AstraZeneca: Aspirin is 'probably more dangerous' says expert
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Aspirin is often used to treat headache, toothache and period pain, as well as colds and flu-like symptoms, and can be bought from pharmacies, shops and supermarkets. If you’ve had a stroke or heart attack, or are at high risk of one, your doctor may recommend you take a daily low-dose. But GP and regular doctor on This Morning on ITV, Dr Philippa Kaye warns against taking aspirin without your doctor’s recommendation.
She explained: “Although it’s not really talked about, Aspirin can cause nutrient deficiencies if taken on a regular basis.
“In fact, it can compromise the absorption of some essential nutrients, such as Vitamin C, calcium, iron, and folic acid – which means it can cause a deficiency of these vitamins and minerals.”
She added: “Aspirin is associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding so it is not recommended that it is taken routinely, for example to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
“However it can be used if you have already had a heart attack as part of secondary prevention and another medication is generally given alongside to protect the stomach.”
Dr Philippa concluded: “Please do not start taking aspirin unless your doctor advises you too, conversely never stop taking aspirin suddenly without medical advice as it can trigger a rebound effect which could cause a blood clot.”
The NHS advises: “Low-dose aspirin helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people at high risk of them.
“Your doctor may suggest that you take a daily low dose if you have had a stroke or a heart attack to help stop you having another one.
“Or, if you’re at high risk of heart attack – for example, if you have had heart surgery or if you have chest pain caused by heart disease (angina).
“Only take daily low-dose aspirin if your doctor recommends it.”
It adds: “Taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes is not the same as taking aspirin as a painkiller.”
Like all medicines, aspirin can cause side effects. Common ones include:
- mild indigestion
- bleeding more easily than usual – The NHS says: “Aspirin thins your blood it can sometimes make you bleed more easily. For example, you may get nosebleeds, bruise more easily, and if you cut yourself, the bleeding may take longer than normal to stop.”
Serious side effects happen rarely. But you should call a doctor straight away if you get:
- red, blistered and peeling skin
- coughing up blood or blood in your pee, poo or vomit
- yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow – this can be a sign of liver problems
- painful joints in the hands and feet – this can be a sign of high levels of uric acid in the blood
- swollen hands or feet – this can be a sign of water retention
In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to aspirin.
You should call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- you’re wheezing
- you get tightness in the chest or throat
- you have trouble breathing or talking
- your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling
Interestingly, Professor Peter Elwood and his team at Cardiff University recently found the painkiller dramatically “cut the risk of death” in cancer patients.
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