UK Licensed medicinal product containing aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) 75 mg, authorised by the MHRA under one or more Marketing Authorisations held by generic manufacturers
Manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for medicinal products
Complies with relevant pharmacopoeial and regulatory standards for aspirin tablets in the UK/EU
UK Licensed medicinal product containing aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) 75 mg, authorised by the MHRA under one or more Marketing Authorisations held by generic manufacturers
Manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for medicinal products
Complies with relevant pharmacopoeial and regulatory standards for aspirin tablets in the UK/EU
Low-dose antiplatelet aspirin tablets
Description
Aspirin Tablets 75mg (pack of 28) are low-dose oral antiplatelet tablets containing 75 mg of acetylsalicylic acid per tablet. They are used under medical supervision for the secondary prevention of thrombotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, and after certain heart surgeries (e.g. coronary artery bypass grafting). At this low dose, aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and helps to prevent blood clots from forming in arteries, thereby reducing the risk of further vascular events. This product is a generic medicine; the specific brand and manufacturer supplied may vary, but all are licensed aspirin 75 mg tablets meeting UK/EU regulatory standards.
Bnefits
Low-dose (75 mg) aspirin for long-term secondary prevention of blood clots in high-risk cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients
Reduces the risk of further heart attacks and strokes by inhibiting platelet aggregation
Used following certain types of heart surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, to help prevent graft occlusion and thrombotic complications
Taken once daily in most regimens, supporting convenient long-term therapy when prescribed by a clinician
Generic product, so brands and manufacturers may vary while maintaining equivalent clinical effect
Supplied in a compact 28-tablet pack suitable for a typical 4-week supply at 1 tablet per day
Indications
Secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (heart attack) in adults who have previously had an MI
Secondary prevention of thrombotic cerebrovascular events such as transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or ischaemic stroke (once intracerebral haemorrhage has been excluded)
Secondary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity in patients with stable or unstable angina (outside the acute phase, according to clinical guidance)
Prevention of graft occlusion and thrombus formation after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and certain other revascularisation procedures, as part of a physician-directed regimen
General secondary prevention of thrombotic cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease in high-risk adult patients, in line with current clinical guidelines and under medical supervision
Composition
Active ingredient: Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) 75 mg per tablet
Typical excipients (may vary by manufacturer and brand) include: lactose monohydrate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, stearic acid or magnesium stearate, and film-coat / enteric-coat components such as methacrylic acid–ethyl acrylate copolymers, talc, triethyl citrate, polysorbate 80 and sodium lauryl sulfate
Sodium content usually negligible; check individual patient information leaflet (PIL) for precise excipient list and any allergen information
Formulation
Oral tablets containing 75 mg of acetylsalicylic acid
Most UK low-dose preparations are gastro-resistant (enteric-coated) or film-coated to reduce direct gastric irritation; some generic forms may be dispersible—patients must check the specific PIL supplied
Intended for long-term, once-daily administration under medical supervision
Packaging
Standard retail/dispensing pack containing 28 tablets (sufficient for 28 days at 1 tablet per day)
Tablets are typically supplied in blister strips sealed within a cardboard carton with printed labelling
Pack and blister design (colour, markings) may vary depending on generic brand supplied
Each pack is supplied with a patient information leaflet describing indications, dosing, contraindications and side effects
Usage
Use only as prescribed or advised by a doctor or appropriate prescriber; do not self-medicate with low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prevention without professional guidance.
Typical adult dose for secondary prevention is 75 mg once daily (one tablet), usually taken at the same time each day; some regimens may use 75–150 mg daily according to local guidelines and prescriber judgement.
Tablets should usually be swallowed whole with water; gastro-resistant tablets must not be crushed or chewed as this can damage the protective coating and increase gastric irritation.
If a dispersible (soluble) formulation is supplied, tablets should be dispersed in water before administration according to the PIL instructions.
Do not exceed the dose prescribed. This low-dose aspirin product is not intended for use as a painkiller or for the treatment of fever—other analgesic products should be used for those indications as advised by a clinician.
Aspirin 75 mg should not be given to children and adolescents under 16 years of age, unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose; do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.
Patients should inform their doctor, dentist or pharmacist that they are taking low-dose aspirin before any surgery, dental procedure or when starting new medicines.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity (allergy) to aspirin, other salicylates, or any of the excipients
History of asthma, angioedema, bronchospasm or rhinitis precipitated by aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Active, or a history of, peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding
History of other types of bleeding such as haemorrhagic stroke or coagulation disorders (e.g. haemophilia, thrombocytopenia), unless carefully managed by a specialist
Severe hepatic or renal impairment
Gout, particularly uncontrolled, as aspirin can interfere with uric acid excretion
Use in children and adolescents under 16 years (except on doctor’s advice) due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome
Third trimester of pregnancy (low-dose aspirin may be contraindicated or restricted; use only on the explicit advice of a specialist)
Concurrent use with certain anticoagulants or other medicines that significantly increase bleeding risk, unless under specialist supervision
Adverse Effects
Common: dyspepsia, indigestion, mild nausea, abdominal discomfort or heartburn, especially at start of therapy or if gastro-resistant coating is compromised
Gastrointestinal irritation, including gastritis, ulceration or gastrointestinal bleeding, which may present as vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, or unexplained anaemia
Increased bleeding tendency, including easy bruising, nosebleeds or prolonged bleeding from cuts
Hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rash, urticaria, bronchospasm or asthma exacerbation in susceptible individuals
Rare but serious events include severe gastrointestinal haemorrhage, haemorrhagic stroke, severe allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) and significant hepatic or renal impairment
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing disturbances at higher cumulative doses or in overdose
Any unusual bleeding, bruising, black stools, vomiting of blood, severe abdominal pain or difficulty breathing warrants urgent medical attention
Storage Conditions
Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from moisture and direct heat.
Keep tablets in the original package to protect from moisture and light.
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
Do not use tablets that are chipped, discoloured or show signs of deterioration; return them to a pharmacist for advice and safe disposal.
Duration
Intended primarily for long-term, often lifelong, secondary prevention of thrombotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, as determined by the prescribing clinician. Treatment duration is individualised and should be reviewed periodically by a healthcare professional.
Onset
Antiplatelet effects begin within hours of dosing and platelet function inhibition is evident within the first day of therapy. Clinical benefit for secondary prevention accrues over weeks to months and is maintained with continued daily use.
