FDA Warns Of Bleeding Risk For Consumers Using Aspirin-Containing Antacids
- 8 years ago
When heartburn and indigestion strike, many people reach for an over-the-counter antacid, but the FDA is suggesting consumers take a moment to look closely at which one they’re taking.
When heartburn and indigestion strike, many people reach for an over-the-counter antacid, but the FDA is suggesting consumers take a moment to look closely at which one they’re taking, reports NBC News.
Relief products that include aspirin can increase the risk for stomach or intestinal bleeding.
According to FDA, "OTC aspirin-antacid products are sold under various trade names, including Alka-Seltzer Original, Bromo Seltzer, Medique Medi Seltzer, Picot Plus Effervescent, Vida Mia Pain Relief, Winco Foods Effervescent Antacid and Pain Relief, and Zee-Seltzer Antacid and Pain Reliever. They are also available as generic products."
The FDA first issued a warning about the remedies in 2009, but a number of severe cases since have spurred the administration to reiterate its words of caution.
In a press release, Karen Murry Mahoney, Deputy Director of the Division of Nonprescription Drug Products at FDA, said, “Take a close look at the Drug Facts label, and if the product has aspirin, consider choosing something else...”
Among the alternatives recommended are, “…calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or another antacid.”
If heartburn is the problem, other products to look into include, “…acid reducers, such as proton pump inhibitors (esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole), or H2 blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine).”
Those at higher risk of experiencing undesired side effects from aspirin-containing antacids include people who are, “…60 or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems,” or who “take drugs that reduce the ability of…blood to clot.”
When heartburn and indigestion strike, many people reach for an over-the-counter antacid, but the FDA is suggesting consumers take a moment to look closely at which one they’re taking, reports NBC News.
Relief products that include aspirin can increase the risk for stomach or intestinal bleeding.
According to FDA, "OTC aspirin-antacid products are sold under various trade names, including Alka-Seltzer Original, Bromo Seltzer, Medique Medi Seltzer, Picot Plus Effervescent, Vida Mia Pain Relief, Winco Foods Effervescent Antacid and Pain Relief, and Zee-Seltzer Antacid and Pain Reliever. They are also available as generic products."
The FDA first issued a warning about the remedies in 2009, but a number of severe cases since have spurred the administration to reiterate its words of caution.
In a press release, Karen Murry Mahoney, Deputy Director of the Division of Nonprescription Drug Products at FDA, said, “Take a close look at the Drug Facts label, and if the product has aspirin, consider choosing something else...”
Among the alternatives recommended are, “…calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or another antacid.”
If heartburn is the problem, other products to look into include, “…acid reducers, such as proton pump inhibitors (esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole), or H2 blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine).”
Those at higher risk of experiencing undesired side effects from aspirin-containing antacids include people who are, “…60 or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems,” or who “take drugs that reduce the ability of…blood to clot.”