Frequently Asked Questions

Heart attacks and strokes are typically the result of a blood supply blockage either to the heart or the brain. This can be caused by plaque build-up in the lining of an artery.
Aspirin helps to prevent blood clots from forming by thinning the blood, therefore helping to prevent a heart attack or stroke.

This plaque can become thick enough to slow down blood flow, and in some cases block it completely, causing a blood clot. If a blood clot occurs in an artery that feeds the heart, the result is a heart attack. If a blood clot occurs in an artery that feeds the brain, the result is a stroke.

When taken as directed by a doctor, aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks or ischemic strokes (strokes caused by a blood clot). Aspirin may also save your life when taken during a suspected heart attack. Both men and women may benefit from aspirin use be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting an aspirin regimen.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized the use of aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in men and women who have had a heart attack or ischemic stroke or who have stable or unstable angina. While there are many benefits to aspirin therapy, it’s not right for everyone. It’s very important that you talk to your doctor before beginning an aspirin regimen.

While there are many benefits to aspirin therapy, it’s not right for everyone. It is important to talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk of heart attack and heart disease and whether an aspirin regimen is right for you. For apparently healthy people without any symptoms of heart disease, the risks of aspirin therapy may outweigh the benefits.

Studies show that taking aspirin as soon as a heart attack is suspected may reduce the risk of death or complications from the heart attack. If you suspect you are having a heart attack, the first thing you should do is get emergency medical care immediately, call 911 and crush or chew and swallow aspirin as directed by a doctor. Consult your doctor in advance if you should take aspirin in the event of a suspected heart attack.

If you have a history of strokes, make sure you know what kind of strokes you had. It is important to talk to your doctor and make sure aspirin use is right for you.It is important to know that there are two kinds of strokes. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot blocking the flow of blood in part of the brain. About four out of five strokes are ischemic. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding from a burst blood vessel in the brain or on the surface of the brain. About one out of five strokes are hemorrhagic. An aspirin regimen may help prevent a second ischemic stroke but will not prevent hemorrhagic strokes. In fact, aspirin use slightly increases the risk of hemorrhagic strokes.

Aspirin is the only OTC drug that has been shown to prevent another heart attack or stroke. Although acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®IB), and naproxen sodium (Aleve®) are like aspirin (St. Joseph Aspirin), because they are drug products that treat pain and fever, only aspirin has demonstrated a beneficial effect for recurrent heart attack and ischemic stroke prevention. Only your healthcare provider can provide you the specific information for these uses. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting an aspirin regimen.

St. Joseph Aspirin is safe when used according to the labeling directions.

Long-term aspirin use may be associated with side effects. These may include increased risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding and stomach ulcers. For most people, however, long-term aspirin use is safe when used under a doctor’s care.

It is important to talk with your doctor before starting an aspirin regimen, ask if there is any reason not to take aspirin. Be sure to tell your doctor about all of your medications – both non-prescription (OTC) and prescription – before you begin an aspirin regimen.