What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. It can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.
- continual buzzing or ringing in ears
- heartburn or indigestion
- mild to moderate abdominal or stomach cramps, pain, or discomfort
- nausea or vomiting
- severe or continuing abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning
- skin rash, hives, or itching
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone at 1-800-332-1088.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.
FDA ADVISORY
August 9, 2011
The FDA has issued new information about taking ibuprofen and aspirin together. To read the full FDA Advisory, visit the FDA's web site at www.fda.gov.
Alcohol: If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day you may have an increased risk of bleeding while taking aspirin.
Allergic reactions: Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction that may include hives, swelling of the face, asthma (wheezing), and/or shock. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical attention right away.
Diabetes: Aspirin can increase the effects of certain diabetes medications such as glyburide. High doses of aspirin may also enhance the effects of insulin and therefore reduce levels of blood glucose. The insulin needs of people with diabetes may change. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood glucose more closely.
Gout: Gout can be made worse by aspirin, and the effects of medications used to treat gout can be lessened by aspirin.
Immediate medical attention: Get immediate medical attention if you have hearing loss; vision changes; flushing, redness, or other change in skin color; or difficulty swallowing.
Other medical conditions: Aspirin should not be taken by anyone who has any of the following, unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks:
- bleeding tendencies or blood clotting disorders
- reduced kidney function
- severely reduced liver function
- significant anemia (low blood iron levels)
- sodium restricted diet (people with sodium-retaining states, such as congestive heart failure or renal failure, should avoid sodium-containing buffered aspirin)
- vitamin K deficiency
Stomach problems: Minor stomach problems such as heartburn, are common in people taking aspirin. However, aspirin can also cause serious stomach bleeding. The chance of this happening is higher if you are age 60 or older, you have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, you take a blood thinner (anticoagulant) or steroid medication, you take other prescription or non-prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day, you take more medication than directed or you take this medication for a longer time than directed.
Surgery: Aspirin should be stopped at least one week before elective surgery because of the risk of bleeding. If you are scheduled for surgery, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about when you should stop taking aspirin.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Use during the third trimester of pregnancy should be avoided. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Do not use aspirin 1 week prior to or during labor and delivery because it can cause excessive blood loss at delivery.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking aspirin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should stop breast-feeding or stop taking aspirin.
Children: Children, teenagers, and young adults should not take aspirin when they have chickenpox, influenza, or flu-like illnesses as it increases their risk for Reye's syndrome, a serious health condition that may cause liver or brain damage.
Seniors: Seniors may be at a higher risk for side effects from aspirin. They may need a lower dose of the medication.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between aspirin and any of the following:
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., ramipril)
- antacids
- anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
- antidiabetes medications (e.g., glyburide, insulin)
- beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol)
- corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
- diuretics (e.g., acetazolamide)
- methotrexate
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, indomethacin)
- phenytoin
- probenecid
- sulfinpyrazone
- valproic acid
- vitamin C
- zidovudine
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.