Trader Joe’s is a popular American grocery store chain that boasts less expensive prices by cutting out the middle man and offering its brand of goods. However, that sometimes means that Trader Joe’s will not have exactly what you are looking for.
Trader Joe’s does not carry Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Tylenol is a brand name for the product acetaminophen. Trader Joe’s does not offer a generic brand of either product.
Trader Joe’s offers limited and rotating selections, so some products may be in stock occasionally. For now, it is best to stick to Trader Joe’s for delicious and inexpensive groceries.
Introduction
Does Trader Joe’s Sell Tylenol or Advil?
Trader Joe’s does not currently sell Tylenol or Advil. This is not just because Trader Joe’s does not carry “brand names” of products, but rather because they do not offer any pain relievers.
This means Trader Joe’s does not sell Tylenol or Advil and their generic forms, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Trader Joe’s does sell supplements, like probiotics, Vitamin D3 capsules, and multivitamins. This leads many people to believe that they would sell all of the products a pharmacy sells.
However, Trader Joe’s is much smaller than most pharmacies, and they only offer limited supplements and no medications.
To check the current price and availability of Tylenol/Ibuprofen, click here to view the selection on Amazon.
Where Else Can I Buy Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen?
Since Trader Joe’s cannot be your destination for pain relievers, you will likely want to start with your local pharmacy. Pharmacies like Rite-Aid, Walgreens, and CVS carry both acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
You can also look at your larger grocery stores for pain relievers. Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and more often have pharmacies inside the store.
The pharmacy will usually have both acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Often, you will already be at your grocery store for other items, so this can be a convenient stop on your way.
If you decide to look for pain relievers at your local pharmacy or grocery store, look for brand names like Tylenol, Advil, and Excedrin.
Many grocery stores and pharmacies will also have a generic brand of these products available. To look for those products, look for acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Depending on the reason for your pain, you may find other products containing Tylenol or ibuprofen that are specifically designed for your condition.
For example, Excedrin has a migraine solution. Midol and Pamprin are designed with pain relievers and other drugs to treat the symptoms and side effects of menstruation.
Tylenol vs Advil
People often refer to pain relievers by their common brand names, like Tylenol and Advil. This nomenclature is convenient because then people do not need to remember longer, more difficult terms like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
A downside of using the brand names, though, is that it can confuse people as to the differences between these two pain relievers, which are fundamentally different. They target different enzymes in the brain to help reduce pain, which can affect the way they are used.
Ibuprofen is considered an NSAID. NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. They reduce pain and inflammation, and they can be used to help lower the temperature of a fever.
Some experts say that ibuprofen is more efficient and effective at reducing pain. However, it can also be shown to have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system and the cardiovascular system, if taken in excess.
You probably recognize ibuprofen from products like Advil, Motrin, and Midol.
Acetaminophen is slightly different chemically than ibuprofen. It can, however, also be used to treat fevers and pain. It is not shown to be effective in reducing inflammation, though.
Acetaminophen is not considered an NSAID. It also currently appears to have fewer side effects than ibuprofen.
You probably recognize acetaminophen from product names like Tylenol, Excedrin, and Exaprin.
Considerations When Using Tylenol and Ibuprofen
As acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, you should consider the proper dosage and side effects when you take them.
You should also be mindful of any ingredients in the particular brand you buy to which you may be allergic.
Safe Dosage of Ibuprofen
Regardless of how many pills are available in a package, you should always be mindful of the safe dosage of ibuprofen before you begin taking it to treat your pain.
The appropriate dosage can also change based on the age of the individual taking it. Similarly, certain health conditions may require consideration. Talk with your doctor about your usage of ibuprofen.
Do not forget that the frequency you take pain relievers can also affect your safety. Each pain reliever will have certain amounts you should not exceed each day and intervals in which to take them.
In general, the safe dosage of ibuprofen is:
- For teenagers and adults: 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours, as needed. Do not exceed 3200 mg per day.
- For children: The dosage must be determined by your child’s doctor. They will decide the dosage based on the child’s weight and fever temperature
Safe Dosage of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Tylenol carries similar considerations to ibuprofen when it comes to safety. The label of most pain relievers says what the appropriate dosage is for each pain reliever (including how many pills of a particular concentration that is).
Again, consult with your doctor if you have any questions about how Tylenol would affect your other health conditions.
Tylenol offers a child’s version of their product, that is designed to be safer for children. That being said, it should still not be given to children under the age of 2 without the consultation of a doctor.
Because Tylenol has a variety of products available for children, including liquids, chewable tablets, and dissolvable powders, you must read the packaging to determine the safe dosage for their products, as each product will change depending on the recommended amount.
For adults, the safe dosage of acetaminophen is:
- 500 mg every 6 hours
- Do not take more than 3000 mg within 24 hours
If your pain exceeds the safe dosage of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, you should see a doctor to have them evaluate your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Trader Joes Sell Pain Meds?
Trader Joe’s does not sell pain relievers.
What Do You Get From Trader Joe’s When You’re Sick?
Trader Joe’s does not have an abundance of cold medication. They offer cough drops and Vitamin C supplements, which can help you feel better.
You can also purchase elderberry juice (if it is in season) to help boost your immune system. You also can’t go wrong with soup to help you stay hydrated and nourished.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s does not sell Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain relief, despite their many grocery offerings. You should check your local pharmacy like Walgreens or CVS for acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as they likely have many brands available.
