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 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.)

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

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 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.

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.

Treatment options for COVID 19 patients

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.

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

In light of this uncertain and conflicting evidence, many public health experts, as well as CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), presently recommend against taking OTC painkillers before receiving a Covid-19 vaccine.

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.

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.

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.

Can COVID-19 vaccines increase my blood pressure?

Answered by cardiologist and cardiovascular medicine expert Daniel Anderson, MD, PhD:

So far, no data suggests that COVID-19 vaccines cause an increase in blood pressure. Remember that increased blood pressure after vaccination might not mean cause and effect.

Can I take an antihistamine before getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

It is also not recommended to take antihistamines before getting a COVID-19 vaccine to try to prevent allergic reactions. Learn more about medications to relieve post-vaccination side effects.

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.

Is taking aspirin before the COVID-19 vaccination a reason to avoid getting your shot?

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.)

How long does arm pain usually last after getting a COVID-19 vaccination?

For most people, arm pain usually lasts for a day or two. While this pain can be frustrating, its a sign that the vaccine is working and doing what its job - protecting you from serious illness.

Why does the COVID-19 vaccine cause arm pain?

Your body recognizes the protein as an antigen — something foreign — and starts reacting to it with inflammation at the injection site. This is why the first shot very commonly causes arm pain.

When will my COVID-19 vaccine side effects go away?

Side effects can affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

Is it safe to take aspirin while receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Since there's no concrete evidence one way or the other on whether OTC pain relievers make the COVID-19 vaccines less effective, it could actually be much riskier for you to stop any regular medications. Stopping a daily low-dose aspirin can raise your risk of heart problems or blood clots.

Is fever one of the symptoms after the COVID-19 vaccination?

Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building immunity.

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.

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.

Is it normal for the COVID-19 vaccine to cause shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain has been reported as a common side-effect after COVID-19 vaccination particularly after administration of mRNA vaccines. Although it is usually mild and self-limiting, occasionally it can become more extensive causing severe pain and marked limited range of motion.

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.