Vitamins and aspirin 81

[alvertta]

I take 2000 vitamin D every day. Plus baby aspirin. Any one else taking baby aspirin? 81 mg.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Low dose aspirin was recommended for GCA patients in the old guidelines. When (if) the new ones are issued, that will be removed as it is felt the downsides with regard to potential gastric bleeding outweigh the benefits.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Even if its enteric coated or would that sort of aspirin not "help". It's gone off the diabetes protocol now for the same reason I think. That's why I was on a ppi.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I don't think it really makes much difference to be honest.

[alvertta in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I wondered as I bleed and bruise so easily now that I am on prednisone. But my rheumatologist at our meeting this week insisted it was essential. I think I will cut back.

[YuliK]

I take aspirin. So far so good 👍

[Devoid]

I take aspirin with LVV, and the steroids have raised my blood pressure, so consultant felt the increased risk of Stoke warranted it

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Devoid]

More to the point to manage the BP better I'd have thought.

[Devoid in reply to PMRpro]

I think I would prefer to take aspirin and get the steroids down which have caused the hypertension than adding hypertension drugs with their multitude of side effects

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Devoid]

I have no side effects from my hypertension drugs - you just need the right one/s. And even a mini aspirin can lead to bleeding and won't have the slightest effect on the pred dose you need. That isn't what it is for.

Studies found that there was a possible benefit in low dose aspirin for 11 in 10,000 compared to bleeds occurring in 9 in 10,000. G/I bleeds can be nasty.

[Devoid in reply to PMRpro]

I wasn’t suggesting it would have an effect on the steroids dose , but due to the horrendous side effects i have experienced from the steroids I am reluctant to add more medication if I can manage without. The interaction between medication is often overlooked and also it’s quite easy to get on medication but not so easy to come off

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Devoid]

I'm probably more aware of drug interactions than most - but now we have it sorted!

[Marijo1951]

I didn't know that baby aspirin still exists. I thought it had been banned because of the risk of Reye's Syndrome.

[alvertta in reply to Marijo1951]

I call it baby aspirin. Not sure that is the real name. It is 81mg and still available in Canada.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Marijo1951]

It is low dose aspirin - specifically aimed at the so-called benefits of prophylaxis of cardiovascular events, which are somewhat disputed!

[Hidden]

I’ve taken it for probably 10+ years, as was supposed to be a harmless way to help avert stroke. No gastric problem, but was thinking of discontinuing due to bruising. Will get gp’s and rheumatologist thoughts on visits in 2 weeks. Will be interested in posts here. Glad you asked.

[alvertta in reply to Hidden]

Look forward to hearing what your doctors say.

[Janstr]

I was prescibed it by my Rheumoltologist for GCA & took it, along with omezaprole ( to counteract potential stomach side effects) for some time. With PMRPros help I was able to convince both my Rheumoltologist & GP to stop taking both asprin and omezaprole

[Fieldofdreams in reply to Janstr]

i did exactly the same thing. Came off asprin and omepraz and have felt better for taking less drugs. still on 12 mg pred and also off methetrexate. Still losing my lovely hair though. good luck.

[Hellyowl]

I have taken 75mg aspirin for 5 years since heart attack. I do bruise easily but all my doctors think it is essential. Now down to 10 mg PPI and no stomach problems.

[Sho-Sho]

I was prescribed aspirin when diagnosed with GCA 3 years ago, when I had my last appointment at the Bristol Royal Infirmary the head Rheumatologist said that they no longer prescribed it for this condition and to stop taking it.

[TooSore]

It was prescribed for me after I had a clot in my eye this summer. Finally have discovered a hole in my heart that was supposed to close at birth. I find out Thursday if it will be closed surgically now. The aspirin is coated. (My 2.5 mg prednisone is not) So far no stomach issues

[Noosat]

Yes, I have been taking it for many yeas along with amlodipine and a diuretic for high blood pressure.

[confused2]

I take aspirin. Was prescribed after my stroke.

[Marcy47]

Hi Alvertta,

I have been taking 75mg dispersible Aspirin since a mild heart attack last November. I also take Bisoprolol and Losartan (changed from Ramapril 2 months ago due to a persistent cough). Currently on 6mg Prednisolone.

[Joydeck]

I take baby aspirin for atrial fibrillation but it is unlikely to help much. Aspirin is dubious for primary prevention of heart disease issues but more justified for secondary prevention following a heart attack or stroke.

[roshough]

I have taken Apirin 75mg daily since GCA diagnosed 6 years ago. Also need to take quite a high dose of ibuprofen for osteoarthritis...so take omeprazole to prevent stomach bleeds from that! I have never had stomach problems since, so am lothe to stop the aspirin if there is any doubt about it. When one has had a slightly clogged up aorta and carotid arteries....one really doesnt want to get a clot there.