An Interesting Development in the World of Pain Relief

Did you know you could take Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) together? A new painkiller, Advil PLUS Acetaminophen by Haleon (formerly part of GlaxoSmithKline) has made its way to drug store shelves in Canada.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works by inhibiting pain and inflammation causing enzymes in the body called COX-1 and COX-2. Acetaminophen works by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain and has no significant anti-inflammatory activity. Ibuprofen is removed from the body by the kidneys while acetaminophen is removed by the liver. Due to their different metabolic pathways, it is safe and effective to take both medications together.

This non-prescription medication contains 125 mg ibuprofen and 250 mg acetaminophen, combining two of the most widely used pain relievers together in one tablet. In Phase 3 studies, Advil PLUS Acetaminophen provided significantly greater pain relief compared to either 250 mg ibuprofen or 650 mg acetaminophen alone over a 12-hour period. Side effects were mild to moderate with the most common being nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. As this medication will be available over the counter at retailers across Canada and online, it is important for patients to discuss the benefits vs. risks of a combination painkiller vs. single medication painkiller with their healthcare provider.

-Tiffany