Frequently Asked Questions

BC® Original contains aspirin, a pain reliever ingredient that works by suppressing the prostaglandins and blocking the peripheral nerve sites responsible for pain impulse. BC® also contains caffeine, a pain reliever aid. The aspirin and caffeine work together to provide the analgesic effect.

Yes. BC® is compliant with all applicable federal regulations.

BC® is made in the USA.

BC® is sold online and in food, drug and mass retailers nationwide. Visit our Where to Buy page to find a store near you.

We recommend keeping BC® in a dry, room-temperature environment.

No. BC® is available online and at major retailers in the US only.

No.

Aspirin and caffeine are the active ingredients in most BC® products: Original, Cherry and Arthritis. BC® Sinus Pain & Congestion contains Aceteminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine HCl. BC® Daytime Cough & Cold contains Aceteminophen, Dextromethorphan HBr and Phenylephrine HCl.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are a group drugs that can reduce inflammation and have both pain relieving (analgesic) and fever-reducing (antipyretic) capabilities. Common NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. NSAIDs are typically available over-the-counter.

Pour a single BC® powder on your tongue, then drink a full glass of water or other beverage.

No. If pain persists more than 10 days, consult a doctor.

No. We recommend following the directions on the package or as directed by a doctor.

Each BC® powder pack is 1 dose, typically the equivalent of 2 pills of other pain relief brands like Advil®, Tylenol® and Excedrin®.

When taken as directed, BC® is safe for adults and children ages 12 and older. Children and teenagers should not use BC® for chicken pox or flu symptoms before consulting a doctor about Reye's Syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

No. We recommend consulting a doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.

The risk of stomach bleeding may be higher if you have an ulcer condition. Before taking BC®, we recommend consulting a doctor.

We recommend consulting a doctor or pharmacist prior to taking BC® with other medications.

We do not recommend using BC® after the expiration date printed on the package.

Aspirin may cause stomach bleeding. Children and teenagers should not use this for chicken pox or flu symptoms before consulting a doctor about Reye's Syndrome, a rare but serious illness reported to be associated with aspirin. Pregnant or nursing women should consult a health professional. Pregnant women should not use this product during last three months of pregnancy. Do not take this product if you are sensitive/allergic to aspirin. If you consume three (3) or more alcoholic drinks per day, you should consult your doctor whether you should take aspirin or other pain relievers.

Reye's Syndrome:
Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Allergy alert:
Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction, which may include:

• Hives
• Facial swelling
• Shock
• Asthma (wheezing)

Stomach bleeding warning:
This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:

• Are age 60 or older
• Have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
• Take a blood-thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
• Take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others)
• Have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product
• Take more or for a longer time than directed

Caffeine Warning: This product contains caffeine. Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, foods, or beverages while taking this product because too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and, occasionally, rapid heart beat.

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer.

Ask a doctor before use if:

• Stomach bleeding warning applies to you
• You have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn
• You have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease
• You are taking a diuretic
• You have asthma

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug for:

• Gout
• Diabetes
• Arthritis

Stop use and ask a doctor if:

• An allergic reaction occurs. Seek medical help right away.
• You experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding:
  • Feel faint
  • Vomit blood
  • Have bloody or black stools
  • Have stomach pain that does not get better
• Pain gets worse or lasts more than ten (10) days
• Fever gets worse or lasts more than three (3) days
• Redness or swelling is present
• Any new symptoms occur
• Ringing in ears or loss of hearing occurs

Each of these could be a sign of a serious condition.

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use aspirin during the last three (3) months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose warning: Taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious health problems. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

Comments, Questions or Concerns?
Call toll-free 1-866-255-5197.

Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin. Children and teenagers should not use BC® for chicken pox or flu before consulting a doctor about Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Pregnant women should not use BC® during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless directed by a doctor. If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day, consult your doctor before using BC®. Aspirin may cause stomach bleeding.

No. BC® does not contain any opiods. Opiods are only available with a doctor's prescription.

No. BC® Original, Cherry and Arthritis can relieve minor pain associated with arthritis, but there is no known cure for arthritis.

All BC® products can reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains that can commonly occur if you have a cold or flu. If you have other symptoms like nasal congestion or Sneezing, try taking BC® Sinus Pain & Congestion or BC® Daytime Cough & Cold.

BC® Sinus Pain & Congestion may cause drowsiness. BC® Daytime Cough & Cold does not cause drowsiness.

Yes. BC® Original and Arthritis are available in sealed glassine paper stick packs. BC® Cherry, Sinus Pain & Congestion and Daytime Cough & Cold are available in sealed foil stick packs.

We recommend 1. shake the pack so powder settles on bottom, 2. pinch and tear pack at the notch and 3. turn pack over and tap the bottom & sides to help all the powder come out. For more information, visit our How to Take BC™ Powder page.

Glassine is a smooth, translucent paper that is resistant to water, air and grease. BC® Original and Arthritis are packaged in sealed glassine paper stick packs.

Packaging BC® powder in foil is considered child-resistant packaging, required by the FDA for certain products. Depending on the BC® product, the ingredients or flavoring mandate that we use this type of package.

Beginning in 2018, BC® Original and Arthritis products transitioned to a sealed glassine stick pack package. These sealed packs have important drug information printed on the individual packs.

Yes. The sealed glassine paper stick packs contain the same amount of powder as the folded packs.

No. BC® Original and Arthritis on-the-go stick packs are the same fast formula as the folded paper packs.

In 2018, BC® changed manufacturers in order to meet increased demand.