Who should use this? -Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)

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Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) belongs to the group of medications called analgesics (pain relievers), antipyretics (fever reducers), anti-inflammatories (inflammation reducers), and platelet aggregation inhibitors (anticlotting agents). It works by interfering with the production of compounds in the body that cause pain, fever, inflammation, and blood clots.
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation in various conditions such as lower back and neck pain, the flu, common cold, burns, menstrual pain, headache, migraines, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and strains, nerve pain, toothache, muscle pain, bursitis (inflammation of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac located around joints and near the bones), and following surgical and dental procedures. ASA is also used for rheumatic fever in combination with other medications. In these situations, ASA is used on an as-needed basis.

Functions

With the supervision of the doctor, ASA can be used to: Prevent a first nonfatal heart attack in people who are at increased risk of having a heart attack as determined by their doctor (factors that increase your risk of heart attack include: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactive lifestyle, stress, and being overweight) Prevent a second heart attack or stroke Reduce the risk of “mini-stroke” or transient ischemic attack (TIA) Reduce the clotting properties of platelets for people who have had carotid artery surgery to prevent the recurrence of TIA and for people receiving hemodialysis through a silicone rubber access Prevent blood clots for people who have had a total hip replacement Reduce the risk of dying from the heart attack.

Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take acetylsalicylic acid if you: are allergic to ASA or any ingredients of the medication are in your last trimester of pregnancy are prone to bleeding are using methotrexate at doses of 15 mg or more per week have an active gastric ulcer have had a severe allergic or asthmatic reaction caused by salicylates, ASA, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs; e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen) have severe kidney failure have severe liver failure have severe congestive heart failure.

Side effects
Heartburn or indigestion
Mild-to-moderate abdominal or stomach cramps, pain, or discomfort
Nausea Pain, buzzing or ringing in ears
Severe or continuing abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning
Signs of bleeding (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Vomiting

Warning
It is important and urgent to stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
*Hearing loss
*Signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools, spitting up of blood, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
*Signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.