Are there medicines that should be paused before COVID vaccine?

@olduncledave- Good morning and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. My husband's name is Dave and I had to chuckle at your signage. Antibiotics are for bacterias and COVID-19 and its variants are viruses. The CDC advises not to have any other vaccines two weeks before your covid vaccine. There is also some evidence that taking OTC anti-inflammatories immediately before the vaccine can reduce its efficacy. The suggestion is that they might interfere with kick starting your immune system. Recommendations state that if you are taking a medication prescribed by your doctor (s) then continue to take them.

"People should not take a painkiller as a preventive measure before getting a vaccine unless a doctor has told them to, he said. The same goes for after a shot: “If you don’t need to take it, you shouldn’t,” Watanabe said (https://apnews.com/article/painkillers-coronavirus-vaccine-explain-9096ee03e63ef4b8b6b81c1736388027)
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/common-questions-about-covid-19-vaccinations-answered/
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/pre-vaccination-screening-form.pdf
If you have a serious concern make sure to always talk to the prescribing doctor.

Is there a particular medicine that you are worried about?

I hope that everyone has seen the latest Mayo Clinic Podcast which answers many questions that have been asked in this discussion.

Hello Merry, I am taking 2 blood thinners, dont think they are a problem. (I had a 5 bypass surgery 4 years ago.) I have a bad heart valve, that needs replacing. I am now 80 yr old. The medicine in question is any of the antibiotics. They are often given out like candy. I am not taking any, but if one was on them and it came time for your 1st or 2nd shot what should one do?

The answer would have to come from your personal physician or the CDC at this point I think, but Merry has given you the best expert advice we have for you. That said, in the MAC & Bronchiectasis group, many members are on very strong antibiotics long term, and they have been told to get the vaccine as soon as it is available.
Sue

@olduncledave. I had just received an antibiotic order the day before my first vaccination from my pulmonologist (Mayo) and he advised it was fine to get the vaccine (1st shot). I probably experienced more fatigue, but other than that it’s been fine.

@migizii- Good morning. There really isn't enough data as yet to suggest that there is a significant reduction in immunity if you need to take medications prior to the vaccine. When I have to take an antibiotic I usually get tired after a couple of days. Since you had the vaccine and another new medication so close to each other there really isn't any way to tell what caused your fatigue.

Have you watched Dr. Poland's podcasts?

@olduncledave, I checked with my pulmonologist and other specialists before taking my first Covid vacc. All advised to continue the daily meds before and after the vaccs. Happy to report that absolutely no after effect ff the 1st Moderna and only 2-3 days of serious fatigue ff the second. Reading more reports that fatigue can be an after effect of the vacc but what a small inconvenience in contrast to getting the virus! Such a relief to have had both vaccs and would encourage others to check with their docs if there are questions regarding daily meds or conditions prior to having the vaccs.

@merry. Thx for caring. I’ve been fine since the day of fatigue. Be well💕

I only have heard that whoever gets the Covid vaccine not to take ibuprofen. Tylenol is the choice. Ask your doctor about this and if you need to hold certain medications before or after the Covid vaccine.

I had my second shot yesterday. I was told NO Tylenol or Ibuprofen BEFORE shot, since this could interfere with the absorption. AFTER shot either one is fine.