2023-11-24 03:58:04
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Should painkillers be taken before or after the corona vaccination? (Symbolic image) © Christoph Soeder/dpa
Should you avoid painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen before or after the corona vaccination? This is revealed by a look at the current state of research.
Frankfurt – Headaches, muscle pain and discomfort at the injection site are among the most common side effects of a booster vaccination against the coronavirus. In order not to have to simply sit through the pain, many people turn to medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. And why not, one might think.
After all, these painkillers are available in pharmacies without a prescription. But can this inhibit the immune reaction to the corona vaccination?
Corona vaccination and painkillers: This is how ibuprofen and paracetamol work
Ibuprofen is an antipyretic, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drug that belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They inhibit specific enzymes called COX enzymes (cyclooxygenase). They are involved in the formation of certain tissue hormones, which, among other things, trigger inflammation, pain and fever, reports the Gesundheitinformation.de portal. However, little is known about how paracetamol works, it goes on to say. Some theories suggest that paracetamol also has an influence on specific tissue hormones.
The corona vaccines trigger immune reactions that can lead to fever and pain. The mRNA vaccines like Biontech or Moderna work by injecting a kind of “blueprint” of the coronavirus spike protein. The body’s immune system then uses this to build up its defense against the virus. Can this defense be reduced by painkillers?
Ibuprofen400 mgParacetamol1000 mgASS1000 mgCombination preparation with ASS, paracetamol and caffeine500 mg ASS / 400 mg paracetamol / 100 mg caffeineSource: gesundheitsinformation.de
Paracetamol and the corona vaccination: studies provide information
The current information sheet from the Robert Koch Institute (as of December 21, 2021) on the mRNA vaccination states: “If you have pain or fever after the vaccination, pain-relieving/fever-reducing medication can be taken. Your doctor can advise you on this.” When it comes to taking painkillers before the corona vaccination, the institute reports on its website that taking them before vaccination is not recommended. There is currently no evidence that painkillers inhibit vaccination success. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention in the USA also recommends against taking it before vaccination. But there are already some studies on possible interactions between vaccines and painkillers.
In a paper published in the Lancet Study In 2009, experts examined the effects of paracetamol before vaccination in children. It turned out that the antibody concentration was significantly reduced. Another Study, published in the journal Plos One, comes to a similar conclusion. She examined the influence of paracetamol on the hepatitis B vaccination. Prophylactic use of paracetamol directly before, during or immediately after vaccination had a negative impact on the immune response. Six hours after vaccination, no influence of painkillers could be detected.
Corona vaccination: Do ibuprofen and paracetamol have an influence on the effectiveness of the vaccination?
The researchers in the study did not find any influence of painkillers some time after the vaccination. However, Thomas Herdegen from the Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology in Kiel told the Ärzteblatt that it was already known that COX inhibitors such as paracetamol or ibuprofen weaken the reactions accompanying a vaccination. It is also known from the studies that the vaccination titer (measure, among other things, of the amount of antibodies) is negatively influenced. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether the immune response also suffers, says Herdegen.
Michael Mina, professor at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, finds clearer words. He explains that you “shouldn’t take” painkillers beforehand. After vaccination, you should “make a real effort” not to take any of these medications, according to the university’s website. Mahyar Etminan, a pharmacologist from Vankouver, also pointed out in the journal Chest that fever-reducing agents such as ibuprofen could weaken the immune reaction caused by the corona vaccination. Etminan emphasizes: “The existence of possible negative interactions between drugs and the vaccination must be investigated as quickly as possible.” Studies also concluded that paracetamol can have an impact on the psyche and character. (slo)
The information provided in this article does not replace seeing a doctor. Only professionals can make the correct diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. The use of medication or nutritional supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
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