Can I receive a fever-reducing injection after taking fever-reducing medication?

Nov 21, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
If fever symptoms are severe, accompanied by muscle aches, headache, or lethargy, and body temperature remains high despite taking antipyretic medications or using physical cooling methods, fever-reducing injections may be administered as directed by a physician to prevent potential internal organ damage. However, if fever symptoms are mild, the individual's mental state is good, and body temperature has decreased after taking antipyretic medication, fever-reducing injections are generally unnecessary.

Whether a person can receive an antipyretic injection after taking fever-reducing medication depends on the severity of their illness.

1. Yes

If a patient's body temperature is very high—above 39°C—and accompanied by symptoms such as muscle aches, headache, general weakness, and lethargy, this usually indicates a more severe condition. In such cases, oral antipyretics or physical cooling methods may not effectively reduce body temperature. To prevent adverse effects on internal organs, patients may, under medical supervision, receive an antipyretic injection to lower their fever.

2. No

If a patient’s temperature rises above 38.5°C but symptoms are mild—such as fatigue, runny nose, and sneezing—and their mental state remains good, and if the fever has already decreased after taking antipyretic medication, this indicates that the medication is effective. In such cases, antipyretic injections are generally unnecessary, as they may lead to adverse drug reactions and hinder recovery.

Both taking antipyretic medications and receiving antipyretic injections only help reduce fever; they do not cure the underlying disease. It is recommended that patients identify the root cause and undergo targeted treatment. If the fever is caused by a viral infection, patients should follow medical advice and take antiviral medications such as ribavirin granules or ganciclovir tablets to alleviate symptoms.