There was a time when only one brand of
aspirin existed and
in its manufacturer's
1920s ad campaign we were assured that aspirin would not damage
our hearts.But we now know that
aspirin can affect the heart. Today,
aspirin is actually prescribed under its various generic and name brands for its
heart-healthy effects.
In fact, of the 80 million
aspirin
tablets Americans take each day, most are taken not for everyday aches and pains
but to reduce the risk of heart disease. This is according to
aspirin
manufacturer Bayer Corp.
"DOES NOT AFFECT THE HEART." That assurance in the Bayer
aspirin ads of the
1920s spoke to concerns of the day that some drugs could damage the all
important
life-sustaining organ. Today it's clear that aspirin can affect the heart.
Ironically, it turns out the effects are beneficial, so much so that some
aspirin ads now carry the American Heart Association's seal to highlight the
cardiovascular effects.
"Used the way it should be, the information should save a lot of lives," says
Debra Bowen, M.D., deputy director of one of FDA's drug review offices. "In
addition," says she, "the information should reduce adverse reactions and allow
doctors to better target those who need to use the product."
Based on studies showing
aspirin's usefulness in treating cardiovascular
disease, including heart attack and stroke, the Food and Drug Administration has
approved its use to treat some of these more serious conditions. Most recently, in
1998, FDA finalized a rule to give doctors updated information about the use of
aspirin for men and women who have had a heart attack or stroke or are at high
risk for them.
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