Generic Name: aspirin

What is this medicine?

ASPIRIN, ASA (AS pir in) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat mild pain and fever.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia
• asthma
• bleeding problems
• child with chickenpox, the flu, or other viral infection
• diabetes
• gout
• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low level of vitamin K
• lupus
• smoke tobacco
• stomach ulcers or other problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, tartrazine dye, other medicines, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Chew this medicine. Do not swallow whole. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Children and teenagers should not use this medicine to treat chicken pox or flu symptoms unless directed by a doctor.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cidofovir
• ketorolac
• probenecid

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol
• alendronate
• bismuth subsalicylate
• flavocoxid
• herbal supplements like feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, horse chestnut
• medicines for diabetes or glaucoma like acetazolamide, methazolamide
• medicines for gout
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like enoxaparin, heparin, ticlopidine, warfarin
• other aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• pemetrexed
• sulfinpyrazone
• varicella live vaccine

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

If you are treating yourself for pain, tell your doctor or health care professional if the pain lasts more than 10 days, if it gets worse, or if there is a new or different kind of pain. Tell your doctor if you see redness or swelling. Also, check with your doctor if you have a fever that lasts for more than 3 days.

Do not take aspirin or aspirin-like medicines with this medicine. Too much aspirin can be dangerous. Always read the labels carefully.

This medicine can irritate your stomach or cause bleeding problems. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medicine to prevent irritation to your throat.

If you are scheduled for any medical or dental procedure, tell your healthcare provider that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine before the procedure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• black, tarry stools
• bloody, coffee ground-like vomit
• breathing problems
• changes in hearing, ringing in the ears
• confusion
• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
• pain on swallowing
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth or nose
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea or constipation
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach gas, heartburn

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from heat and moisture. Do not use this medicine if it has a strong vinegar smell. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.