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Combining Aspirin and Blood Thinners: Weighing the Risks

Aspirin and blood thinners are two common medications used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. While both medications are effective on their own, combining them can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications. In this article, we'll explore the potential risks associated with combining aspirin and blood thinners, and what you can do to minimize those risks.

What are Blood Thinners?

Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are medications that prevent blood from clotting. They are often prescribed to people who have atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. Common blood thinners include warfarin (Coumadin), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).

What is Aspirin?

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It is also used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Combining Aspirin and Blood Thinners: The Risks

Combining aspirin and blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in the stomach and intestines. This is because both medications can thin the blood, making it more prone to bleeding. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, combining aspirin and warfarin increased the risk of bleeding by 50% compared to taking warfarin alone (1).

Other Risks Associated with Combining Aspirin and Blood Thinners

In addition to bleeding, combining aspirin and blood thinners can also increase the risk of:

* Gastrointestinal bleeding: Aspirin can irritate the stomach and intestines, increasing the risk of bleeding in people who are taking blood thinners.
* Hemorrhagic stroke: Combining aspirin and blood thinners can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which is a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.
* Kidney damage: Blood thinners can increase the risk of kidney damage, particularly in people who are taking aspirin.

Who is at Risk of Combining Aspirin and Blood Thinners?

People who are at risk of combining aspirin and blood thinners include:

* Those with atrial fibrillation: People with atrial fibrillation are often prescribed blood thinners to prevent stroke.
* Those with a history of heart attack or stroke: People who have had a heart attack or stroke may be prescribed aspirin to prevent further cardiovascular events.
* Those with peripheral artery disease: People with peripheral artery disease may be prescribed blood thinners to prevent blood clots in the legs.

What Can You Do to Minimize the Risks?

If you are taking both aspirin and blood thinners, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risks:

* Monitor your blood levels: Regularly monitoring your blood levels of aspirin and blood thinners can help your doctor adjust your dosage to minimize the risk of bleeding.
* Take your medications as directed: Taking your medications as directed can help minimize the risk of bleeding and other complications.
* Report any bleeding or bruising: If you experience any bleeding or bruising, report it to your doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Combining aspirin and blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications. However, with proper monitoring and dosage adjustments, the risks can be minimized. If you are taking both medications, it's essential to work closely with your doctor to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.

Key Takeaways

* Combining aspirin and blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications.
* People who are at risk of combining aspirin and blood thinners include those with atrial fibrillation, a history of heart attack or stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
* Monitoring blood levels, taking medications as directed, and reporting any bleeding or bruising can help minimize the risks.

FAQs

1. What are the risks associated with combining aspirin and blood thinners?

The risks associated with combining aspirin and blood thinners include bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke, and kidney damage.

2. Who is at risk of combining aspirin and blood thinners?

People who are at risk of combining aspirin and blood thinners include those with atrial fibrillation, a history of heart attack or stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

3. How can I minimize the risks associated with combining aspirin and blood thinners?

You can minimize the risks associated with combining aspirin and blood thinners by monitoring your blood levels, taking your medications as directed, and reporting any bleeding or bruising.

4. Can I stop taking aspirin if I'm also taking blood thinners?

It's not recommended to stop taking aspirin if you're also taking blood thinners without consulting your doctor. Stopping aspirin abruptly can increase the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular events.

5. How can I find more information about combining aspirin and blood thinners?

You can find more information about combining aspirin and blood thinners by consulting with your doctor or visiting online resources such as DrugPatentWatch.com.

References

1. "Combination therapy with aspirin and warfarin for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of the American College of Cardiology, vol. 67, no. 10, 2016, pp. 1231-1241. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.12.061.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Aspirin and Blood Thinners: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/blog/aspirin-and-blood-thinners-what-you-need-to-know/>