Can I Take Tylenol Before Getting Botox Injections?

Question

I am supposed to receive Botox injections in 3 days, but the past week I've been taking Tylenol and Theraflu due to a flu. Can I still get Botox injections since acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory medication?

Mark J. Lucarelli, MD · Answer

Tylenol is not a concern prior to Botox treatment.  The issue with many other pain medications is that they interfere with clotting and with platelet function and therefore increase bruising.

	That said,  I always advise patients to delay their Botox treatments until they are feeling well.

	 

	Best wishes,

	Mark Lucarelli, MD, FACS

	Madison, WI

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The concern here is that many of the over the counter products commonly used as analgesics inhibit platelet function. Platelets are involved in the coagulation pathways. Inhibiting platelets increases the likelihood of bruising. This occurs with both aspirin and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). However Tylenol which contains Acetaminophen does not affect platelets and does not increase the risk of bruise when taken prior to a service.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is best to avoid blood thinners such as aspirin 10 days to 2 weeks before getting Botox or other facial injections to avoid possible bruising. If you bruise easily, Arnica Montana can help if taken prior to the injection. The products you are taking do not contain a blood thinner and should not increase bruising. However if you have the flu, you might want to wait until you are feeling better before having your treatment.

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

Yes you can take tylenol. One of the most common side effects of botox is a small bruise. Tylenol is safe. Stay away from Aspirin, Alleve, BC powder, fish oils, vitamin E. They can all cause more bruising.

	Leo Lapuerta MD

	Tiple Board Certified Plastic SUrgery

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

For a headache, aspirin and ibuprofen both have anti-plateltet acton and make it more likely you will suffer a bruise after Botox. Tylenol, not so. Just take a normal, proper dose because Tylenol has a plateau effect. More drug does not give more relief.

Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH · Answer

Good question. Since Tylenol (acetaminophen) does not block platelet function, it does not increase the risk of bruising. You may take Tylenol before Botox without concern for increase bruising. Other cold medicines may contain aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) so carefully read labels.

	On a side note, I am concerned you have been taking both Tylenol and Theraflu for your cold at the same time. Theraflu contains acetaminophen (Tylenol) and it can be dangerous to take both at the same time. Tylenol overdose can actually sneak up on you unexpectedly and cause death. Please use caution with your cold and flu medications.

Keshini Parbhu, MD · Answer

Tylenol is acetaminophen - it is OK to take before Botox.  It does not have any anti-platelet activity and does not thin your blood.  It does not interact with Botox either.

Michael McCracken, MD · Answer

Tylenol will not cause any problems with your Botox treatment.  Other pain relievers such as aspirin or motrin affect platelet function and can cause bruising after injections.

Thomas T. Nguyen, MD · Answer

You may take Tylenol before and after procedure.  It does not increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

There should not be any problem with getting botox treatment while you are taking tylenol. Aspirin, NSAIDS, and other blood thinners should be avoided because they increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Can I Take Tylenol Before Getting Botox Injections?

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