Do I need to discontinue my medications after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Learn more about medications to relieve post-vaccination side effects. For most people, it is not recommended to avoid, discontinue, or delay medications that you are routinely taking for prevention or treatment of other medical conditions around the time of COVID-19 vaccination.

What medications should be avoided before the COVID-19 vaccine?

It is not recommended you take over-the-counter medicine – such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen – before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent vaccine-related side effects.

What pain medication can I take after the COVID-19 vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control says that you can take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen (like Advil), aspirin, antihistamines or acetaminophen (like Tylenol), if you have side effects after getting vaccinated for Covid. As with any medication, the CDC recommends talking to your doctor first.

What are some medications that are safe to take with the COVID-19 vaccine?

Taking one of the following medications is not, on its own, a reason to avoid getting your COVID-19 vaccination:

• Over-the-counter medications (non-prescription)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.)

Can you take Tylenol or Advil after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, it's perfectly fine to take Tylenol or Advil after the COVID-19 vaccine. This is recommended by experts because it can help ease the side effects you might experience.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine interfere with my antibiotics or medications? | KVUE

Can you take pain medication before the COVID-19 vaccine?

Here's what researchers say.

Some patients are preemptively taking over-the-counter pain medications before receiving a Covid-19 vaccine to stave off potential side effects, such as muscle aches or pains—but researchers warn that common painkillers may reduce the immune system's response to some vaccines.

Is it safe to take Tylenol or Ibuprofen before a COVID-19 vaccine?

Because of the lack of high-quality studies on taking NSAIDs or Tylenol before getting a vaccine, the CDC and other similar health organizations recommend not taking Advil or Tylenol beforehand.

Can I take Advil before COVID-19 vaccine?

The bottom line Because there's a possibility that OTC pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Advil, might weaken your immune system's response to vaccines, it's best not to take them before you get your shot. But feel free to take Tylenol or Advil after the COVID-19 vaccine if you need it.

Should I take an antihistamine before the COVID-19 vaccine?

It is also not recommended to take antihistamines before getting a COVID-19 vaccine to try to prevent allergic reactions.

Can taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) before the COVID-19 vaccine reduce its effectiveness?

Because taking over-the-counter painkillers before getting vaccinated may reduce the responsiveness of your immune system and therefore weaken the effectiveness of the vaccine, the CDC does not recommend taking Tylenol or ibuprofen before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

How can I reduce the pain after the COVID-19 vaccine?

To reduce pain and discomfort where the shot is given

• Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.
• Use or exercise your arm.

How can I make my arm less sore after a COVID-19 vaccine?

Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed after the shot, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin (but only consider this after you get the vaccine, not before). Apply a clean, cool compress or ice pack to help reduce swelling and redness at the injection site.

What happens if you take Tylenol before the COVID-19 vaccine?

Studies have shown that Tylenol (acetaminophen) and NSAIDs might have some effect on how the immune system works, but we don't know if this would cause COVID-19 vaccines to be less effective. To be extra cautious, it's best to avoid taking OTC pain relievers before you get your shot.

Can you take antihistamines with the COVID-19 vaccine?

Pretreating with antihistamines is not recommended because it does not decrease the chance for anaphylaxis and may mask important signs of an allergic response to the vaccine.

Can taking vitamin D prevent COVID-19?

Vitamin D is thought to have protective effects on the immune system, but it’s not yet known whether it could help prevent or treat COVID-19. New research has noted higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death in areas where people have lower levels of vitamin D in their system. But those studies show an association – not that low vitamin D makes someone more likely to get COVID-19. Research is ongoing.

Can you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are on antibiotics?

Yes, although you might want to wait a few days. If you're taking antibiotics for an illness and you're scheduled to get a vaccine, you can still get it.

Should you take allergy medication before or after the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you already take medications for allergies, such as antihistamine medicines, “you shouldn't stop them before your vaccination,” Kaplan says. There are no specific recommendations to take allergy medications like Benadryl before the vaccination, she says.

How soon does anaphylaxis happen after COVID-19 vaccine?

Symptoms of anaphylaxis often occur within 15-30 minutes of vaccination, though it can sometimes take several hours for symptoms to appear.

Can the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine cause allergic reactions?

There is a remote chance that the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine could cause a severe allergic
reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after
getting a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. For this reason, your vaccination provider
may ask you to stay at the place where you received your vaccine for monitoring after
vaccination. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face and throat
• A fast heartbeat
• A bad rash all over your body
• Dizziness and weakness

Is it normal that I feel worse after second COVID-19 shot?

This is normal and expected, but it doesn't happen to everyone. Even if you feel worse after the second shot, the side effects should still resolve within a few days.

Can I drink alcohol before getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

“In some circumstances, alcohol can accelerate allergic reactions,” Kaplan says. “Since we do not yet know enough about the influence of alcohol on allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines, I recommend avoiding drinking alcohol for 24 hours before and after your vaccination.”

Is it normal to get headaches after the COVID-19 vaccine?

Mild to moderate headaches and muscle aches are common in the first three days after vaccination and don't require emergency care.

Why does my arm hurt after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

When a person receives a shot, a small amount of liquid is injected into the muscle, which basically stretches the muscle fibers, causing some inflammation. This causes pain and discomfort to the injected arm. “It is normal for some vaccine shots to cause more pain than others such as the COVID-19 vaccine and shingles.

Why does my arm hurt after the first Pfizer shot?

Arm pain is a common side effect of vaccinations and is caused by your immune system responding to the vaccine you received. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) after your vaccination can help reduce the pain you experience.

Is it possible to feel sick after a COVID-19 booster shot?

If you feel sick after the booster shot, it is normal and those symptoms should relieve themselves in a few days. Common side effects of the booster are similar to the vaccine: Fatigue. Fever.Chills Headache Pain at the injection site Side effects from the vaccine can be a sign that the vaccine is working.