Posts Tagged ‘aspirin’

The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, a monthly review of pharmacotherapeutics in medicine published by the British Medical Journal, is recommending that physicians take a second look before prescribing daily low-dose aspirin to patients. A recent review of European data questions whether there is any benefit at all for those without a history of cardiovascular disease to be taking a daily aspirin, especially since long-term low-dose aspirin therapy almost doubles the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding (a potentially serious side effect). The journal authors support continued use of aspirin in those with known cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attacks. But, in light of current evidence, is not recommending daily low-dose aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease. [via Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin]

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The medical community took a second look at the humble aspirin once again due to findings from a new Harvard Medical School study, published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. After looking at nearly 1,300 colon cancer patients researchers noted that, of those who used aspirin regularly, death from the disease decreased by nearly 30%. This is quite significant since almost 50,000 people will die from colon cancer this year alone. It’s the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Although no formal recommendations have been made with regards to aspirin use in colon cancer (further studies will be needed), patients should speak to their physicians prior to initiating daily doses of the medication. [via Yahoo! News]

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The American Chemical Society reports new evidence that humans can make their own salicylic acid (SA), the compound largely responsible for aspirin’s effects on pain, fever, and inflammation. SA is a naturally occurring substance that can be obtained directly from eating fruits and vegetables. Researchers have previously shown that vegetarians have much higher levels of SA in their bodies (sometimes as high as in those who take low doses of aspirin). Now, the same research group claims that new evidence suggest that our bodies can actually manufacture SA from compounds we consume in our diet. Could SA be one of the chemicals responsible for the health benefits of a vegetarian diet? Numerous studies have shown that vegetarians seem to have a lower risk of obesity, coronary heart disease (which can cause heart attacks), high blood pressure, and diabetes.

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