FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Questions regarding the efficacy of Aspirin

1. How does Aspirin work?
2. Is Aspirin® well tolerated?
3. Can Aspirin® interact with other drugs?
4. Can I take Aspirin® if I have diabetes?
5. How does Aspirin affect the blood?
6. Can Aspirin® be taken during pregnancy?
7. What is the difference between Aspirin® and so-called generic acetylsalicylic acid products?
8. Does Aspirin® contain lactose (milk sugar)?
9. Can I take Aspirin® as a painreliever if I am at the same time taking low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (for example as a preventive treatment for my heart)?

General Questions about Aspirin

1. How long has Aspirin® existed?
2. Why is the original Aspirin® brand more expensive than most generics on the market?
3. What is the origin of the trade name “Aspirin”?
4. How does Aspirin® interact with other medicines?

Questions regarding the efficacy of Aspirin

1. How does Aspirin work?

   The active ingredient in Aspirin® is acetylsalicylic acid. The mechanism of action of acetylsalicylic acid has been widely documented and described in the available literature. Acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the production in the human body of certain substances — known as prostaglandins — which increase the perception of pain, fever and the redness and swelling (inflammation) that may accompany injuries. Consequently: pain is relieved, fever is lowered and inflammation is reduced.

2. Is Aspirin® well tolerated?

   When used as directed, acetylsalicylic acid has shown to be safe and well tolerated – based upon the evidence of use by millions of people over one hundred years – an outstanding track record of safety and efficacy. In spite of this – as with all medications – Aspirin® may have unwanted side effects.

3. Can Aspirin® interact with other drugs?

   In spite of the fact that acetylsalicylic acid is compatible with most prescription drugs on the market, we nevertheless recommend that you talk to your doctor before taking Aspirin® if you are already being treated with any other medication. If you are taking a prescription drug for anticoagulation (blood thinning), diabetes, gout or arthritis, you should be sure to consult your doctor before taking Aspirin.

4. Can I take Aspirin® if I have diabetes?

   If you have diabetes, it is advisable to talk to your physician, who will be well acquainted with your history and medications, in order to answer this question. Aspirin may interact with certain older diabetes medication. In view of the increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes, the administration of Aspirin® may be beneficial, taking into account the individual circumstances on a case-to-case basis.

5. How does Aspirin affect the blood?

   Acetylsalicylic acid reduces the effect of certain chemical messenger systems in the body. These compounds are responsible for platelet (thrombocyte) aggregation or blood clotting. Consequently, Aspirin may considerably reduce the risk of clots.

6. Can Aspirin® be taken during pregnancy?

   Pregnant women should not take acetylsalicylic acid during the last three months of their pregnancy. Furthermore, as a rule it is not advisable for pregnant women to take acetylsalicylic acid during the first 6 months of their pregnancy, unless definitely directed to do so and closely monitored by their physician.

7. What is the difference between Aspirin® and so-called generic acetylsalicylic acid products?

   The active ingredient in Aspirin®, acetylsalicylic acid, was discovered and formulated by Bayer over 100 years ago and the products have been further refined since then. Bayer has even created the “International Aspirin Award” on behalf of scientists from all over the world for outstanding scientific work in the field of research on Aspirin®. You will only be assured that you are taking the original Aspirin® products manufactured by Bayer when you see the word Aspirin® or Bayer® on the packaging.

8. Does Aspirin® contain lactose (milk sugar)?

   No, Aspirin® products are lactose-free and may therefore be taken by patients who are allergic to lactose

9. Can I take Aspirin® as a painreliever if I am at the same time taking low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (for example as a preventive treatment for my heart)?

   Yes, a regular low dose of acetylsalicylic acid (around 100 mg) is sufficient to ensure anticoagulation or blood thinning prophylaxis. One single dose of acetylsalicylic acid of 325 – 1000 mg is required for the treatment of acute pain. This dosage does not interfere (by enhancing or weakening the effect) with the blood-thinning properties of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid taken for prevention.

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General Questions about Aspirin

1. How long has Aspirin® existed?

   Acetylsalicylic acid, the active ingredient in Aspirin®,was synthesized for the first time in 1897 by a young Bayer chemist, Dr. Felix Hoffmann and his team, in a chemically pure and stable form. Two years later, acetylsalicylic acid was launched in Germany under the brand name Aspirin®.

2. Why is the original Aspirin® brand more expensive than most generics on the market?

   When you buy Aspirin®, you are not only purchasing a pharmaceutical compound, but also the unique formulation that is a result of ongoing research, development and testing. For over 100 years Aspirin®has been at the forefront of emerging science in the development of new formulations. Generics manufacturers benefit from the added value of the knowledge acquired for the original product, thus avoiding the expenses of research and development., as well as the cost of expanding awareness of the life-saving uses of Aspirin.

3. What is the origin of the trade name “Aspirin”?

   The letter “A” stands for Acetyl, which is the remaining portion of acetic acid in the molecule of the product’s active ingredient, acetylsalicylic acid. The next syllable,“spir”, is derived from the plant known as Spirea ulmaria, which yields salicin, a sugar combination of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is the base product from which acetylsalicylic acid is extracted. The ending, “in”, was a common suffix used for drugs at the time of the very first stable synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid by Felix Hoffmann in 1897.

4. How does Aspirin® interact with other medicines?

   In spite of the fact that Aspirin® is compatible with most prescription drugs, if you are receiving any other medication we recommend you consult your doctor before starting Aspirin treatment. If you are taking a prescription drug for anticoagulation (“blood thinning” treatment), diabetes, gout or arthritis, then you should only take acetylsalicylic acid once you have talked to your physician.

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