Aspirin for Lupus

Overview
Aspirin is an over-the-counter medication approved to treat lupus in 1948. Aspirin is often recommended for people with lupus who test positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. Taken in low doses each day, Aspirin can help prevent blood clots. It can also help prevent miscarriages in pregnant women who have lupus. Aspirin may help those with lupus avoid heart attacks and strokes.

Aspirin should not be used by people who are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen or intolerant of salicylates. Aspirin may be not appropriate for people with certain stomach problems, mild diabetes, kidney disease, hyperuricemia, gout, or bleeding problems.

Aspirin is an NSAID. NSAIDs help reduce fever, pain and inflammation. Aspirin is believed to work by suppressing the production of chemicals that promote inflammation and blood clot formation in the body.

How do I take it?
Always check with your doctor before taking a new medication, including over-the-counter medications.

Aspirin is taken in low, daily doses (usually either 81 or 325 milligrams) to treat lupus. “Baby aspirin” products often work for this dosage. Take Aspirin according to directions given by your doctor or found on the medication package. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Taking Aspirin with food or after meals may help avoid gastrointestinal side effects.

People with lupus who take NSAIDs regularly should have their kidney function tested every three or four months.

Results
A 2000 article analyzed medical literature to determine the benefits and risks of Aspirin and oral anticoagulants in people with lupus. The researchers concluded that everyone with lupus, especially those who test positive for antiphospholipid antibodies, should be given Aspirin to help prevent blood clots.

Side effects
Common side effects of Aspirin include skin rash, stomach pain, gastrointestinal ulcerations, bleeding, abdominal cramps, and nausea.

Contact your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting; black stools that appear bloody or tarry; changes to your hearing; or a fever that lasts more than three days while taking Aspirin.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, severe dizziness, rash, or itching or swelling of the face, tongue and throat.