require a better understanding of how they work with antibiotics and bacteria.

The University of South Australia group is appealing for further research on how various combinations of drugs affect resistance, especially in long-term drug regimen populations. Such information could assist prescribing clinicians in making better-informed choices regarding prescribing and managing medications.

Legionnaires Outbreak: Public health officials in London, Ontario, have redeclared a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak after 25 new cases emerged, weeks after declaring the situation under control. The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) confirmed Tuesday that testing has identified a likely source: cooling towers at Sofina Foods Inc., a large meat-processing facility on Trafalgar Street.

Outbreak Declared Over, Then Returned

The outbreak was first detected in early July and by early August had led to 70 confirmed cases and three deaths. After three weeks without new infections, the MLHU declared the outbreak over on August 6. But within days, new patients began appearing.

As of this week, the caseload has climbed to 94, including 86 hospitalizations and four deaths. Six patients remain in hospital. Officials say the resurgence highlights how the bacteria can persist in contaminated environments despite earlier cleaning efforts.

“For several weeks, no additional illnesses were reported, and we were optimistic that remediation efforts had eliminated the bacteria. However, 25 more people have now become ill,” said Dr. Joanne Kearon, associate medical officer of health. “Fortunately, a likely source has now been identified.”

Read: Legionnaires Outbreak in New York: All That You Need To Know About The Disease

Cooling Towers Traced as the Source

Extensive environmental testing linked the outbreak strain of Legionella bacteria to Sofina Foods’ cooling towers. Samples taken in recent weeks matched the same bacterial subtype found in patient cases.

While nine different cooling towers across the city initially tested positive for live bacteria, the Sofina plant produced a definitive genetic match. Earlier testing at the site in 2024 and early 2025 had shown no match, but officials said the bacteria can survive in cooling towers and regrow under hot, humid conditions.

The health unit emphasized that food products from Sofina remain safe to consume, since Legionnaires’ disease spreads only through inhaling contaminated water droplets, not through eating or drinking.

Sofina Foods Responds

Sofina Foods, which employs hundreds of workers in London’s east end, said the new findings were “unexpected” given the company’s daily sanitation protocols and previous negative test results.

“We are deeply concerned with this new information and are continuing to investigate fully,” said Sharon Begley, Sofina’s chief safety officer. “Over and above our regular processes, we conducted further deep cleaning and disinfecting processes recommended by MLHU. The cooling tower is offline and will remain offline until these additional steps are completed.”

The company stressed its commitment to employee and community safety, noting it has been cooperating closely with public health authorities since the outbreak began.

How Legionnaires’ Spreads

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It is not transmitted from person to person. Instead, people get sick when they inhale mist or small droplets of water containing the bacteria, which can be carried by wind from sources such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and water systems.

Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 10 days of exposure and may include fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. Most exposed individuals do not get sick, but older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems face greater risk of serious illness.

The current outbreak has been concentrated in a six-kilometre radius in London, with cases ranging from young adults to seniors. No children have been affected to date.

Also Read: Legionnaires' Outbreak Update: It Is No Longer 'Only A New York Problem'

More Cases Possible

Dr. Kearon warned that more cases could surface due to the bacteria’s incubation period. “Legionella has an incubation period of two to 10 days ... there may still be further cases in the next two weeks,” she said.

This year’s outbreak is already the largest in London’s recent history, surpassing a 2024 outbreak that caused 30 cases and two deaths. Officials say they are working with Sofina Foods and other operators to ensure thorough remediation and prevent further spread.

“The decision to reopen the outbreak reflects a rise in cases after several weeks without new cases, suggesting that the Legionella bacteria has re-emerged in the environment despite earlier remediation efforts,” MLHU said in a statement.

Eli Lilly has taken a major step in the fight against obesity and diabetes. The company announced that its oral GLP-1 drug, orforglipron, successfully met the “primary and all key secondary endpoints” in a large clinical trial, paving the way for global regulatory submissions.

“With these positive data in hand, we are moving with urgency toward global regulatory submissions to potentially meet the needs of patients who are waiting,” said Kenneth Custer, Eli Lilly’s executive vice president and president of cardiometabolic health.

“If approved, we are ready to offer a convenient, once-daily pill that can be scaled globally, removing barriers and redefining how obesity is treated around the world.”

What Is Orforglipron?

Orforglipron is an investigational, non-peptide, once-daily small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist. Unlike some oral medications that come with strict food or water restrictions, it can be taken at any time of day without such limitations.

Originally discovered by Japan’s Chugai Pharmaceutical and later licensed to Eli Lilly in 2018, orforglipron is now in Phase 3 trials. The company is testing it not just for weight management and type 2 diabetes but also for conditions linked to obesity, including obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension.

The ATTAIN-2 Trial Results

The company’s latest clinical trial, called ATTAIN-2, produced results that have drawn significant attention. At the highest dose: 36 mg daily for 72 weeks, participants saw an average weight loss of 22.9 pounds (10.5%), compared to just 5.1 pounds (2.2%) among those given a placebo.

The drug also delivered strong results for people with type 2 diabetes. Across doses, orforglipron reduced A1C levels by 1.3% to 1.8% from a baseline of 8.1%. Notably, 75% of participants who took the highest dose achieved an A1C of 6.5% or below, aligning with the American Diabetes Association’s definition of diabetes remission.

