BC Arthritis

Generic name: aspirin and caffeine [  AS-pir-in-and-KAF-een ]
Brand names: Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief, Alka-Seltzer Morning Relief, Anacin, Anacin Extra Strength, Bayer Back and Body, ... show all 12 brands Bayer Rapid Relief, BC, BC Arthritis, Cope, Goody's Hangover, P-A-C Analgesic, Stanback
Drug class: Analgesic combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 13, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is BC Arthritis?

BC Arthritis is a combination medicine used in adults and children at least 12 years old to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains such as headaches, muscle pain, cold, minor arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and fever or body aches. This medicine is sometimes used in adults to relieve symptoms associated with hangover.

BC Arthritis should not be used as a substitute for sleep.

BC Arthritis may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

BC Arthritis side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

BC Arthritis may cause serious side effects. Stop using BC Arthritis and call your doctor at once if you have:

• hearing loss or a ringing in your ears;

• redness or swelling;

• severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

• nervousness, irritability, rapid heartbeat;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• fever lasting longer than 3 days;

• pain lasting longer than 10 days; or

• stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, or you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Aspirin may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Aspirin can also cause a severe allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks or other sources of caffeine while taking BC Arthritis. Using too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and rapid heartbeats.

Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use BC Arthritis if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• an allergy to an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, naproxen, ibuprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Do not give this medication to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chicken pox. BC Arthritis can cause a condition called Reye's syndrome, which can be serious and sometimes fatal in children.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have or have ever had:

• stomach ulcers or bleeding problems;

• heartburn;

• if you are age 60 or older;

• a habit of drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• asthma;

• gout;

• diabetes;

• if you are on a low-salt diet; or

• liver or kidney disease.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Do not use BC Arthritis during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

How should I take BC Arthritis?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

BC Arthritis is usually taken every 6 hours with a full glass of water.

Taking more than your recommended dose will not make BC Arthritis more effective, and may cause serious side effects.

Take with food if BC Arthritis upsets your stomach.

Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks or other sources of caffeine while taking this product.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using BC Arthritis. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

BC Arthritis is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking BC Arthritis?

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to BC Arthritis (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

What other drugs will affect BC Arthritis?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using BC Arthritis with any other medicines, especially:

• gout medication;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• arthritis medication;

• diabetes medications;

• steroids;

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect BC Arthritis, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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