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Side Effects of BC Powder

BC Powder is an effective ache and pain reliever that comes in three formulas: BC Original, BC Arthritis Strength, and BC Sinus-Cold Powder. Each product is used to treat all types of headaches, arthritis pain, and body aches such as backache, strains, sprains, premenstrual pain, sports injuries, and cold-related complaints. Active ingredients in the original and arthritis strength formulas include aspirin, caffeine, and salicylamide. Active ingredients in BC Sinus-Cold Powder include aspirin and pseudo-ephedrine hydrochloride.

  1. Reye's Syndrome

    • Reye’s Syndrome is a deadly disease that can affect adults, but is most commonly seen in children and teenagers. The National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation reports a scientific link between the incidence of Reye’s Syndrome and acetylsalicylate, or aspirin. Although it is not clearly explained, Reye’s Syndrome typically develops as an individual begins to recover from a viral infection, such as a cold, chicken pox, or the flu, when a product containing acetylsalicylate was used to treat the viral illness. BC Powder Original contains 650 mg aspirin per dose while BC Powder Arthritis Strength contains 742 mg aspirin per dose.

    Digestive

    • While not everyone may experience side effects, the most common are related to the digestive system and are experienced most often in sensitive individuals. These side effects include indigestion, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Long-term use could cause irritation of the stomach lining resulting in bleeding of the stomach. Additionally, individuals who consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily should not take BC Powder products due to an increased risk of stomach bleeding.

    Allergy

    • Individuals who are allergic to aspirin may experience an allergic reaction when taking BC Powder formulas. Each BC Powder formula contains a minimum of 650 mg aspirin per dose. People allergic to aspirin often develop asthma, sinus congestion, hay fever, hives, facial swelling, wheezing, and shock. These individuals should avoid taking any of the BC Powder formulas.

    Bruising

    • The primary active ingredient in BC Powder products is aspirin, which affects the body's blood cells responsible for clotting. This results in thinning of the blood, a symptom of which is often bruising on the skin. Individuals who regularly take blood thinners, such as Coumadin or Plavix, should avoid taking BC Powder products. Additionally, individuals who are scheduled for procedures involving surgery should also avoid BC Powder products at least two weeks prior to their procedure.

    Hearing Problems

    • Although rare, some individuals have reported decreased ability in hearing and ringing in the ears. Studies indicate these symptoms are most likely experienced with high doses of aspirin and could be associated with an overdose.

    Caffeine-Related Side Effects

    • Both BC Powder original and arthritis formulas contain a minimum of 33.3 mg of caffeine. Individuals who experience sensitivities to caffeine should avoid or limit other means of caffeine intake while taking these products. Excessive caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat.

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