Aspirin

(AS pir in)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Do not give children and teenagers aspirin for flu signs or chickenpox.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Do not give children and teenagers aspirin for flu signs or chickenpox due to the chance of Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome causes very bad problems to the brain and liver.
• Not if your child has an allergy to aspirin or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Asthma, bleeding problems, nose polyps, or rhinitis.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop strokes.
• It is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.
• It is used to ease pain, swelling, and fever.
• It is used to treat arthritis.
• It is used to treat rheumatic fever.
• It is used to treat Kawasaki disease.
• It is used to protect bypass grafts and stents in the heart.

How is this drug given?

• Oral:
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Have your child swallow enteric-coated or long-acting products whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.
• Chewable tablet may be crushed and mixed with food or chewed. Do not let your child swallow it whole.
• Suppository:
• Suppositories are for rectal use only.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Have your child wear disease medical alert ID (identification).
• If your child has had an ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or bowel, talk with the doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• If your child is taking a blood thinner, have his/her blood work checked. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Your child may bleed or clot more easily. Have him/her be more careful and avoid injury. Keep your child from rough-housing or playing contact sports.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that your child is using this drug.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Belly pain or heartburn.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Bleeding problems.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has a change in thinking clearly and with logic.
• If your child has a bad headache.
• If your child has black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• If your child has blood in the urine.
• If your child has any bruising or bleeding.
• If your child has ringing in ears.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Oral:
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Suppository:
• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Do not use suppositories if they have a vinegar smell.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Your child may only get some products of this drug by drug order. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If no refills are left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

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