Chilling warning issued on over-the-counter medication after fisherman dies from taking Anadin Extra every day for five years
Gary Hanley began vomiting blood at home and died on the same day he had been due to attend an appointment in hospital
A CORONER has issued a chilling warning about over-the-counter medication after a fisherman died after taking Anadin Extra everyday for five years.
Gary Hanley died from a gastric haemorrhage of a peptic ulcer due to asprin misuse, an inquest heard.
The 52-year-old began vomiting blood at home and died on the same day he had been due to attend an appointment in hospital.
Mr Hanley, who owned a fish distribution business, had been taking daily doses of Anadin Extra for more than five years, the coroner was told.
The Cleethorpes inquest heard Gary died on August 11 last year at the local Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.
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Grimsby and North Lincolnshire Coroner Paul Kelly said: "Mr Hanley had long-term regular use of over-the-counter medication of a type that is known to contribute to ulceration of the stomach wall.
"The continued use of the medication caused chronic ulceration in the stomach and a significant haemorrhage on August 11, the very day Mr Hanley was booked into hospital for further examination."
The coroner added: "There are risks associated with the use and over use of non-prescription medication.
"They are clearly set out in material to consumers.
"If Mr Hanley knew of them then he disregarded them."
He said the death was misadventure, often referred to as accidental death.
Mr Kelly said: "This case is a sad reminder to the community at large of the care that is necessary when taking any type of medication."
H widow Wendy said: “He had been taking it for years. He used to take it if he had the slightest headache. He took it daily."
She added he stopped taking his prescribed medication but continued taking Anadin because it made him feel better.
Mr Hanley had sought advice from his GP because he was vomiting blood. An X-ray was taken at hospital and the doctor warned him of taking Anadin.
In tribute, his wife said: "I miss him so much. He was a hard-working, decent man and I am proud to say I am his wife."
Guidance from the makers of Anadin Pfizer Consumer Healthcare states the pain relief is for mild to moderate pain, including headache, migraine, neuralgia, toothache, sore throat, period pains, symptomatic relief of sprains, strains, rheumatic pain, sciatica, lumbago, fibrositis, muscular aches and pains, joint swelling and stiffness, influenza, feverishness and feverish colds.
It recommends it can only be taken by over 16s and up to two tablets every four hours up to a maximum of eight in 24 hours.
The makers warn of anyone taking Anadin Extra tablets if they have "hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or any of the other constituents.
They said it should not be taken if you have a stomach ulcer and you "do not take more medicine than the label tells you".
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