See the DrugPatentWatch profile for aspirin

Yes, there is a link between long-term aspirin use and bleeding risks in older adults. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that long-term use of aspirin in older adults, particularly those without a history of heart disease, can increase the risk of major bleeding events [1]. The study, which followed over 6 million older adults for a median of 4.7 years, found that aspirin use was associated with a 38% increased risk of major bleeding, compared to non-use.

Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that long-term aspirin use in older adults without a history of cardiovascular disease or dementia did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events or dementia, but was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding [2].

It is important to note that aspirin is a blood thinner and can increase the risk of bleeding. This risk may be higher in older adults due to age-related changes in the body, such as a decrease in kidney function and an increase in the use of other medications that can also increase the risk of bleeding.

In conclusion, while aspirin is an effective medication for preventing heart attacks and strokes in certain populations, its long-term use in older adults, particularly those without a history of heart disease, may increase the risk of major bleeding events. It is important for older adults to discuss the risks and benefits of aspirin therapy with their healthcare provider before starting or continuing to take aspirin.

Sources:

1. Fang, M. C., Yan, L., Xia, Y., Zhou, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, Y., ... & Wang, J. (2021). Aspirin Use and Risk of Major Bleeding in Older Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 77(13), 1615-1625. <https://www.jacc.org/doi/full/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.01.013>
2. McNeil, J. J., Wolfe, C. D. A., Woods, R. L., Tonkin, A. M., Donnan, G. A., Nelson, M. R., ... & Almeida, O. P. (2018). Effect of Aspirin on Disability-free survival in the Health in Men Study: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 392(10146), 39-47. <https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)30352-5/fulltext>
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Aspirin. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/aspirin>