Side effects of low dose aspirin

[Ovidess]

Can anyone tell me how one can tell when "baby" aspirin taken by MPN patients is doing harm? What are the symptoms of that?

[hunter5582]

Generally enteric low dose aspirin is well tolerated; however, there can be adverse effects. Two of the more obvious common adverse effects are GI irritation and excessive bleeding/bruising.

Here is a more complete listing of adverse effects from ePocrates.

Serious Reactions

anaphylaxis

anaphylactoid rxn

angioedema

bronchospasm

drug rxn w/ eosinophilia and systemic sx

bleeding

GI perforation

GI ulcer

DIC

pancytopenia

thrombocytopenia

agranulocytosis

aplastic anemia

hypoprothrombinemia

nephrotoxicity

hepatotoxicity (high-dose ASA use)

salicylism

Reye syndrome

Common Reactions

dyspepsia

nausea

vomiting

abdominal pain

tinnitus

dizziness

hyperuricemia

bleeding

ecchymosis

constipation

diarrhea

Note that just because something can happen does not mean that it will. The benefit of aspirin in preventing thrombosis is worth the relatively minor risks for most of us with MPNs.

Wishing you all the best,

[EPguy]

One concern is excess blood thinning. This is most likely when other blood thinning agents are taken. One example is higher doses of omega 3 (fish oil etc) supplements while on aspirin. Curcumin is another, more likely in the high dose versions. There are other meds and supps that can interact this way.

One easy to see effect is discolored bruising in random locations, either for no reason or to excess upon getting a bump or cut. I take omega 3 for my other condition and asked my MPN specialist about bruising that I get sometimes. He said no worries, but I still get concerned.

[DougyW]

No science behind this but I alternate between dispersible & enteric variants. I do this as they are absorbed in different parts so I've rationalised that will give each area time to heal. Any comments from the more knowledgeable?