Many Britons take over-the-counter painkillers on a semi-regular basis. Medicines can be an effective way to treat common ailments such as headaches, backaches and colds and flu.
However, like all medicines, they should still be taken responsibly according to the instructions. They can also carry the risk of certain side effects, some of which can be particularly unpleasant. Aspirin is one such pain reliever that should be used with caution.
According to the NHS, this is because it can cause stomach ulcers, which in extreme cases can lead to internal bleeding and other dangerous problems.
For this reason, the health authority warned against the drug and also advised people with certain problems to avoid it altogether.
“Aspirin can cause ulcers in your stomach or intestines, especially if you take it for a long time or in high doses,” the NHS said.
“Your doctor may tell you not to take aspirin if you have a stomach ulcer or if you’ve had one in the past. If you’re at risk of getting a stomach ulcer and need a pain reliever, take paracetamol instead of aspirin because it’s gentler on your stomach.
The NHS added that stomach ulcers can be “very serious and potentially life-threatening”.
Possible complications of a stomach ulcer include:
- Bleeding at the wound site
- Abdominal mucosa at the point of wound splitting (perforation)
- An ulcer that prevents food from moving through the digestive tract (stomach obstruction).
The British Heart Foundation shared advice on how to avoid stomach upset while taking aspirin:
- Always make sure you take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor
- Do not take aspirin on an empty stomach
- Consider enteric-coated aspirin.
The BHF added: “If you still have stomach problems, your doctor may prescribe another medicine to protect your stomach so you can continue to take aspirin to keep the risk of heart attack and stroke as low as possible.”
Common side effects of aspirin include:
- Mild indigestion
- Bleeding more easily than normal
The NHS says you should call your doctor or call 111 now if:
- You cough up blood or have blood in your pee, poo or vomit
- The whites of your eyes turn yellow or your skin turns yellow (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) or your pee becomes dark – these may be signs of liver problems
- Joints in the hands and feet become painful – this can be a sign of high levels of uric acid in the blood
- Swollen hands or feet – this could be a sign of water retention
