How can I protect my stomach when taking aspirin?

Can aspirin cause stomach problems?

Aspirin is one of the most common medicines taken by people with heart and circulatory conditions, as it reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke and is generally safe to take for a long time. However, for some people, it can increase the risk of stomach symptoms like indigestion, nausea and, more rarely, stomach ulcers. But there are simple measures you can take to keep the risk of stomach problems low.

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Tips for avoiding stomach problems while on aspirin

1. Chat to your doctor

Firstly, always make sure to take your medication as your doctor prescribed it. They may also be able to give you more specific information about how best to take it. Tell them before you start taking aspirin if you’ve had stomach issues in the past.

2. Don't take aspirin on an empty stomach

Aspirin is best taken with or just after food, not on an empty stomach. You don’t need to avoid any foods, but avoiding too much alcohol will help prevent stomach irritation. Don’t take other anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, when you are taking aspirin, unless you’ve checked with your doctor first.

3. Consider enteric coated aspirin

If you get stomach symptoms while taking aspirin, ask your doctor about enteric-coated versions (if this isn’t what you take already), which are kinder to the stomach. Make sure you follow the instructions on how to take these.

If you’re still having stomach issues, your doctor may prescribe another medication to protect your stomach, so that you can keep taking aspirin to keep your risk of heart attack and stroke as low as possible.