Brief Answer:
Detailed answer and explanations given below

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

MCV normal range is 80-86 so if your MCV is 71 it means it is reduced. Paracetamol use is not generally related to MCV deviations from the normal range. MCV 71 being lower than 80 means that if you have low hemoglobin or red blood cell counts you are having a microcytic anemia, meaning anemia with small red blood cells. The most common cause of microcytic anemia is iron deficiency and rarely chronic conditions.

I would recommend you to have a CBC with microscopy (with a blood smear) to evaluate the size of the red blood cells . If the cells are small then it might be good to have some tests to evaluate TIBC and iron level stores in blood (ferritne blood test)

To conclude i would say:
- MCV in your case being 71 means it is reduced and the most common cause of it would be small red blood cell anemia (microcytic anemia)
- the most common cause of microcytic anemia is iron deficiency so having a CBC with peripheral smear will help verify that the erythrocytes are small and checking TIBC and ferritine in blood will verify that iron stores are low. If microcytic anemia due to iron deficiency is confirmed the doctor might need to do few more tests to rule out chronic bleeding with bowel and urine (fecal occult tests and urinalysis)
- high dose paracetamol might cause liver damage so make sure you don't consume alcohol while using high dose paracetamol.


Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

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Brief Answer:
Paracetamol does not generally affect MCV levels, please see detailed explanation below

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Paracetamol does not seem to affect MCV. How much was your MCV? Up to 96 is normal.
If your MCV is over 96 then the red blood cells will be big in microscopy (macrocytic anemia) and the main reason for increased MCV is B12 deficiency.

Sometimes checking B12 levels in blood is not very helpful in diagnosis so many doctors just prefer to give B12 oral or injectable and check CBC (MCV) in a few weeks for any improvements.
Injections of B12 sometimes are preferred because some patients get deficient in B12 due to reduced oral absorption.

Another possible but rare cause of increased MCV may be thyroid problems and a TSH check is easy and not expensive and may rule it out easy.

I hope l have answered your questions but please let me know if i can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj.

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