Pain Management Specialist Questions Back Pain

Can taking pain medication for too long damage liver?

I have been taking prescription pain medication for years because of a back problem but I am thinking about stopping. Can taking pain medication for too long damage your liver?

1 Answer

Absolutely yes. Many medications taken long-term can affect liver function; however any pain medication which is a combination type drug containing acetaminophen is particularly risky in terms of liver function. Caution should be exercised and short-term use remains the safest option.