The growing issue of self-medication among teens is serious and alarming. Emails and calls from
parents and school nurses highlight the increasing risks, especially when teens take medications
like aspirin or products containing salicylates. One mother shared her concern in an urgent
message:
“My 12-year-old took Excedrin Extra Strength last night, which contains 250 mg of aspirin per
pill for a headache. I’ve never kept aspirin at home because of Reye’s Syndrome, but my husband
had Excedrin in his truck.”
Many teens mistakenly believe that misusing prescription or over-the-counter medications is
safer than abusing illegal drugs. In fact, 41% of teens think medication abuse is less dangerous,
and most say it's easier to get prescription drugs than illegal substances.

The reality is that teens often find ways to access medications, whether from family medicine
cabinets, other people’s prescriptions, or even online. They may share aspirin, muscle creams, or
other drugs, many of which can be harmful or even deadly, especially when combined with
infections or allergies.
The best defense is education. We must teach our teens to:

• Read product labels carefully.
• Understand potential side effects.
• Consult a parent or healthcare professional before taking any medication.

This isn’t just a conversation about safety; it’s a matter of life and death. Teens and young adults
must be aware that any product containing aspirin or salicylates can be dangerous. As parents,
we have always been advised not to give our children aspirin due to the risk of Reye’s Syndrome.
As our children grow, it’s essential to explain the risks of aspirin-containing products.

The symptoms of Reye’s Syndrome in teens can be mistaken for a drug overdose or reaction, so
it’s crucial to act quickly.

If you suspect Reye’s Syndrome, demand that doctors conduct the appropriate tests. In such
situations, time is critical. You can print out an information sheet for emergency rooms to help
doctors understand the importance of considering Reye’s.

Educate your teens. Show them this website to help them understand Reye’s Syndrome, the
triggers, and the risks of using or sharing aspirin-containing products. Encourage them to speak
with doctors or pharmacists about any concerns regarding medications.

It’s never too early to start these conversations. Teach your teens to make informed, cautious
decisions about their health. Help them stay safe by understanding the risks of Reye’s and the
importance of avoiding aspirin and salicylates.

Consult your school board, and help increase awareness by discussing your concerns about the
availability of Aspirin during the school day. Ask questions, create dialogue, and stay vigilant!

In 1994, Joshua, a 19-year-old sophomore at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts,
tragically died from complications of Reye’s Syndrome.

At the time, Joshua was a healthy college student who loved his life and his studies. One snowy
day, he called home feeling ill and asked for advice. His mother encouraged him to visit the
student health center and call back afterward.

The doctor diagnosed him with the flu. However, after several days of worsening symptoms, his
mom suspected he might have mono, so she brought him home to see the family doctor, who
confirmed the diagnosis.

Despite following the treatment advice—rest and fluids—Joshua’s condition continued to
worsen. He returned to the doctor repeatedly but didn’t improve.

Eventually, he was admitted to the hospital, where his condition remained unclear. Sadly, the
diagnosis came too late: Reye’s Syndrome.

Joshua was placed in a medically induced coma and placed on life support, but his condition
continued to deteriorate. On March 4th, just two weeks after his flu symptoms began, he suffered
brain death. The next day, life support was disconnected, and Joshua passed away.

His mother reflects, "I strongly believe education is the best prevention. I knew not to give
aspirin to children with viral infections, but I didn’t realize that many over-the-counter
medications contain aspirin."

In the wake of his death, the hospital introduced a protocol for diagnosing Reye’s Syndrome, as
they were unaware of it during Joshua’s treatment. Devastatingly, Joshua’s primary care
physician failed to take his illness seriously, and he wasn’t available when the situation became
critical. He only called the family after Joshua had passed.

Joshua's mother fiercely advocates for better education about Reye’s Syndrome for parents,
teens, doctors, and hospitals. "I am finally able to share my story 13 years later, and I want to
help others avoid the same tragedy."

Let Joshua’s story serve as a powerful reminder to educate others about the dangers of aspirin
and products containing salicylates. Teach teens to read labels and be aware of the risks of self-
medicating.