A warning about heartburn medications that contain
aspirin
It's easy to reach for a fizzy,
soothing over-the-counter product when you have heartburn. But watch out for
the antacids with aspirin in them, warns the FDA. The agency says the medicines
(such as Alka-Seltzer Original, Bromo-Seltzer, and many others) can cause
stomach bleeding in rare cases. And even though the product labels have
included warnings about bleeding risks since 2009, the FDA says there've been
eight new cases since then of people who've used the products and been
hospitalized for stomach bleeding.
The FDA plans to convene a committee
of experts next year to study the issue. What can you do in the meantime? Read
labels, and don't take any antacids that contain aspirin, suggests the FDA.
You're at an increased risk for stomach bleeding from these products if you are
60 or older; drink heavily; have a history of ulcers; take blood thinners; use
aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve); or take steroids.
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