Paracetamol or ibuprofen may decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are being offered to an increasing number of people. Those who receive the vaccine generally have minimal side effects – the most common are temporary pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, tiredness, muscle aches and headaches.
Although these side effects are generally less of a hassle for most people, some try to avoid them by taking common over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (eg, Motrin, Advil) in advance. However, experts say these drugs can not only lessen the pain, but also prevent the vaccine from working fully.
“We do not recommend premedication with ibuprofen or Tylenol before COVID-19 vaccines due to a lack of data on how this affects the antibody responses induced by the vaccine,” Dr. Simone Wildes, infectious disease specialist at South Shore Medical Center and a member of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group, he told ABC News.
The side effects of vaccines are caused by the activation of the immune system, which means that the immune system is functioning and starting to build immunity against COVID-19 – that’s what we want. These painkillers are anti-inflammatory drugs. They prevent parts of the immune system from functioning and slow the immune response. There is a theory that taking these drugs before immunization can reduce their effectiveness.
A study by Duke University found that children who took painkillers before receiving childhood vaccines had less antibodies than those who did not take the drugs, which may mean less protection. However, there were still levels of protective antibodies, despite the dullness.
“You would always like an ideal response to your vaccine,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist and professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, to ABC News. “We are recommending that, unless people have a substantial reaction to the first dose, they hold their [pain killers]. “
“The vast majority of people have a sore arm,” said Schaffner, “but other than that, they feel very good.”
Although experts recommend not taking over-the-counter pain relievers before receiving the vaccine, they say you should continue to take them if you are already doing so for another medical condition. Schaffner warned that stopping these medications can cause unwanted problems and be more harmful than beneficial.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that, after receiving the injection, you monitor the side effects. Since pain relievers and fever reducers are not intended for use before symptoms appear, talk to your doctor before vaccination to decide whether you should take over-the-counter pain relievers after receiving the injection.
Other, more natural ways to reduce pain and discomfort include: applying a clean, cold, damp towel over the injection site and moving or exercising the arm. And for fever, drink plenty of fluids and dress in light clothes.
“If there is fever, chills and headaches after the injection,” use painkillers to help with the symptoms, but not before they develop and report any significant side effects to a medical professional, said Wildes.
Sean Llewellyn, MD, Ph.D., is a resident physician in family medicine at the University of Colorado and a contributor to the ABC News Medical Unit.