Aspirin
Medication for Heart Disease
Managing Your Medication
Your doctor has ordered medicine for your heart problem . Take your medicine only as directed — the correct dose at the correct time . Please call your doctor ’ s office with any questions .
� Always check the label of your prescription bottle before taking your medicine . Keep your medicine tightly capped in its original container when not in use . You may also use a daily or weekly pillbox .
� Know your medicine : — Name — Dose and how often you take it — Why you are taking it
� Carry an up-to-date list of your medications with you . Include any vitamins , food supplements , or herbal medications . Do not take any of these without first checking with your doctor . Herbal medications may interact with heart medications and cause problems .
� Each time you go in or out of the hospital , your medication list will need to be checked for accuracy . This is a safety measure to ensure that you are taking the correct medications .
� Be sure to speak up if you have any questions or are unsure about your medications .
� Always check with your doctor before stopping any medicine .
� Throw away medicine that you no longer need to take . Check with your pharmacist on how to dispose of it .
Types of Heart Medication
It ’ s likely that your doctor has directed you to take one or more of the following cardiac medicines . Keep track of any side effects you feel as your body adjusts to each medicine , and describe them to your doctor .
Aspirin
Aspirin is given to heart patients to reduce the “ stickiness ” of the blood to help prevent clots . It is an antiplatelet medication and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke . Aspirin comes in plain or coated tablets . Coated tablets are less irritating to the stomach . There are many brands and strengths of aspirin , so be certain to buy the correct strength . To be sure , ask your pharmacist .
Aspirin can cause nausea , stomach burning , or indigestion . Call your doctor right away if you have :
� Severe stomach pain � Bruising or bleeding � Bloody or dark urine � Bloody or dark stools � Ringing in the ears
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