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Is Excedrin Migraine ok while pregnant?

Understanding the Safety of Excedrin Migraine During Pregnancy
When it comes to managing migraines during pregnancy, many expectant mothers find themselves grappling with the question of whether medications like Excedrin Migraine are safe to use. Excedrin Migraine is a combination medication that contains acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine, each of which has different implications for pregnant women.
Risks Associated with Aspirin
The primary concern with Excedrin Migraine lies in its aspirin content. Medical professionals generally advise against the use of aspirin during the third trimester of pregnancy. This caution stems from the potential risks it poses to both the mother and the unborn child. Specifically, aspirin can lead to complications during delivery and may harm the developing fetus. The risks are particularly pronounced in the later stages of pregnancy, where regular use of aspirin has been linked to serious birth defects.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
Given these risks, it is crucial for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare providers before taking any medication, including Excedrin Migraine. The general recommendation is to avoid this medication during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Healthcare professionals can provide personalized advice based on individual health conditions and the specifics of the pregnancy.
Alternatives and Considerations
Interestingly, many women experience a reduction in migraine frequency during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, due to hormonal changes that stabilize estrogen levels. This natural improvement can sometimes reduce the need for medication. For those who do require treatment, alternatives such as acetaminophen alone may be considered safer options, as it is generally regarded as more acceptable during pregnancy.
In summary, while Excedrin Migraine may be effective for treating migraines, its use during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, is fraught with risks primarily due to its aspirin content. Expectant mothers should prioritize discussions with their healthcare providers to explore safe and effective migraine management strategies tailored to their unique situations.

Is Excedrin Migraine ok for pregnancy?

Consult with your health care provider before taking Excedrin Migraine during your first two trimesters as well, since it contains full-dose aspirin. Although low-dose aspirin is considered safe during pregnancy, it is recommended that you avoid full-dose aspirin after your 20th week of gestation.

Why is Excedrin Migraine being discontinued?

So I’m already seeing that a shortage of these two. Pain relieving medications is causing some distress for regular users. But I do have some good news the makers of etc. And GlaxoSmithKline.

What can I take for my migraine while pregnant?

Nondrug therapies (relaxation, sleep, massage, ice packs, biofeedback) should be tried first to treat migraine in women who are pregnant. For treatment of acute migraine attacks 1000 mg of paracetamol (acetaminophen) preferably as a suppository is considered the first choice drug treatment.

What headache medicine can I not take while pregnant?

Certain drugs prescribed for headaches have been associated with an increased risk of serious side effects for pregnant people and developing fetuses, including: Dihydroergotamine , which is available as D.H.E. 45 or Migranal (an ergot alkaloid) Opioids such as oxycodone and morphine.

Can migraine affect unborn baby?

Many pregnant women have migraine headaches. Over half of women find that their migraines happen less often in the last few months of pregnancy. But migraines may get worse after birth, during the postpartum period. Although migraine headaches may cause you severe pain, they don’t harm your developing baby (fetus).

Who cannot take Excedrin Migraine?

You should not use Excedrin if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, caffeine, or any NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others). Aspirin may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Is there a difference between Excedrin and Excedrin Migraine?

Excedrin Migraine provides migraine relief, while Excedrin Extra Strength can temporarily relieve minor aches and pains from headaches, a cold, arthritis, muscular aches, toothache, and premenstrual and menstrual cramps.

Which painkiller is safe in pregnancy?

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family of painkillers (including ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac) are not suitable for use in the third trimester of pregnancy (see below). Other painkillers such as paracetamol and codeine can be safely used at any time during pregnancy.

Can a pregnant woman take Excedrin Migraine?

Excedrin Migraine also contains acetaminophen, which is considered safe to take throughout pregnancy.

Why can’t you take Excedrin Migraine while pregnant?

You should not use Excedrin Migraine during the last trimester (three months) of pregnancy, as it may harm your pregnancy. This is because Excedrin Migraine contains aspirin. Using regular-strength aspirin often in the third trimester can cause a serious birth defect of your baby’s heart.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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