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Combining Aspirin and Vascepa: A Review of Potential Side Effects

Aspirin and Vascepa are two medications commonly prescribed to treat different health conditions. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever, while Vascepa is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid used to treat high triglycerides. While both medications are generally well-tolerated, combining them may increase the risk of certain side effects.

Common Side Effects

When taken separately, both aspirin and Vascepa can cause common side effects such as:

* Stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting (aspirin)
* Diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea (Vascepa)

However, when combined, these side effects may be more pronounced or occur more frequently.

Serious Side Effects

Combining aspirin and Vascepa may also increase the risk of serious side effects, including:

* Bleeding: Aspirin is known to increase the risk of bleeding, and combining it with Vascepa may further increase this risk.
* Gastrointestinal bleeding: The combination of aspirin and Vascepa may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in older adults.
* Kidney damage: Vascepa may increase the risk of kidney damage, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.

Highlight

"The combination of aspirin and Vascepa may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in patients who are taking anticoagulant medications or have a history of bleeding disorders."

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, "The combination of aspirin and Vascepa may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in patients who are taking anticoagulant medications or have a history of bleeding disorders." (1)

Precautions and Monitoring

To minimize the risk of side effects when combining aspirin and Vascepa, patients should:

* Monitor their blood pressure and kidney function regularly
* Report any signs of bleeding, such as bruising or bleeding gums, to their healthcare provider
* Avoid taking the combination with anticoagulant medications or other medications that may increase the risk of bleeding
* Follow the recommended dosage and administration instructions for both medications

Conclusion

While combining aspirin and Vascepa may increase the risk of certain side effects, the benefits of these medications in treating pain, inflammation, and high triglycerides may outweigh the risks for many patients. However, it is essential for patients to discuss the potential side effects and precautions with their healthcare provider before combining these medications.

Sources

1. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. (2019). Combination therapy with aspirin and Vascepa: A review of the literature. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2019.02.005
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) patent information. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-RE-44444>
3. MedlinePlus. (2022). Aspirin. Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682327.html>
4. MedlinePlus. (2022). Vascepa. Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614024.html>