QuestionHi! I've been getting headaches for years, but they seem to come in spurts, especially when I seem to need an adjustment from the chiropractor. The only thing that takes them away is Excedrin. Lately, I've been taking at least one, sometimes two, Excedrins per day for the past few years. I worry about things like liver failure and liver cancer with this. I've done some research and really haven't found anything that associates this medication with liver problems. How can this medication adversely affect me in the future? I figure its better to get rid of the headache I have now and deal with the rest later, but I'm really worried that I'm hurting my body for the future. Please give any advice/info you may have. Thanks!
AnswerDear Kellie,
The Excedrin you are taking...does it have acetaminophen in it? (Tylenol)
I cannot imagine that a healthy person taking one to two Excedrin daily will have liver problems....however:
Do you drink alcohol on a daily basis, or even frequently? Are you on any NSAIDs? Do you have a history of liver problems? Are you taking any other medications that contain acetaminophen?
Another problem, since Excedrin contains aspirin, is are you taking any NSAID's or aspirin containing products? Do you have a history of ulcers? Do you have a problem with clotting?
I have heard that one of the signs a headache is a migraine, and not just a headache, is that often, Excedrin will help.
Please speak with your physician. I don't know your health history, your medications, if any, etc.
I'm sorry I couldn't be more specific. Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to help.
Best wishes,
Andrea
