Aspirin is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can treat mild to moderate pain, inflammation or arthritis. It also lowers your risk of heart attack, stroke or blood clot. Children and teenagers shouldn’t use this medication to treat their symptoms unless directed by their healthcare provider.
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ASPIRIN (AS pir in) lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. It may also be used to treat mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and arthritis. It belongs to a group of medications called NSAIDs.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aspir-Low, Aspir-Trin, Aspirtab, Bayer Advanced Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin Extra Strength, Bayer Aspirin Plus, Bayer Extra Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Plus, Bayer Genuine Aspirin, Bayer Womens Aspirin, Bufferin, Bufferin Extra Strength, Bufferin Low Dose
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Take it as directed on the package or prescription label. You can take this medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not take it more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Children and teenagers should not use this medication to treat chicken pox or flu symptoms unless directed by a care team.
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People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you take this medication on a regular basis and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular health checks while on this medication.
If you are treating yourself for pain, tell your care team if the pain lasts more than 10 days, if it gets worse, or if there is a new or different kind of pain. Tell your care team if you see redness or swelling. Also, check with your care team if you have a fever that lasts for more than 3 days. Only take this medication to prevent heart attacks or blood clotting if prescribed by your care team.
Do not take other medications that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen with this medication. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many non-prescription medications contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Always read labels carefully.
This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Tobacco, alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your care team right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
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Discuss this medication with your care team if you may be pregnant. Taking this medication after 20 weeks of pregnancy may cause serious birth defects. Use of this medication after 30 weeks of pregnancy is not recommended.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from heat and moisture. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
Do not use this medication if it has a strong vinegar smell.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.