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Combining Aspirin and Vascepa: Weighing the Risks

Aspirin and Vascepa are two medications that are commonly prescribed to treat different health conditions. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever, while Vascepa is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid used to treat high triglycerides. While both medications have their own benefits, combining them may pose some risks. In this article, we'll explore the potential risks of combining aspirin and Vascepa and what you need to know before taking them together.

What is Vascepa?

Vascepa is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. It is an omega-3 fatty acid that helps to lower triglycerides and reduce the risk of pancreatitis, a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Vascepa is often prescribed for patients with high triglycerides who have not responded to other treatments.

What is Aspirin?

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It is commonly used to treat headaches, muscle and joint pain, and menstrual cramps. Aspirin is also used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients who have had a heart attack or stroke in the past.

Combining Aspirin and Vascepa: The Risks

Combining aspirin and Vascepa may pose some risks, including:

Increased Bleeding Risk

Aspirin is known to increase the risk of bleeding, and combining it with Vascepa may increase this risk even further. Vascepa contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can also increase the risk of bleeding. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, combining aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids increased the risk of bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat) (1).

Increased Risk of Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach ulcers and bleeding, and combining it with Vascepa may increase this risk. Vascepa can also cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.

Potential Interactions with Other Medications

Combining aspirin and Vascepa may also interact with other medications, including blood thinners, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet agents. These interactions can increase the risk of bleeding and other side effects.

Increased Risk of Kidney Damage

Aspirin can cause kidney damage in some patients, and combining it with Vascepa may increase this risk. Vascepa can also cause kidney damage in rare cases.

What You Need to Know Before Combining Aspirin and Vascepa

Before combining aspirin and Vascepa, it's essential to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or adjust your dosage to minimize the risks. Here are some things you should know before combining these medications:

Monitor Your Bleeding Risk

If you're taking aspirin and Vascepa, monitor your bleeding risk closely. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your doctor immediately.

Watch for Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Monitor your gastrointestinal side effects closely, and report any stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea to your doctor.

Be Aware of Interactions with Other Medications

Inform your doctor about all medications you're taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatments.

Get Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups with your doctor can help monitor your kidney function and detect any potential side effects early on.

Conclusion

Combining aspirin and Vascepa may pose some risks, including increased bleeding risk, gastrointestinal side effects, potential interactions with other medications, and increased risk of kidney damage. Before combining these medications, it's essential to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. By monitoring your bleeding risk, watching for gastrointestinal side effects, being aware of interactions with other medications, and getting regular check-ups, you can minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of these medications.

Key Takeaways

* Combining aspirin and Vascepa may increase the risk of bleeding.
* Combining aspirin and Vascepa may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
* Combining aspirin and Vascepa may interact with other medications.
* Combining aspirin and Vascepa may increase the risk of kidney damage.
* Monitor your bleeding risk, gastrointestinal side effects, and interactions with other medications closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I take aspirin and Vascepa together?

A: It's generally not recommended to take aspirin and Vascepa together without consulting your doctor first.

Q: What are the potential risks of combining aspirin and Vascepa?

A: The potential risks include increased bleeding risk, gastrointestinal side effects, potential interactions with other medications, and increased risk of kidney damage.

Q: How can I minimize the risks of combining aspirin and Vascepa?

A: Monitor your bleeding risk, gastrointestinal side effects, and interactions with other medications closely, and report any unusual side effects to your doctor.

Q: Can I take other medications with aspirin and Vascepa?

A: It's essential to inform your doctor about all medications you're taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, before taking aspirin and Vascepa together.

Q: How often should I get check-ups while taking aspirin and Vascepa together?

A: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help monitor your kidney function and detect any potential side effects early on.

References

1. "Combination therapy with aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, vol. 42, no. 4, 2017, pp. 531-538. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12543

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/prescribing-information/vascepa-icosapent-ethyl/>

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