The real cost of aspirin

Aspirin is a widely used drug and perceived by most physicians to be inexpe nsive. High rates of concurrent gastroprotective agents are reported from a study of cardiology outpatients. Aspirin takers are more likely to also be taking a proton pump inhibitor, H-2 antagonist, or antacid than non-aspiri n takers. They are more than 10 times as likely to be experiencing upper ga strointestinal symptoms. Although aspirin is inexpensive, it is emphasised that the overall cost implications for therapy can be significant and it is suggested that it may be more appropriate to consider the use of alternati ve antiplatelet agents in patients who tolerate aspirin poorly.