Blood clots in veins can lead to life-threatening complications, including pulmonary embolism. New research from Australia suggests that aspirin could reduce the risk of recurrent venous thromembolism or VTE.
People who have had one clot are at a substantial risk for developing another. These patients are treated with anticoagulant medications. Traditionally, they were put on warfarin, but newer-generation anticoagulants such as Eliquis are now becoming popular.
The trouble is that such drugs are pricey and pose a risk of serious bleeding. The Australian investigators analyzed data from more than 1,200 patients who had experienced a serious blood clot. After the initial treatment with warfarin was discontinued, they were given 100 mg of coated Bayer aspirin or placebo daily. The aspirin cut the risk of a recurrence by about 40 percent without significantly increasing the risk of hemorrhage. The authors concluded that humble aspirin is a useful treatment against recurrent blood clots.
[Circulation, online August 25, 2014]
At The People’s Pharmacy, we were very pleased to learn that aspirin could be useful in preventing a recurrence of deep vein thrombosis. This old-fashioned drug may not get much respect, but it is powerful as well as versatile. Learn more from our free Guide to Key Aspirin Information.
5/10/18 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/how-do-you-weigh-the-benefits-and-risks-of-aspirin/
