Headache during or after chemo . Can we take Tylenol ?

[Donnasweet]

If you have a headache after chemo . Are we allowed to take Tylenol or anything ?

[estherg]

Hi Donna,

No you are not supposed to take Tylenol while on chemo. It's contains acetaminophen (they brand it as paracetamol in Ireland). This can prevent a rise in your temperature which might mask an infection. I experienced headaches while on my chemo. The turned out I have developed high blood pressure and then I developed vasculitis which can contribute to headaches. If you ring your local oncology day ward they should be able to suggest an appropriate painkiller or even better bring you in for an assessment. Hope this helps.

Take care,

Esther

[Donnasweet in reply to estherg]

Wow thanks . I asked the nurse today and she said I can take 2 but don't exceed more than 4 a day . I Already have high blood pressure . Can we take Advil or Motrin ?

[estherg in reply to Donnasweet]

Sorry not sure about those two but they both have ibuprofen so you probablty can't take both or you shouldn't take them if you have kidney problems. Best to check with the nurse I think.

[Donnasweet in reply to estherg]

Yes me too . I have high blood pressure too .

[Donnasweet]

Ok thanks

[Hidden]

You can take the equivalent of paracetamol but not ibuprofen as your tummy is affected by chemo and ibuprofen will irritate it more. I would not take anything other than paracetamol. If your headache continues please contact your chemo ward to be on the safe side. You shouldnt take anything long term.

[Supernurse]

My chemo team says I could take Tylenol but to first take a temperature reading to make sure you are not masking a fever. the pharmacist said no advil due to risk of bleeding but my oncologist said I could take the odd advil for the bone pains or nerve pain I get in my legs day 3 and 4 ofter chemo. hope this helps. I am in Canada Toronto Ontario

[Donnasweet in reply to Supernurse]

Okay thank you . For 2 days I had pain in my legs and feet . Twinges all over too fingers , toes, belly . Terrible

[Donnasweet in reply to Supernurse]

I'm in the USA