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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine?

Aspirin should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children.

Do not take this medication without a doctor's advice if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis) or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day. You may not be able to take acetaminophen.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or caffeine, or if you have:

• a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;
• liver disease;
• asthma or severe allergic reaction caused by taking aspirin or an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), especially "aspirin triad syndrome"; or
• if you are allergic to an NSAID such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine if you have:

• asthma or seasonal allergies;
• fever with a stiff neck;
• a stomach ulcer, heartburn, or stomach pain;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
• diabetes; or
• gout.

If you take acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine to treat headache pain, seek medical attention if you have:

• a headache so bad you have to lie down;
• a headache that causes vomiting;
• what feels like the worst headache you've ever had;
• a headache that seems different from your usual headaches;
• a headache every day;
• a headache after coughing, bending, exercising, or head injury;
• if you have never had migraines diagnosed by a doctor; or
• if you are having your first headache after age 50.

Aspirin may be harmful to an unborn baby's heart, and may also reduce birth weight or have other dangerous effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.

Aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Take the medicine with food or milk if it makes your stomach upset.

Stop using acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while taking this medication.

Acetaminophen can cause false results with some urine glucose tests. Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic and you notice changes in your glucose levels while taking this medication.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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