What does it do?

Aspirin is used to prevent clots forming in your blood. This reduces your chance of having a stroke or a heart attack. It is also sometimes used for other conditions.

For information on aspirin for pain relief see Aspirin (for pain).

Before you start

• Tell your health professional if you have stomach or bleeding problems, or if you have asthma.
• Tell your health professional if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take aspirin regularly as directed. You can take it with or without food.
Enteric coated (EC) tablet: Swallow whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew.
Soluble tablet: Dissolve in a glass of water before taking.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with aspirin including:

• anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®).

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing Reduced number of blood cells that help your blood to clot - symptoms include: easy or unusual bleeding	Tell your doctor immediately
Easy or unusual bruising	Tell your doctor
Stomach upset	Tell your health professional if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• It is important to tell anyone who gives you medical or dental treatment that you are taking aspirin.
• Do not give aspirin to children unless prescribed by a doctor.