By DOCS Writing Staff
For the past 30 years, dentists have found that providing the combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen to patients post dental care has relieved pain and reduced the use of opioids. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Virology suggests that dentists should modify their analgesic recommendations before, during, and after a patient is given the COVID-19 vaccine.
The study examined the impact of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on severe coronavirus symptoms, as they are often used for pain and inflammation relief. However, it was discovered that NSAID treatment could impair the immune response and production of antibodies in mice. And while the studies have not demonstrated a detrimental outcome in COVID-19 patients taking NSAIDs, the findings raise the possibility that this category of analgesics could alter or diminish the immune response to the vaccine.
Therefore, DOCS Education’s Medical Director, Dr. Leslie Fang suggests avoiding the use of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for patient’s pain relief while they are undergoing the COVID-19 vaccination schedule. If analgesics are required, choose acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ensure the timing does not contradict the suggested recommendations by the CDC.