The risks of a daily aspirin regimen outweigh the benefits for many adults, says a recent study by doctors in Europe and America. The study, which appeared in the June 6th edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at nearly 400,000 adults age 30 or older-half on a low-dose aspirin regimen, half not. Researchers looked at the medical histories of these adults over six years, and found aspirin linked to increased risks of bleeding in the stomach and brain. According to the study, aspirin was associated with a 55 percent increased risk of bleeding in areas of the gastrointestinal system, which includes the stomach or intestines. Aspirin was also associated with a 54 percent increased risk of bleeding in or around the brain.

The authors of the study were careful to point out that their findings don’t prove a direct cause-and-effect link between aspirin and these bleeds. However, the findings do show a definite relationship between a low-dose aspirin regimen and increased risk of internal bleeds. The study originally aimed to look at the effects of aspirin on people with diabetes. Researchers determined that aspirin actually only increases the risks of internal bleeding slightly in diabetics, and may actually be less effective in stopping blot clots among people with diabetes.

Some of the researchers think these findings mean that greater awareness about what a powerful drug aspirin is may be needed. Dr. Christopher Cannon, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women\’s Hospital in Boston and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and one of the study’s authors, said “although it\’s commonly found in the household medicine cabinet, aspirin is not a simple drug.” He added, “It\’s a powerful medication that can produce side effects-notably bleeding. We can\’t just put aspirin in the drinking water. People will bleed.”

Keeping in mind the risks of any drug regimen is particularly important today-as more and more drug companies advertise their products directly to consumers. Aspirin is a particularly risky example-it’s a powerful drug that is widely available and easy to obtain. It’s also a drug that is used for other conditions not related to heart health. Experts and safety advocates both urge people to consult a doctor before starting an aspirin regimen. With the results of this study, however, perhaps more doctors will hesitate before telling patients to begin taking aspirin on a daily basis.

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Written on behalf of Joseph A. Ginarte, a Personal Injury Attorney and Construction Accident Attorney serving New York and New Jersey.

Written on behalf of Joseph A. Ginarte, a Personal Injury Attorney and Construction Accident Attorney serving New York and New Jersey. (http://www.ginarte.com)

Author Bio: Written on behalf of Joseph A. Ginarte, a Personal Injury Attorney and Construction Accident Attorney serving New York and New Jersey.

Category: Legal
Keywords: Aspirin, Medical Malpractice, Dangerous Drugs