Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Aspir 81 as follows:
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Aspir 81 use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea, vomiting, and burning sensation of stomach, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking dose of Aspir 81 with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack, can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Prostaglandin are chemical mediators playing an important role in promoting pain and inflammation. Aspir 81, by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, helps with pain relief. Prostaglandins, apart from mediating pain and inflammation, also help increase the secretion of mucus, which forms a protective layer on the inner lining of stomach and intestines.
- Aspir 81, by inhibiting the prostaglandin synthesis, inhibits the formation of protective mucus cover on the inner lining of the stomach. Deficient mucus cover on the inner lining of stomach can result in irritation of the stomach lining. Thus, Aspir 81 can induce some burning sensation and stomach upset, especially when taken on empty stomach.
- Individuals with history of gastric ulcers can present with activation of the ulcer, secondary to Aspir 81 intake, which can result in episodes of gastric bleeding. They can also present with black tarry stools and/or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, due to the partially digested blood.
