FSA Eligible Pain Relief Products

Yes, you can use funds in your FSA (flexible spending account) for over-the-counter pain relievers. Until recently, most FSA, HSA (health savings account), and HRA (health reimbursement arrangement) participants needed a prescription for over-the-counter pain relievers to qualify. Not anymore. As part of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, you're free to spend your pre-tax healthcare dollars on many of the health and wellness products you use every day.

At CVS Pharmacy®, you'll find a large selection of FSA-eligible pain relievers, including analgesic tablets, topical creams, and lidocaine patches. You'll also find a wide range of FSA, HSA, and HRA eligible TENS therapy devices, children's pain relievers, and homeopathic treatments.

Many pain-relieving medications perform double-duty as over-the-counter fever reducers. The long list of eligible items includes (but is not limited to) aspirin (Bayer®), ibuprofen (Advil®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®), and naproxen sodium (Aleve®). Under the terms set forth by the CARES Act, these pain-relieving, fever-reducing medications are FSA eligible.

When the terms of your FSA require utilizing your health care dollars by a specific date, don't delay. Stocking up on fever-reducing medication helps ensure your FSA dollars won't expire. Not only do fever-reducing medications qualify, so do multi-use ice bags, warm/cold water bottles, and digital thermometers.

A single dose of Aleve® over-the-counter pain reliever and fever-reducing medication helps provide up to 12 hours of continuous relief. According to the terms of the CARES Act, Aleve® products are FSA eligible. When you shop at CVS, you'll find a varied selection of FSA eligible Aleve® products. Depending on location, your options could include Aleve® pain-relieving topicals, tablets in easy-open bottles, or Aleve® PM caplets made for nighttime use.