Should Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Aleve be avoided while on the Big 3?

You can look here: https://www.rxlist.com/drug-interaction-checker.htm or ask your doc or pharmacist.
When I did this I learned that some of my other prescriptions were made less effective by the antibiotics, and that ibuprofen COULD be an issue. I discussed it with my ID doc, who told me never to take ibuprofen together with the antibiotics, but it was OK to take 2 hours before or after. This was later confirmed by a pharmacist whose job is evaluating complex medication regimens. If you use other meds (and supplements) beyond the Big 3 and an occasional pain reliever, I strongly suggest a consult with a medication specialist - you can find one through your clinic or doc.

Thank you so much for your information. You always post such informative help!

Hi @lmh7 I thought this discussion on vitamins and supplements while taking the Big 3 would be helpful: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/supplements/

What have you found in your research about taking ibuprofen or other pain medications with the Big 3?

Sue-
I haven't needed to take pain medication, as yet, but wanted to know what to do or not do, take etc., before needing to take something.
This thread is from 2019, Glad you posted this because I may have misunderstood what I read, in that I was under the impression we shouldn't take ibuprofen with BE.

Is there any new information that you know of regarding pain medication with BE and MAI, yet..... not on antibiotics?

Or is there any new information that you know of regarding pain medication with BE/MAI and.... on antibiotics?
If and when you have the time and can reply.
Thanks
Barbara

I haven't heard anything new, and my pulmonologist would definitely tell me. I do avoid ibuprofen as much as I can, keeping it "in reserve" for days when my usual approaches aren't enough - it doesn't make me pain-free but it takes the edge off enough to function.

Sue-
I should have mentioned acetaminophen also. I have rarely all my life taken over the counter pain medications. I often might should have taken something for relief but more than often worked through whatever was mildly wrong without the over the counter meds.
I realize possibly some what the same advice, just like ibuprofen keep it 'in reserve" for all the reasons with ibuprofen....however...is one better to take than another if truly needed?
Do you know? Be it not on antibiotics or on antibiotics....what pain/fever over the counter med least problem with BE/antibiotics.
Thanks,
Barbara

Barbara, a question that specific needs to be addressed toa clinical pharmacist or your doctor.
I don't think anyone here has enough details about anyone else's physical history to say one way or another which OTC medication is better for them.

There is a podcast NTMtalk where the two doctors briefly touched on this subject with the ID doctor commenting that she has had patients with kidney impacts where they were (unknowingly) taking NSAIDs while on the Big 3 (common in older populations with osteoarthritis) and she encouraged listeners to make sure they tell their doctors everything they are taking including over the counter and supplements and further encouraged listens not to use NSAID on Big 3, but rather Tylenol. I remember the comment because I have osteoarthritis and at times, during a bad flare, I will take NDAIDs to take down the pain. Like Sue I use sparingly, as NSAIDs have their own risks especially as we get older. Unfortunately Tylenol is ineffective for me so the words of the podcaster raised concern. I am not on the Big 3 yet, but anticipate them in my near future. The podcaster also mentioned HRT interactions with rifampin, which was the first I had heard of this and HRT also not uncommon in our patient population. I agree with Sue that the issue is too complex for any of us non-doctors to give specific advice and it’s important to discuss with your doctor. That said, I am often disappointed by how little my doctors actually know about the drugs they prescribed so I recommend reading the enclosure literature for all drugs you take, as long and complicated as it is, and specifically check the fine print for drug interactions. I asked a pharmacist the most basic question this week about a prescription and their lack of knowledge or interest to even find the answer was disappointing. We need to be careful where we put our trust and always verify.

Hi bayarea 58
Disappointing is a word many of us use often when seeking HELP such as you, we, are seeking.
I think it comes down to using all that you know about your body, what you know you do and don't do for yourself, what you are willing to put up with, what risks you are willing to take or not take, where you are in the life cycle and good common sense.

My story with HRT. Told to "take it" back in the early 1980's (for heart and bones) and I gave my reasons why I said "No thank you." Then gave in and gave an O.K. , willing to try, to bone replacement medications in the 2000's, three different types. I had terrible back muscle problems each time and the third time the D level problems. To this day, not having taken them as suggested, I ...do have.... low bone density. I have taken a couple of falls in the last decade and no broken bones etc. for now. I have only lost a 1/2" in height in my 82 and five months of walking with these bones and no heart problems as yet. Lucky I am.

With medications in general, as you have said....read the information that comes with the medications that give information about the side affects etc.. For me I truly started reading all that prescription medication information since being diagnosed with BE and I was shocked with all said. For me I have again decided to hold off on a couple of "take this" medications. For me I would rather decide about them after giving all some deep thought, and as well about myself, when being told to take the medications.

For me in my personal world pain, especially daily pain, is the worst thing of all, and that is what I want to keep in mind and be ready for. Hoping I get by further, for a little while longer, with my personal decision(s).

You must have a list of questions a mile long to ask while at NJH. Looking forward to knowing how it all turned out for you (April ?) and the things you may/might receive comments on, solutions for and hopefully answers to....or ......otherwise.
Barbara