Adelaide Man's Painkiller Binge Almost Cost Him Life

A severe toothache led an Adelaide man, Simon Yeaman, to a near-fatal overdose of over-the-counter painkillers. Yeaman took 30 Nurofen tablets in just two days, exceeding the recommended dosage of six tablets per 24 hours for Nurofen Zavance.

He woke up on his bedroom floor three days after the state election, unable to move or speak properly, initially thinking he was having a stroke. Paramedics rushed him to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for a massive internal bleeding event in his bowels.

During the surgery, Yeaman's heart stopped beating for several minutes, requiring resuscitation. He received three units of blood transfusions and over 100 stitches. Doctors warned him of the serious risks associated with excessive use of painkillers, including heart attack, stroke, or liver damage.

Now recovering, the 61-year-old is undergoing root canal therapy for his tooth and expects a full recovery. He shared his experience to caution others against underestimating the potential harm of seemingly harmless over-the-counter medications when misused.