Advil and Tylenol together?

[techguy5222]

Hi guys! I have a lot of chronic pain problems with my knee, I had surgery on it a while ago, it has arthritis in it now, it bothers me everyday, I have herniated discs in my lower back and and problems with my left ankle. I have been on all sorts of meds in the past, including vicodin and percocet. My orthopedic Dr. told me before I could mix tylenol with advil and it would equal a pain pill without the narcotic effect. I don't remember how many of each to take and how many hours apart to take each of them. Is this safe? I would rather take these then go back on pain meds! Thanks! :)

[Michael L Gross, MD]

It is safe for short periods of time. It might be better to use one oer the other as your primary, and use the other to supplement when needed.  Do not exceed the recommendations on the bottle for either one.

[PedroH]

Hi there! While I can appreciate not wanting to take narcotics I am also concerned with people thinking OCDs are safer.For short periods these are great but long term use not only causes liver damage but NSAIDs used long term(over 2 wks) can cause kidney damage. If you have pain and take narcotics as perscribed or less, the likelyhood of becoming dependent are between zero and nothing.A Dr. once told me that we are only trying to lessen my pain not eliminate-make it bearable.Ice & the bathtub are still some of my best friends but when narcotics are needed I take them and I've been doing this for over 2 yrs.now w/no addictions. Good luck to you!

[techguy5222]

Thanks Dr. Gross and PedroH! :)