Seeking Aspirin-Free Headache Relief

People with excruciating headaches who can’t or won’t take aspirin now have another option: Aspirin Free Excedrin. The new formula includes acetaminophen (the pain reliever in Tylenol) and caffeine. Regular Excedrin has acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine, says a spokeswoman for Bristol-Myers, which manufactures both products.

Is the new pill worth a try? It may be for people who should avoid aspirin, such as those with ulcers, says Dr. Stephen Brunton, director of family medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. “But I doubt this medicine offers any extra benefits over other aspirin-free medications.”