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Rachel V Thomas

UK Student Nearly Dies After Accidental Paracetamol Overdose: Why It Can Cause Liver Failure

A 20-year-old UK student nearly died after accidentally taking two over-the-counter medicines that both contained <span>paracetamol</span>.

Riley Lubas, a first-year University of Bath student, developed a bad cold in March 2025. Days later, he developed severe stomach pain and was found to have serious liver damage.

Doctors initially suspected hepatitis, but Riley's condition rapidly worsened. He became delirious and hallucinated as his liver began to fail. His lungs and kidneys also stopped working, leaving him in multiple organ failure.

He was placed on life support and dialysis before being transferred to King's College Hospital in London, where doctors identified the cause after asking about his paracetamol use.

"It didn't necessarily help with a solution, but it was good to know the cause at last," his father, Chris, said. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/zombie-drug-medetomidine-spotted-in-heroin-supply-raises-concern-as-it-could-evade-overdose-antidote-article-156195422" data-type="tilCustomLink">‘Zombie’ Drug Medetomidine, Spotted In Heroin Supply, Raises Concern As It Could Evade Overdose Antidote</a>

<h2>Riley Had To Learn To Walk And Talk Again </h2>

Riley was assessed for a liver transplant after his parents were warned that some of the damage could be "irreversible". But his liver began to recover.

"We watched Riley's situation closely for a couple of days, and he continued to improve, until he was taken off dialysis and life support just a week later."

Riley spent six weeks at King's College Hospital and later moved to an ICU in Newport. After a tracheostomy and multiple organ failure, he had to relearn how to speak and walk.

"But just seeing him up and alive again was unbelievable," his father said.

Riley has since recovered and returned to work as a bartender.

"It was mad how quickly it all escalated," he said.

"Because I was already sick, when my stomach hurt I just assumed I'd caught a stomach bug, so I didn't notice the pain in my liver specifically."

"I'm just so grateful that I was able to come out the other end alright."

<h2>Why Combining Cold And Flu Medicines Can Be Risky</h2>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/are-glp-1-drugs-safe-for-children-study-finds-nutritional-deficiency-in-nearly-17-within-a-year-article-156205524" data-type="tilCustomLink">Are GLP-1 Drugs Safe for Children? Study Finds Nutritional Deficiency in Nearly 17% Within a Year</a>

Riley's case highlights the risk of taking multiple medicines without realizing they contain the same active ingredient.

Dr Will Mackintosh, a GP and chairman of RCGP Cymru Wales, said accidental <span>paracetamol overdose</span> in young people was "a fairly rare occurrence", but warned that people can inadvertently take two products containing paracetamol, BBC reported.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned that "simple misunderstandings" about medicines can have serious consequences, highlighting the importance of checking the ingredients beforehand.

The Royal College of General Practitioners Cymru Wales also advised people to "read the label carefully" before taking medicines.

For most adults, the usual dose is 500 mg to 1,000 mg at a time, with at least four hours between doses.

The usual maximum is 4,000 mg in 24 hours, although some people may need a lower dose because of their weight, liver or kidney problems, alcohol use or other health conditions.

The important point is to count paracetamol from all medicines, including cold and flu products.

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<h2>How Can An Overdose Damage The Liver?</h2>

The liver breaks down paracetamol. When too much is taken, a toxic substance can build up and damage liver cells. Severe overdose can lead to <span>liver failure</span> and death.

Early symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, but serious poisoning may not cause obvious symptoms immediately. Later signs can include jaundice, confusion and extreme sleepiness.

<h2>What To Do After Taking Too Much</h2>

If you think you have taken too much paracetamol — including by combining medicines that contain it — seek urgent medical advice immediately.

Do not wait for symptoms. Early treatment can reduce the risk of serious liver damage.

Always check the active ingredients on painkillers and cold and flu medicines before taking them together.

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A 20-year-old UK student nearly died after accidentally taking two over-the-counter medicines that both contained paracetamol.Riley Lubas, a first-year University of Bath student, developed a bad cold in March 2025. Days later, he developed severe stomach pain and was found to have serious liver damage.What Happened?Doctors initially suspected hepatitis, but Riley's condition rapidly worsened. He became delirious and hallucinated as his liver began to fail. His lungs and kidneys also stopped working, leaving him in multiple organ failure.He was placed on life support and dialysis before being transferred to King's College Hospital in London, where doctors identified the cause after asking about his paracetamol use."It didn't necessarily help with a solution, but it was good to know the cause at last," his father, Chris, said. Also read: ‘Zombie’ Drug Medetomidine, Spotted In Heroin Supply, Raises Concern As It Could Evade Overdose AntidoteRiley Had To Learn To Walk And Talk Again Riley was assessed for a liver transplant after his parents were warned that some of the damage could be "irreversible". But his liver began to recover."We watched Riley's situation closely for a couple of days, and he continued to improve, until he was taken off dialysis and life support just a week later."Riley spent six weeks at King's College Hospital and later moved to an ICU in Newport. After a tracheostomy and multiple organ failure, he had to relearn how to speak and walk."But just seeing him up and alive again was unbelievable," his father said.Riley has since recovered and returned to work as a bartender."It was mad how quickly it all escalated," he said."Because I was already sick, when my stomach hurt I just assumed I'd caught a stomach bug, so I didn't notice the pain in my liver specifically.""I'm just so grateful that I was able to come out the other end alright."Why Combining Cold And Flu Medicines Can Be RiskyRead More: Are GLP-1 Drugs Safe for Children? Study Finds Nutritional Deficiency in Nearly 17% Within a YearRiley's case highlights the risk of taking multiple medicines without realizing they contain the same active ingredient.Dr Will Mackintosh, a GP and chairman of RCGP Cymru Wales, said accidental paracetamol overdose in young people was "a fairly rare occurrence", but warned that people can inadvertently take two products containing paracetamol, BBC reported.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned that "simple misunderstandings" about medicines can have serious consequences, highlighting the importance of checking the ingredients beforehand.The Royal College of General Practitioners Cymru Wales also advised people to "read the label carefully" before taking medicines.How Much Paracetamol Is Safe?For most adults, the usual dose is 500 mg to 1,000 mg at a time, with at least four hours between doses.The usual maximum is 4,000 mg in 24 hours, although some people may need a lower dose because of their weight, liver or kidney problems, alcohol use or other health conditions.The important point is to count paracetamol from all medicines, including cold and flu products.      How Can An Overdose Damage The Liver?The liver breaks down paracetamol. When too much is taken, a toxic substance can build up and damage liver cells. Severe overdose can lead to liver failure and death.Early symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, but serious poisoning may not cause obvious symptoms immediately. Later signs can include jaundice, confusion and extreme sleepiness.What To Do After Taking Too MuchIf you think you have taken too much paracetamol — including by combining medicines that contain it — seek urgent medical advice immediately.Do not wait for symptoms. Early treatment can reduce the risk of serious liver damage.Always check the active ingredients on painkillers and cold and flu medicines before taking them together.

uk student nearly dies after paracetamol overdose: why it can cause liver failure

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