Aspirin

Description

VALUMEDS™ is a chewable formulation of aspirin, containing 81 mg of the active ingredient, which is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This product is designed for adult low-strength pain relief and is comparable to the active ingredient found in Bayer® Chewable Low Dose Aspirin Regimen. Each package contains 36 tablets, providing a convenient dosage form for users.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains, as well as for use as recommended by a healthcare professional. Due to its delayed action, this product is not intended for the fast relief of headaches, fever, or other symptoms requiring immediate alleviation. Healthcare providers may consider other potential uses for Aspirin 81 mg based on individual patient needs.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Patients should take the medication with a full glass of water to ensure proper administration and absorption.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 4 to 8 tablets every 4 hours. The total daily dosage must not exceed 48 tablets within a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

For children under 12 years of age, it is advised to consult a physician for appropriate dosing recommendations.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. Due to the potential for severe allergic reactions, administration in these patients is not recommended.

Warnings and Precautions

Children and teenagers who are experiencing or recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. If any changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur while using this product, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional, as these symptoms may indicate the onset of this rare but serious condition.

Aspirin may provoke severe allergic reactions, which can manifest as hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), or shock. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for these signs and advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which carries a risk of stomach bleeding. The likelihood of this adverse effect is increased in individuals who are 60 years of age or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders, are concurrently using anticoagulants or steroid medications, are taking other NSAIDs (including aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen), consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily, or exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

Healthcare providers should advise patients to consult a physician prior to using this product if they have a history of stomach issues, such as heartburn, or if they have conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. Additionally, patients taking diuretics or those with asthma should seek medical advice before use. It is also recommended that patients on prescription medications for gout, diabetes, or arthritis consult with their doctor or pharmacist prior to use.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted without delay.

Patients should discontinue use and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any signs of an allergic reaction or symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding, which may include feeling faint, vomiting blood, passing bloody or black stools, experiencing persistent stomach pain, or if pain worsens or lasts longer than ten days. Other concerning symptoms include the presence of redness or swelling, the emergence of new symptoms, or any ringing in the ears or loss of hearing.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of several potential adverse reactions, which can range from serious to common.

Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious illness that may occur in children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms. It is crucial for these individuals to avoid using this product. If patients experience changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting while using this product, they should consult a doctor immediately, as these symptoms could indicate the onset of Reye's syndrome.

Aspirin may also cause severe allergic reactions in some patients. Symptoms of such reactions can include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), and shock. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any signs of an allergic reaction.

This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which carries a risk of stomach bleeding. The likelihood of experiencing stomach bleeding is increased in patients who are 60 years of age or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, are taking blood-thinning medications or steroids, are using other NSAIDs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen), consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product, or exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

Patients are advised to stop using the product and consult a doctor if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, which may include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, experiencing persistent stomach pain, or if pain worsens or lasts more than 10 days. Additional symptoms that warrant medical attention include the presence of redness or swelling, the emergence of new symptoms, or experiencing ringing in the ears or loss of hearing.

Patients should not use this product if they are allergic to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. It is recommended that patients consult a doctor before use if they have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, or if they have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. Additionally, patients taking diuretics or those with asthma should seek medical advice prior to use.

Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also consult a health professional before using this product, particularly during the last three months of pregnancy, as aspirin may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery.

Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of anticoagulants or steroid medications may elevate the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when administered alongside this product. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider monitoring for signs of bleeding in patients receiving these therapies concurrently.

Additionally, the use of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including but not limited to aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, may further increase the risk of stomach bleeding. It is advisable to assess the necessity of these medications and monitor patients for gastrointestinal complications.

Patients taking prescription medications for gout, diabetes, or arthritis should consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist prior to using this product to ensure safe and effective use, as potential interactions may necessitate dosage adjustments or additional monitoring.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Aspirin. Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. If any changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur while using this product, it is essential to consult a doctor, as these may be early signs of Reye's syndrome.

For dosing, adults and children aged 12 years and over are directed to take 4 to 8 tablets every 4 hours, with a maximum of 48 tablets in 24 hours unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional. For children under 12 years of age, consultation with a doctor is required before use.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, may have an increased risk of stomach bleeding. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients, considering the potential for heightened adverse effects.

It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and to evaluate the necessity of dosage adjustments based on individual patient factors. Careful assessment of the risk-benefit ratio is essential in this population to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. The use of aspirin during the last trimester of pregnancy is particularly cautioned against, as it may lead to adverse effects on fetal development and complications during delivery. Therefore, it is essential that pregnant patients only use aspirin in this period if explicitly directed by a healthcare provider.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional before using this medication. It is particularly important to avoid the use of aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when considering the use of this medication while breastfeeding.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they have conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. It is essential to assess renal function and consider potential dosing adjustments or monitoring requirements based on the severity of renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they have conditions such as liver cirrhosis. It is essential for these patients to receive appropriate evaluation and monitoring of their liver function to ensure safe use of the medication. Adjustments to dosage may be necessary based on the severity of hepatic impairment, and ongoing assessment of liver function is recommended throughout the treatment period.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Prompt intervention is crucial to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with the overdose.

Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for symptoms that may arise from an overdose, although specific symptoms are not detailed in the provided information. The management of an overdose typically involves supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual patient's needs.

It is essential for healthcare providers to remain alert to the signs of overdose and to act swiftly in accordance with established medical protocols.

Nonclinical Toxicology

It is especially important not to use aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional, as it may lead to complications for the unborn child or during delivery. No specific non-teratogenic effects have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there are no details regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the current information.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs. These include allergic reactions such as hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), and shock. Additionally, cases of stomach bleeding have been noted, particularly in individuals aged 60 or older, those with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, patients taking blood thinners or steroids, individuals consuming three or more alcoholic drinks daily, or those exceeding the recommended dosage.

Furthermore, changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting may suggest the occurrence of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition, especially in children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event of an overdose, patients should be instructed to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Patients must be informed not to use this medication if they have a known allergy to aspirin or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. It is crucial to instruct patients to stop using the medication and consult a doctor if they experience any signs of an allergic reaction, which may require immediate medical attention. Additionally, patients should be made aware of the signs of stomach bleeding, including feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, experiencing stomach pain that does not improve, or if pain worsens or lasts more than 10 days. They should also report any redness or swelling, new symptoms, or symptoms such as ringing in the ears or loss of hearing.

Healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult a doctor before using this medication if they have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, or if the stomach bleeding warning applies to them. Patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease should also seek medical advice prior to use. Furthermore, those taking diuretics or who have asthma should be advised to consult a healthcare professional before starting this medication.

Lastly, patients should be encouraged to speak with their doctor or pharmacist if they are currently taking prescription medications for gout, diabetes, or arthritis to ensure safe and effective use of this medication.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at room temperature to maintain its integrity and efficacy. No special handling requirements are noted; however, standard precautions should be observed to ensure optimal storage conditions.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. It is particularly crucial to avoid aspirin during the last trimester of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Aspirin, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)