Aspirin: When I started taking Aspirin... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

49,254 members31,181 posts

Aspirin

Pollypuss profile image
28 Replies

When I started taking Aspirin I noticed all sorts of strange colours coming up on my arms . A bump would lead to a huge reddish bruise. Well now I don’t seem to have any of that two years later. Does anyone else encounter this

Written by
Pollypuss profile image
Pollypuss
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
28 Replies
ChoochSiesta profile image
ChoochSiesta

Been on Aspirin for 8 years now, never had any bruising.

Pollypuss profile image
Pollypuss in reply to ChoochSiesta

That’s encouraging . I had wondered if they had stopped working😸

I bruise and bleed from cuts just as easily now as when I first started with low dose aspirin four years ago .

Simes11 profile image
Simes11 in reply to

Same here..

Griff-64 profile image
Griff-64

I've taken aspirin for years and I still bruise very easily, especially my hands/fingers.

Gibson01 profile image
Gibson01

Was it just Aspirin that you were taking, or was there another anti platelet? I experienced the reaction you describe when I was prescribed an anti platelet (Ticagrelor) after my heart attack. I stopped the Ticragrelor after 12 months and the bruising stopped. After a recent angiogram I'm currently taking another antiplatelet (Prasugrel) and am experiencing similar bruising, but I know it will clear up when I stop the Prasugrel. If you are experiencing bruising on just aspirin alone, I suggest that you discuss with your GP

Pollypuss profile image
Pollypuss in reply to Gibson01

Yes just aspirin😸

jerry12953 profile image
jerry12953

I took low-dose aspirin for a couple of years and there is no doubt that I bruised and bled more easily. I've stopped taking it now and I'm back to normal.

When my mother was alive, she used to bruise horribly. I thought it was old age but now I realise it was her medication (Clopidogrel?)

Blackcat99 profile image
Blackcat99

I’ve always bruised easily - and sometimes quite spectacularly - even when the bruise wasn’t actually sore to touch. Was on aspirin for several years, alongside atenolol and atorvastatin, and can’t say I noticed much difference in bruising. Was changed to Clopidogrel a couple of years ago, and do notice more frequent little, round bruises occurring, esp on hands, arms, legs, without any memory of having knocked myself. Also, with both aspirin and Clopidogrel, cuts, etc., take a bit longer to stop bleeding, plus occasional nose bleeds. All fairly minor, ‘though, not really a problem.

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1

I bruise if I so much as look at my arms and legs, I’m on aspirin but also on ticagrelor and a cancer drug that also causes bruising, so I’m all pretty colours but it’s not bothering me at all. Dave.

marigoldb profile image
marigoldb in reply to Mtk1

Like you I’m on Aspirin and a blood thinner Apixaban bd. For the protection it gives me what are a few bruises? I do cover up at times when going somewhere special with a bit of make up!

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to marigoldb

Think my wife would complain if I used her makeup 🤣😂

marigoldb profile image
marigoldb in reply to Mtk1

I suggest you go into Boots to the No 7 and explain your problem, they will advise, and you can buy your own! How about that?

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to marigoldb

I was only joking.

marigoldb profile image
marigoldb in reply to Mtk1

The most important thing, is that your treatment works! Best wishes!

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to marigoldb

I agree, and all the best to you also.

valeriep profile image
valeriep

I've been on Clopidogrel and aspirin for almost 4 years, and I too have noticed that the resulting bruising has become less colourful over time. Still wake up with the odd mystery bruise, though!

Pollypuss profile image
Pollypuss in reply to valeriep

Thanks for your reply

Simes11 profile image
Simes11 in reply to valeriep

Isn’t Clopidogrel normally prescribed for a period of 12-18 months only? 🤔

in reply to Simes11

Post HA I was on Clopidogrel and Aspirin then, as you say, dropped the Clopidogrel after 12 months but still take Aspirin.

valeriep profile image
valeriep in reply to Simes11

I believe that is usually the case, but I have familial hypercholesterolemia (inherited high cholesterol) and tests showed that in addition to the hardened arteries in my chest (now stented), my carotid arteries are also 90-95% blocked. As I tolerate Clopidogrel well, the specialists have advised that I remain on it, along with aspirin, to reduce the risk of blood clots/stroke.

Simes11 profile image
Simes11 in reply to valeriep

Thank you so much, valeriep for sharing all of that of that information with me… not only very interesting, but hugely informative. 🙏

Blackcat99 profile image
Blackcat99 in reply to valeriep

I hadn’t been aware that Clopidigrel was intended for time-limited use. Have been on it for about 3-4 years now but, like valeriep, I have familial hypercholesterolaemia and seem to tolerate Clopidigrel well, so suppose that is why I’m still on it. Must ask about this at next check-up.

valeriep profile image
valeriep in reply to Blackcat99

Hi Blackcat, Good to meet another member of the FH Club - even if it's one we'd rather not belong to!

Blackcat99 profile image
Blackcat99 in reply to valeriep

Hi to you, too! Yes, not the sort of inheritance we’d have chosen, is it? (but could have been much worse, I know) I’ve been veggie + fish for over thirty years now, goodness knows what my cholesterol levels would have been like if I’d been tucking into lots of red meat every day 😬

Good luck!

valeriep profile image
valeriep in reply to Blackcat99

Me too! I've been a pescatarian since 1985, although I do have a bit of a biscuit habit... Thank goodness we made that lifestyle choice, eh? But it's the luck of the draw and as you said, others have it far worse. Good luck to you too!

Simes11 profile image
Simes11

Yep, pretty much the same as everyone here. Have taken 75mg aspirin for nearly 13 years now & still have some ‘doozies of bruises’ for the slightest little knock, as well as the tiniest of cuts (even mosquito bites) that often bleed profusely, as if cut very seriously! Nothing as bad as it was when taking Clopidogrel (Plavix) at the same time though, thank goodness! 🤗

Pollypuss profile image
Pollypuss

Thanks to everyone who has replied. Maybe I have developed more muscle now on my arms as I lost weight during the op and was not active for a while. I just hope the Aspirin is still working effectively 😸

You may also like...

Aspirin

I take an Aspirin every day to prevent blood clots presumably. However my father died of a brain...

Aspirin

people taking statins and aspirin can I ask what sort you take I.e coated or dispersive and does it...

Aspirin

surgery to pick up prescription for aspirin and atorvastatin. Should I take these before the...

Aspirin

last year I was prescribed a cocktail of medication, one of which is 75mg dispersible aspirin. Does...

Aspirin

I have been prescribed 75mg x2 Aspirin since my bypass op over 10 years ago along with Lansoprazole...