Student Recovers After Accidental Paracetamol Overdose
A university student who suffered organ failure after accidentally taking too much paracetamol has made a remarkable recovery, relearning to walk and talk.
A 20-year-old university student has learned to walk and talk again following an accidental overdose of paracetamol that led to organ failure and a critical hospital stay. Riley Lubas, a student at the University of Bath, fell ill with a cold in March 2025 and took two over-the-counter medications without realizing both contained paracetamol.
His condition rapidly deteriorated, prompting his parents to be rushed to his bedside. Doctors initially suspected hepatitis but soon discovered his liver was struggling, leading to multiple organ failure. He was placed on life support and dialysis. "We were so distressed and had no idea how this could have happened so quickly," Riley's father, Chris, told the BBC.
Riley was transferred to King's College Hospital in London for specialist care. It was there that his parents, by locating the two medications Riley had taken, were able to determine the cause of his severe illness. While awaiting a potential liver transplant, doctors observed unexpected improvements in his health. Within a week of his transfer, he was taken off dialysis and life support.
After a total of six weeks in the hospital, including time in intensive care, Riley began the process of rehabilitation. He had undergone a tracheostomy, necessitating relearning how to speak, and due to the widespread organ shutdown, he also had to relearn how to walk. His parents expressed amazement at his recovery, describing it as "unbelievable."
Dr. Will Mackintosh, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners Cymru Wales, noted that accidental paracetamol overdose in young people is rare but can occur if individuals inadvertently take multiple products containing the drug. He advised the public to always read medication labels carefully and consult a GP or pharmacist if unsure about dosage or potential interactions. Mackintosh also emphasized the importance of rest when ill, suggesting that it is sometimes overlooked in favor of quickly returning to normal activities.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 27 deaths in Wales in 2024 mentioned paracetamol on the death certificate. While community pharmacies often limit sales of paracetamol to prevent overuse, and GPs are increasingly aware of overdose risks, particularly for vulnerable patients, incidents like Riley's underscore the importance of careful medication management.