NHS issues stomach ulcer warning over popular painkiller

Many Brits take over-the-counter painkillers on a semi-regular basis. The drugs can be an effective way to treat common ailments such as headaches, back pain and colds and flu.

However, like any medication they should still be taken responsibly as per the instructions. They can also come with the risk of certain side effects, some of which can be particularly nasty. Aspirin is one such painkiller that should be used with caution. 

According to the NHS, this is because it has the potential to cause stomach ulcers, which can in extreme cases lead to internal bleeding and other dangerous issues.

For this reason, the health body issued a warning about the drug and also urged people with certain issues to avoid it completely. 

“Aspirin can cause ulcers in your stomach or gut, especially if you take it for a long time or in big doses,” the NHS said.

“Your doctor may tell you not to take aspirin if you have a stomach ulcer, or if you've had one in the past. If you're at risk of getting a stomach ulcer and you need a painkiller, take paracetamol instead of aspirin as it's more gentle on your stomach.”

The NHS added that stomach ulcers can be “very serious and potentially life-threatening”.

Potential complications of a stomach ulcer include:

• Bleeding at the site of the ulcer
• The stomach lining at the site of the ulcer splitting open (perforation)
• The ulcer blocking the movement of food through the digestive system (gastric obstruction).

The British Heart Foundation shared advice on how to avoid any stomach issues while taking aspirin:

• Always make sure to take your medication as your doctor prescribed it
• Don't take aspirin on an empty stomach
• Consider enteric coated aspirin.

The BHF added: “If you’re still having stomach issues, your doctor may prescribe another medication to protect your stomach, so that you can keep taking aspirin to keep your risk of heart attack and stroke as low as possible.”

Common side effects of aspirin include:

• Mild indigestion
• Bleeding more easily than normal

The NHS says you should call your doctor or call 111 now if:

• You are coughing up blood or have blood in your pee, poo or vomit
• The whites of your eyes turn yellow or your skin turns yellow (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin), or your pee gets darker – these can be signs of liver problems
• The joints in your hands and feet become painful – this can be a sign of high levels of uric acid in the blood
• Your hands or feet swell – this can be a sign of water retention