Pain killers / flu medicine

[AstridHeart]

Hi Community, I myself haven't had a heartache but my husband has. He is taking Aspirin daily. He is down with the flu and has a headache. Searched the internet but couldn't find any information on what kind of pain killers are safe to take. And what kind of flu medicine he could take. Does anyone know the answer, please?

[Happyrosie]

you haven’t said what else he is on other than aspirin? Some pharmacists exercise caution with buying ibuprofen if you are on some medications, and with “Day Nurse” and “Night Nurse” as well. So speak to your pharmacy tomorrow for advice.

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Happyrosie]

Yeah, no ibuprofen with warfarin. Might be other heart meds too.

[AstridHeart in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks for your reply. He is on the medication mix that seems to be the usual one quoted on the internet. I gather from all the responses that anything over the counter is out and that I will talk to a pharmacist.

[Happyrosie]

I should have added to my previous post.

Does your husband drink plenty of water? I don’t necessarily mean the two litres sometimes advocated but people should check to see their pee is a pale yellow. Dehydration causes headaches!

[AstridHeart in reply to Happyrosie]

Yes, he is drinking plenty, thank you.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

There is no medicine for flu, it's a virus, so unless you arer serious enough to be admitted to hospital you just have to tough it out. And that means getting plenty of rest to allow your body to cope and then recover, keep hydrated, sensibly eat as much as you are able to keep energy levels going, and if you think them necessary take pain killers. I take paracetamol only if its essential. Personally I do not recommend taking ibuprofen since in my view its terrible stuff and was responsible for me having a serious gastro bleed some time back even though I was taking it within the recommended dose limits.

[AstridHeart in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you for your reply! Will talk to pharmacist.

[High_fives]

I'm on Aspirin & statins for narrowing of my coronary arteries.

I was advised not to take decongestants (like Beechams All in One which contains Phenylephrine Hydrochloride) because they can constrict blood vessels, so best avoided in my case.

Paracetamol on its own is fine for me tho.

[AstridHeart in reply to High_fives]

Thanks for your reply! He is not allowed decongestants either.

[Cocoadonkey]

hiya. My husband is on various heart meds too and only takes paracetamol or cocodamol if his back gets bad. Ask the pharmacist if you are not sure which is what I always do but as the others said I would avoid cold and flu meds. Take care x

[AstridHeart in reply to Cocoadonkey]

Thanks for your reply! Will talk to the pharmacist!

[sandandkev]

He could take paracetamol but best to ask local pharmacist

[AstridHeart in reply to sandandkev]

Thanks, will do!

[Incah]

I always find Paracetamol is the best , brings temp down nicely , and of course plenty of fluids , staying hydrated is key

[AstridHeart in reply to Incah]

Thanks, will check with the pharmacist.

[fishonabike]

You should ask a pharmacist, but they need to know what medication your husband is taking.

Both paracetamol and ibuprofen can reduce the action of some medications for high blood pressure, so they are often not recommended for long-term use, but may be acceptable for short term use to reduce flu symptoms like aches/pains and temperature (paracetamol or aspirin)

[AstridHeart in reply to fishonabike]

Thanks for your reply! Will talk to the pharmacist.

[Tvpuzzle]

Hi my husband had a HA and is on alot if meds Inc a daily aspirin .He was advised to only take paracetamol if needed and avoid ibuprofen.

[Hare123 in reply to Tvpuzzle]

We were told same, paracetamol ok, never take ibuprofen

[Sanmo]

I've been told to steer clear of Ibuprofen and NSAIDs, paracetamol was the recommended painkiller. I'm on aspirin, statins and Ezetimibe.

[AstridHeart]

Thank you for your reply! Will talk to pharmacist.

[Blackknight57]

paracetamol based medications are ok. Don’t take any aspirin or Ibuprofen . I noticed a comment about warfarin. If he is on warfarin then he shouldn’t be taking aspirin either.

Talk to the chemist.