Aspirin Question

[Golfersmom]

Does anyone happen to know if it’s ok to take Excedrin, for a bad headache, when you have Essential Thrombocythemia & on Pegasys? Asking because I know there’s a fairly high dosage of aspirin in Excedrin. Thank you!

[Dazakella2010]

Hi, I wouldn’t have thought you could no… as you already take aspirin it would be like taking a double dose.

[Ratton]

I would speak to your pharmacist - I always find them very helpful and knowledgeable

[Amethist]

are you already on aspirin? Do you get a lot of headaches or is this just a one off?

[hunter5582]

It depends on what formulation of Excedrin you are talking about. Taking higher dose of aspirin would put you at higher risk for hemorrhage. Some formulations of Excedrin do contain aspirin. Excedrin Tension Headache has acetaminophen and caffeine, but no asprin. Acetaminophen is generally considered to be safe to take alongside aspirin, but can be hard on the liver. Best to check this out with a MPN Specialist who knows your case.

If you are having more chronic headaches like migraines, then suggest consultation with a headache specialist. There are treatment approaches that can prevent the headaches rather than just dull the pain for some types of headaches.

[IsabelleHo]

Hello. I have ET, my platelets are around 700/800 k and I take low dose aspirin twice a day. I also take Excedrin Migraine or Excedrin Extra Strength occasionally for migraines. When I asked, my hematologist confirmed I should skip the low dose aspirin when I was taking Excedrin, since the aspirin dosage is much higher. Do check with your specialist just to make sure.