Aspirin and other antiplatelet medicines help prevent blood clots from forming. They can help some people lower their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
But these medicines can also make you more likely to bleed. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor before you start taking aspirin every day. It's not right for everyone. And if you and your doctor decide these medicines are right for you, learn how to take them safely.
If you take aspirin, be sure you know how to take it. Your doctor can tell you what dose to take and how often to take it. If you take another antiplatelet, take it as prescribed.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
Antiplatelets help lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Antiplatelets may be used by people who:
Here are some examples of antiplatelets. For each item in the list, the generic name is first, followed by any brand names.
This is not a complete list of antiplatelets.
These medicines make your blood take longer than normal to clot. This can cause bleeding, and you may bruise easily. In rare cases, they can cause you to bleed inside your body without an injury. If you have an injury, you might have bleeding that is hard to control.
These medicines may have other side effects. Depending on which one you take, you may:
You may have other side effects or reactions not listed here. Check the information that comes with your medicine.
Cautions for antiplatelets include the following:
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