A patient who has been on long-term baby aspirin walks up to your pharmacy counter and wants to take naproxen for inflammation. What is one counseling point that you should mention about taking aspirin and naproxen together?
take aspirin first then NSAID
When taking aspirin and naproxen together, it is important to note that they both belong to the same class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking these two drugs together may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in older adults or patients with a history of stomach ulcers. Therefore, it is essential to counsel the patient to speak with their healthcare provider before combining these medications.
Additionally, it is important to note that if the patient is taking baby aspirin for a specific medical condition, such as to prevent heart attacks or strokes, the combination of naproxen and aspirin may interfere with the efficacy of the aspirin. Therefore, it is crucial to inform the patient about the possible interactions and advise them to consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any new medications.
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