Headache for aspirin-sensitive patients?

Nursing, Dec 1997 by Cohen, Michael R

Bristol-Myers Squibb has heavily promoted its "aspirin-free" Excedrin formulation in radio and TV ads. But the company also makes Excedrin preparations that contain aspirin, as an 18-year-old woman who was allergic to aspirin unfortunately discovered. She took Excedrin Extra Strength (aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine) without realizing the product contained aspirin. Going into anaphylactic shock, she required intubation and treatment with epinephrine, methylprednisolone, and diphenhydramine HCl. She had to be resuscitated and admitted to the respiratory ICU, where she eventually recovered.

Although the words "aspirin free" appear prominently on the front panel of the aspirin-free Excedrin formulation, the word "aspirin" is nearly invisible on the regular Excedrin package label shown above.

We've expressed our concern to Bristol-Myers Squibb and encouraged the company to change the labeling. In the meantime, warn your patients with aspirin allergies to take care when buying this product.