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Everyday pain relievers may dilute the power of H1N1 shot
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Dr. Richard Phipps' Laboratory University of Rochester
Ever take Advil, Tylenol or aspirin when you get a flu shot, just in case you might have some discomfort or get a fever? Turns out, you might want to suck it up and go without the meds. New research out of the University of Rochester Medical Center says taking something for pain relief could take the punch out of your shot. The research warns that the use of common pain killers at the time of the injection may blunt the effect of the shot and have a negative effect on the immune system.
Richard P. Phipps, Ph.D., professor of Environmental Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, and of Pediatrics, recently presented his findings to an international conference on inflammatory diseases. It comes on the heels of a study by researchers in the Czech Republic that found giving acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, to infants weakens the immune response to vaccines.
Phipps’ own research, funded by the U.S. Public Health Service, used a cell culture system. It tested whether production of antibodies is blunted by over-the-counter pain relievers. The findings show that a variety of pain medications seem to dilute the production of antibodies needed to protect against illness. Many of the pain relievers are NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Phipps says that by decreasing antibody production, NSAIDs also have the ability to weaken the immune system which can have serious consequences for children, the elderly and the immune-compromised patients.
So when should we avoid popping our pain meds? According to Phipps, the best data so far points out that the closest time to the actual vaccination is probably the worst time to take a pain reliever, although it’s not known for sure. Based on this research and other studies, and unless a high fever develops, Phipps urges both adults and children to avoid pain relievers when they receive vaccines. While he says, “There’s no point to taking these drugs when you get vaccinated.” Phipps also points out, “I don’t want to give the impression that all these drugs are horrible or the vaccine is not effective. There is a wide margin of safety with the vaccine.”
With thousands of people having just had and about to receive the H1N1 and other vaccines why do so few people and health providers know about this potential pain medication interference? Phipps says, “It’s just not out there in the general literature yet.” The research findings are new, although there has been speculation for a long time that the use of NSAIDs might have an effect on antibody production after vaccination. More research is needed and a full clinical trial could provide a clearer picture. In the meantime, you may want to consider keeping the lid on your pain pills when you head to the flu clinic or your docs office for the flu shot.
For More Info: Visit the link from the University of Rochester Medical Center
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