Durlaza

This medication is a low dose of aspirin used to reduce the risk of having a heart attack in people who have heart disease. It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have previously had a stroke or "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack). Aspirin is known as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medication works by stopping platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke.

This medication is a long-acting form of aspirin and does not work right away. Other forms of aspirin (immediate-release) should be used when a fast effect is needed, such as right after a heart attack or for pain relief.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food or milk.

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication.

Do not take this medication 2 hours before or 1 hour after drinking alcoholic beverages.

NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen) may decrease aspirin's ability to prevent heart attack/stroke. If you use a NSAID, take it at least 8 hours before or at least 2 to 4 hours after this medication (see also Drug Interactions section).

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Upset stomach or heartburn may occur. If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, uncontrolled bleeding from gums or nose, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, unusual tiredness, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

This drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, stop taking this medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist right away: stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking aspirin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other salicylates (such as choline salicylate); or to NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), bleeding/blood problems (such as hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, low platelets), kidney disease, liver disease, stomach problems (such as ulcers, heartburn), growths in the nose (nasal polyps).

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you may safely drink.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This drug contains aspirin. Children and teenagers younger than 18 should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness or if they have recently received a vaccine. In these cases, taking aspirin increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially stomach/intestinal bleeding and ulcers.

Aspirin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. Do not use this medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy because of possible harm to the unborn baby or problems during delivery. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Aspirin passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: mifepristone, other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as warfarin/dabigatran), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), ginkgo biloba.

Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, ketorolac, naproxen). These drugs are similar to this medication and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. Daily use of NSAIDs may decrease aspirin's ability to prevent heart attack/stroke. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: ringing in the ears, sweating, rapid breathing.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.