Is aspirin truly a "miracle drug"?

 One of the most widely used medications in the world is aspirin.

German research scientist Felix Hoffman of the pharmaceutical business Bayer created aspirin in 1897.

Hoffman developed a method to make acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), a synthetic version of salicin, a substance that naturally occurs in plants like the willow tree. This method led to the creation of aspirin.

Aspirin was shown to be a successful treatment for pain, fever, and inflammation in early clinical trials. It is thought that the medication has these effects via preventing the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are molecules that cause pain. As a result, aspirin is frequently used to treat arthritis swelling as well as headache, muscular, dental, and common cold pain.

The potential hazards of using aspirin

As with any medication, aspirin use on a daily basis has the potential of adverse effects.

Gastrointestinal bleeding, which increases the likelihood of developing a stomach ulcer, is one of the worst side effects of aspirin use. Taking aspirin could result in more bleeding and be possibly fatal if one already has a stomach ulcer.

Additionally, aspirin can interact with other medications and raise the risk of internal bleeding, especially those that have anti-clotting effects, such warfarin, apixaban, and dabigatran. Some dietary supplements, such as evening primrose oil and fish oil, may increase the risk of internal bleeding when taken with aspirin.

According to studies, taking aspirin increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Some people are allergic to aspirin, with asthmatics being especially at risk. A skin rash, breathing issues, swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat, and an allergic reaction to the medication are possible side effects.

Aspirin also causes bruising, tinnitus, nausea, and vomiting as adverse effects.

Aspirin use has been associated in certain studies to a higher risk of developing various medical problems. A 2013 study, for instance, revealed that long-term usage of the medication may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is the main cause of blindness in older persons.

Aspirin use has also been associated with a higher risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare condition that is most common in adolescents and teenagers and is characterised by liver and brain swelling.

Heart health and aspirin

As previously indicated, one of aspirin's many advantages is thought to be its capacity to inhibit blood clot formation.

For instance, the American Heart Association (AHA) advises heart attack survivors and those who are at high risk of heart attack to take daily low-dose aspirin as directed by a healthcare professional.

And last month, MNT covered new recommendations made by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that urge those aged 50 to 59 who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease to take daily low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Additionally, some studies have linked consistent aspirin use to a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke, a form of stroke brought on by a blood clot in the brain.

Cancer and aspirin

It is understandable that aspirin is ready to begin the largest clinical trial to evaluate its effectiveness against cancer given the mountain of information that suggests the medication has anti-cancer capabilities.

A more recent study connected long-term usage of low-dose aspirin to a decreased risk of colorectal cancer, or bowel cancer. MNT previously covered a study from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute that suggested daily aspirin may cut the risk of ovarian cancer by 20%.

In contrast to earlier studies, a study released in JAMA earlier this year suggested regular aspirin use may actually increase the risk of bowel cancer for some individuals, with the effect of aspirin dependent on the presence of specific genetic variants.

Pregnancy and aspirin

Recent studies have raised the possibility of a connection between regular aspirin use and a higher chance of pregnancy.

When a study found that women with a history of miscarriage or stillbirth were more likely to have a healthy pregnancy if they took 81 mg of aspirin daily with folic acid, as opposed to women who took a placebo, MNT first reported on the association last year.

Although the precise mechanism by which aspirin may increase the likelihood of conception is unknown, the researchers hypothesise that the medication lowers systemic inflammation, providing the womb a more secure environment for the development of the foetus.

However, some medical professionals think that the potential advantages of women having more fertility may be outweighed by the risks of taking daily aspirin, such as internal bleeding.

"I disagree that ladies trying to conceive should take an aspirin on a daily basis. Edgar Mocanu, treasurer of the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), told The Telegraph earlier this month that the facts did not support the need.

Before regularly taking aspirin, consult a physician.

Pregnant women and those with high blood pressure, asthma, liver or kidney issues, a blood disorder, or allergies to any other medications are among those who are more vulnerable to aspirin's negative effects.

Additionally, due to the increased risk of Reye's syndrome, the medication shouldn't be administered to children under the age of 16.

The FDA advises restricting alcohol consumption for people who already routinely take aspirin because the two together can raise the risk of stomach bleeding.

Patients who are undergoing surgical or dental treatments should also let their doctor or dentist know if they regularly use aspirin because the medication may make surgery more likely to result in bleeding.