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What's right for you?

OTC pain relievers can provide the relief you need to get on with your day, but not all of them are appropriate for everyone.

When you’re in pain, all you want is relief. But it’s also important to think about safety. With certain pain relievers, your age, health conditions, and other medications you are taking may increase the chance of side effects. Make the right choice for you.

Your age and health conditions may affect your pain reliever choices

Did you know, for example:

  • If you have liver disease,  acetaminophen  labels say to ask a doctor before use

  • If you take  aspirin  for heart attack or stroke,  ibuprofen  may decrease that heart health benefit

  • If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, ask your healthcare professional before using  NSAIDs

  • If you are pregnant, please read and follow the label for specific warnings

  • If you are over age 60, you have an increased risk of stomach bleeding with OTC pain relievers like  ibuprofen ,    naproxen sodium , and  aspirin

Take these steps to learn which pain reliever may be appropriate for you:

Do you know the ingredients in your OTC pain medicine?

Remember, not all OTC pain medicines are appropriate for everyone

Woman looking at medicine from cabinet