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Answer:If you are allergic to aspirin, that means you have a “salicylate” allergy and should avoid using products with this ingredient. There also is the likelihood that you are allergic to ibuprofen and naproxen—two other pain-relief medications available both over the counter (OTC) and by prescription. Acetaminophen may be a suitable choice for pain.

Anyone with a salicylate allergy also may be allergic to other oral OTC medications that have salicylate as an ingredient, such as Pepto Bismol® or Aspergum®, or to topical creams containing methyl salicylate, such as Ben-Gay®. Always check the list of active ingredients on the drug label and packaging for the word “salicylate” or “salicylic acid,” and be sure to read the section on the label about product allergies. If you are unsure whether a product contains salicylates, ask your pharmacist before purchasing or taking it.

Learn more about drug allergies in the Walgreens.com Health Library.

View Walgreens.com acetaminophen products.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

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