Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use ASA (Asa-antiplatelet).
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
June 8, 2021
Health Canada has issued new information concerning the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Alcohol: People taking ASA on a daily basis are at an increased risk of developing stomach bleeds if they drink alcohol. Avoid or limit your alcohol intake while taking ASA.
Bleeding: ASA has antiplatelet properties, which prevents blood from clotting. This could increase your risk of bleeding. Your doctor will monitor you while you are taking ASA (Asa-antiplatelet), especially if you are also taking anticoagulant medications (e.g., Warfarin). Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of bleeding (e.g., bloody or black, tarry stools, frequent nose bleeds, unexplained bruising).
Breathing problems: People who have Asthma, long term breathing problems, or allergic conditions such as hay fever or nasal polyps are more likely to experience difficulty breathing and allergic reactions, caused by ASA. If you have a history of allergic reactions to other substances, or respiratory illness, discuss with your doctor how ASA (Asa-antiplatelet) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of ASA (Asa-antiplatelet), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes: Acetylsalicylic acid can increase the effects of certain diabetes medications such as Glyburide. High doses of ASA may also reduce blood glucose levels, which may change your insulin needs if you have diabetes.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how ASA (Asa-antiplatelet) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of ASA (Asa-antiplatelet), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency: People with G6PD deficiency may experience the breakdown of red blood cells when they take acetylsalicylic acid. The decrease in red blood cells causes Anemia. If you have G6PD deficiency, discuss with your doctor how ASA (Asa-antiplatelet) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of ASA (Asa-antiplatelet), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Gout: Acetylsalicylic acid can increase the level of uric acid in the body, causing gout to flare up. ASA can also decrease the effectiveness of medications used to treat gout. If you have a history of gout or Kidney Stones, discuss with your doctor how ASA (Asa-antiplatelet) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of ASA (Asa-antiplatelet), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you develop painful, warm and swollen joints or difficulty with urination, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how ASA (Asa-antiplatelet) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of ASA (Asa-antiplatelet), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Decreased liver function or liver disease may cause ASA (Asa-antiplatelet) to build up in the body and cause side effects. If you have decreased liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how ASA (Asa-antiplatelet) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of ASA (Asa-antiplatelet), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Other medical conditions: If you have a history of stomach ulcers, a tendency to bleed, severely low blood iron levels (anemia), or blood clotting disorders, discuss with your doctor how ASA (Asa-antiplatelet) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of ASA (Asa-antiplatelet), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Surgery: Acetylsalicylic acid should be stopped at least one week before elective surgery because of the risk of bleeding. If you are scheduled for surgery (including minor surgery, such as dental extractions), talk to your doctor or pharmacist about when you should stop taking ASA.
Pregnancy: When taken in the third trimester of pregnancy, ASA can increase the risk of bleeding for both the mother and child. It can decrease contractions, resulting in delayed or prolonged labour. It may also cause premature (early) closure of the arterial duct (a passageway in the heart) of the fetus. ASA (Asa-antiplatelet) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking ASA (Asa-antiplatelet), contact your doctor immediately. ASA should not be used by anyone in their last trimester of pregnancy (see the section "Who should NOT take ASA (Asa-antiplatelet)?").
Breast-feeding: Acetylsalicylic acid passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking acetylsalicylic acid, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Children, teenagers, and young adults should not take ASA when they have Chickenpox, Influenza, or flu-like illnesses as it may increase their risk for Reye's Syndrome, a possibly life-threatening health condition that may cause liver or brain damage.
Seniors: Seniors may be at an increased risk of experiencing side effects of ASA (Asa-antiplatelet).
