The common household painkiller kept in cupboards across the UK can be fatal when taken in repeated doses over time, a Norwich doctor has warned following the tragic death of 23-year-old secretary Jessica Reynolds.

Jess Reynolds (Image: Facebook)

Jessica, known as Jess, died after suffering acute liver failure caused by what doctors described as a staggered paracetamol overdose, a condition where repeated doses taken over hours or days silently accumulate to toxic levels.

In Jess' case, the inquest heard she had taken an intentional overdose of the drug weeks earlier following the breakdown of a relationship.

Although she survived, medical evidence showed the overdose had already caused significant liver damage.

Unaware of the extent of that injury, Jessica later took paracetamol again to relieve toothache, believing she was using a safe and familiar medication. Doctors concluded that the cumulative effect of the drug proved fatal.

Following the inquest, Norwich GP Saba Raja said her death highlighted a widespread misunderstanding about the risks of paracetamol and called for more to be done to make people aware.

“Paracetamol is easy to buy and many people see it as completely safe,” she said.

Jess Reynolds (Image: Facebook)

“But taking too much, especially over time, can cause devastating liver damage. A staggered overdose is particularly dangerous because the harm builds up quietly, and people may not realise how serious the risk is until significant damage has already occurred.”

Jess had been taking the pain relief for toothache when she started suffering with vomiting, confusion and breathlessness.

Medics at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital initially suspected sepsis, but tests revealed her liver was failing and she was ventilated and moved to Addenbrooke's Hospital after being put on the urgent transplant list.

She died of multi organ failure days later.

A danger hidden in plain sight

Scientists have known for decades that while paracetamol is an effective painkiller, it is toxic to the liver in higher or prolonged doses.

Even when people believe they are using it responsibly, like Jess, regular use can damage the liver.

Paracetamol causes harm by destroying the structural integrity of liver tissue and rapidly killing liver cells. It is now the leading cause of acute liver failure in UK adults.

Dr Raja, who also runs aesthetic medical practice the Home of Aesthetics, has been a vocal advocate for greater patient safety and has repeatedly spoken out about the need for stronger regulation in the aesthetics industry to protect patients.

She said Jess' case demonstrated how dangerous repeated dosing can be when the liver has already been compromised and the need for greater awareness, particularly in schools.

“People don’t realise that previous exposure matters, in young people especially,” she said.

“If the liver has been injured, even weeks earlier, further doses can push it beyond recovery.”

Jess Reynolds (Image: Facebook)

Accidental overdoses and hidden paracetamol

Deliberate and accidental paracetamol overdoses have long been a concern for health officials.

In 1998, the government restricted over-the-counter pack sizes to a maximum of 16 tablets, but Dr Saba warned the risk remains, particularly because paracetamol is an ingredient in many cold, flu and combination drinks and medicines.

This can lead to people unintentionally exceeding safe limits without realising they are taking multiple paracetamol based products.

The official maximum adult dose is:

Up to four times in 24 hours

With at least four hours between doses

Exceeding this or taking repeated doses over several days significantly increases the risk of liver damage.

Call for awareness and early help

Dr Raja said greater awareness was essential among parents, schools and healthcare professionals, stressing that “small amounts over time” can be just as dangerous as a single large overdose.

“Early medical assessment is crucial if there is any concern,” she said.

“And open conversations about mental health and emotional wellbeing remain a key part of prevention.”

She urged anyone worried about paracetamol use, whether their own or someone else’s, to seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

Jess' death, she said, should serve as a warning that a drug "many people keep in their kitchen or bathroom cupboards" can carry a silent and deadly risk when misunderstood.

© Eastern Daily Press