Can I take Tylenol before a COVID-19 shot?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am going to get a COVID-19 shot after two days. I read that there are some side effects due to the COVID-19 shot. One of the common side effects observed is swollen lymph nodes. I have follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma with some node swelling on the left side of my neck. Do I need to be concerned? I heard that it is not good to take Tylenol before getting a COVID-19 shot. I thought that Tylenol would be safe for all conditions. Please help me.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. First, I need to discuss about swollen nodes. It is one of the side effects of COVID-19 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) vaccination as it can elicit an immune response as a part of the body's reaction. As a result, it leads to local lymph node swelling. However, it will be self-limiting and it will get resolved by itself. If you are under any medication for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, it may suppress your immunity and you need to consult the doctor before getting the vaccination. Ideally, it should be avoided in people taking immunosuppression medications.

Lymph node enlargement in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma differs from reactive enlargement present after getting the vaccination. It is good to avoid taking Tylenol (Acetaminophen) before getting a COVID-19 shot. It can mask the symptoms or side effects that you get from COVID-19 vaccination and the doctor may not be able to relate the situation. You can have minor symptoms such as body ache, mild fever, fatigue after post-vaccination and it is usually self-limiting. COVID-19 vaccination is absolutely safe and it is highly recommended for people above 60 years of age with other comorbidities.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear that you have NHL (non-Hodgkin lymphoma). But it is good to see you strong and well. Yes, the follicular subtype is common and accounts for sixty percent of NHL. These subtypes are based on the appearance of the lymph node present under the microscope. Compared to other cancers, NHL has a good prognosis and survival rates, and it is better with the follicular subtype. Again, NHL prognosis depends on the subtype and grading. In general, they are much better than other cancers, and they grow slowly for years. Not all NHLs require treatment from the first day of diagnosis. NHL detected in an early stage can be observed for a period of time to determine the need for treatment. Overall, I agree with your doctor that follicular NHL is the most common on,e and it has a better prognosis and survival.

Lymphomas originate in lymphocytes, lymphatics, and lymph nodes. They can have a T cell or B cell origin. These are the defense cells in the body. Lymphomas have a better prognosis and survival. Again, it depends on the staging or grading of lymphomas. Leukemia is a type of cancer that involves the blood and bone marrow. They commonly involve cells like neutrophils, basophils, RBC (red blood cells), and their respective mother cells in the bone marrow. They seem to be aggressive, but it depends on the type of leukemia. Some show an indolent course (in chronic lymphocytic leukemia), and they remain silent without requiring treatment. Some tend to be aggressive, and the patient cannot survive even after getting the best treatment. This is a broad comparison of lymphoma and leukemia.