Beyond weight and blood sugar, orforglipron showed broader health benefits. The trial reported improvements in cardiovascular risk factors such as non-HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. In an exploratory analysis, the drug also cut high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation, by about 50%.

Read: Serena Williams Opens Up About Losing 31 lbs With GLP-1 Medication; Is This Breaking Stigma Or Joining The Trend?

Why An Oral Option Matters

Injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide have already transformed obesity and diabetes care, but accessibility remains a hurdle. For many patients, injections are intimidating, inconvenient, or simply not practical in daily life.

That’s where an oral pill could be a game-changer. A once-daily tablet could remove psychological and logistical barriers, making it easier for patients to stay on treatment. And given the rising global burden of obesity, which significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some cancers, the demand for more convenient treatment options has never been greater.

Pills vs. Injections: Which Works Better?

The big question now is whether oral GLP-1 drugs are as effective as their injectable counterparts.

A 2021 research review published in Springer Nature, offers some clues. After examining multiple studies, researchers concluded that oral semaglutide, a similar class of drug, provided “similar or better efficacy and similar tolerability” compared to injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Also Read: How To Identify A Counterfeit Ozempic? Look For These Signs

In some cases, oral versions were found to be just as effective for weight loss and lowering A1C levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the review focused on patients already using insulin, which may have influenced outcomes. Experts emphasize that while results are encouraging, more research is still needed to directly compare oral and injectable versions in broader populations.

For now, injections remain the gold standard in clinical practice. Drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro (both injectables) have shown weight reductions of 15% to 20% or more in major trials, higher than the 10.5% seen with orforglipron in ATTAIN-2. That said, the convenience of a pill could tip the balance for many patients, especially those reluctant to use injections long-term.

Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 drug is not yet approved, but the latest results highlight its potential to reshape treatment strategies for obesity.

Bruce Willis Health Update: At the preview of ABC's special, Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, Bruce Willis' wife Emma opened up about her husband's battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), saying his “brain is failing him” and his “language is going.” Despite the heartbreaking progression of the disease, she says their family has found new ways of communicating and cherishes the rare moments when his true personality shines through.

The 70-year-old “Die Hard” and “Sixth Sense” star was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) more than three years ago. In 2023, his family revealed the condition, which affects behavior and language, to the public.

Bruce Willis' Brain Is Failing Him

Heming Willis described how the disease has reshaped their lives. “Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall,” she said. “It’s just his brain that is failing him.”

When asked if Willis still recognizes her, Heming Willis said she believes a connection is still there. “I feel he does. When we are with him, he lights up. He’s holding our hands, we’re kissing him, we’re hugging him. He is reciprocating. And that’s all I need. I don’t need him to know that I am his wife, or when we got married. I just want to feel that connection with him, and I do.”

Finding new ways to communicate

FTD is a lesser-known type of dementia that causes difficulties with language and behavior. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, more than 30,000 people in the country live with the condition, though the actual number may be higher.

For Willis’ family, adapting has been key. “The language is going, and we’ve learned to adapt,” Heming Willis explained. “We have a way of communicating with him, which is just a different way.”

Despite the challenges, she said her husband still shows glimpses of his old self. “Not days, but we get moments,” she shared. “It’s his laugh, right? He has such a hearty laugh. And sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk, and I just get transported. As quickly as those moments appear, they go. It’s hard, but I’m grateful my husband is still very much here.”

Read: Bruce Willis Health Update: A Diagnostic Timeline From Aphasia To Dementia

The struggles of caregiving

Heming Willis admitted that, in the beginning, she believed she had to manage the caregiving alone. That decision led to sleepless nights, social withdrawal, and eventually her own struggle with depression.

Looking back, she said she waited too long to seek help. It was only when one of Willis’ daughters, Scout, expressed worry about her rather than her father, that she realized she needed support. Professional caregivers were eventually brought in, and the family relocated to a quieter, safer home better suited to Willis’ needs.

“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Heming Willis said, “but I knew Bruce would want our daughters to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his.”

Advocating for other families

The model and entrepreneur has turned her personal experience into advocacy for other caregivers. She has written a book, Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, which she hopes will serve as a guide for families facing similar circumstances.

Her openness has been praised by dementia organizations. Samantha Benham-Hermetz, executive director of Alzheimer’s Research UK, called her decision to speak out “a powerful act of courage” and said her words “will resonate with so many people affected by dementia.”

“Personal stories like Emma and Bruce’s are vital,” Benham-Hermetz added. “They raise awareness, foster understanding, and highlight the urgent need for research.”

Raising awareness about FTD

FTD is one of the most common types of dementia among people under 60. It often starts subtly, appearing as forgetfulness, missing lines at work, or withdrawing from activities. Heming Willis recalled noticing such changes in her husband years before his diagnosis, describing them as “whispers” of what was to come.

She hopes speaking out will bring more visibility to the disease and encourage families to seek help early. “That is the whole motivation for me to raise awareness, because we want families to be able to be diagnosed earlier, when they can participate in clinical trials,” she said.

Holding on to connection

Through it all, Heming Willis says she tries to stay grounded in the present. Asked what she would most like to share with her husband if she could have a full conversation again, she answered simply: “Just how he’s doing. If he’s okay. If he feels okay. If there’s anything we could do to support him better. I would really love to know that.”