alternative for aspirin

[Guest guest]

In the last year I have had three heart catherizations, and of course after

my first one nearly a year ago they prescribed low dose aspirin. I had a

discussion with the cardiologist and he kinda sorta slapped himself on the

forehead and said,,,,,,,,, " of course, with your pouch, aspirin, is out of the

question! " He then prescribed Plavix and said it essentially does the same

thing for the blood consistency but is just more expensive and he usually

just goes with aspirin.

I am not sure that addresses the reasoning for your low dose aspirin

prescription, but just thought I would toss it in. How strange it is to just

get your email. I had just retyped something from a handout from the

Arthritis Foundation on the subject - well kinda on the subject - concerning

NSAIDs and -1 and C-1 inhibitors. I know that subject gets discussed

often but I have a very good friend on another group who mentioned that she

takes Ibuprofen daily and has since surgery. Scared me to death for her but

she tells me that the surgeon's office said it was FINE. Here is the reprint

on that subject:

*************************************************************

Some thoughts on -2 Inhibitors

(Remember these are guidelines for normies - not folks with modified plumbing

and wee small pouches) Taken from a publication by the Arthritis Foundation.

WHAT ARE COX-2 INHIBITORS?

-2 inhibitors belong to a category of drugs called nonsteroidal

anti-inflamatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are a large group of medications

used to treat pain and inflammation. There are several types of NSAIDs, and

aspirin is the most common. Other examples include ibuprofen, ketoprofen and

naproxen. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of chemicals called

prostaglandins that are involved in the inflammation process as well as other

bodily functions, including protection of the stomach lining.

Research has shown there are two types of enzymes involved in prostaglandin

production. One type, known as COX-1 (short for cycloxygenase-1), produces

prostaglandins that, among other functions, protect the digestive system from

its own erosive acids. The other, COX-21 (short for cyclooxygenase-2), plays

a role in the production of prostaglandins that are involved in pain and

inflammation.

Traditional NSAIDs affect both COX-1 and COX-2, which results in a decrease

in inflammation, BUT ALSO MAY CAUSE STOMACH DAMAGE.

COX-2 inhibitors help to relieve pain and inflammation just as traditional

NSAIDs do, but in a slightly different way. These drugs target the

prostaglandins involved in inflammation (controlled by COX-2) without

affection the ones that help protect the stomach (controlled by COX-1).

Studies show that people who are taking some COX-2 inhibitors may experience

fewer gastrointestinal side effects, including upset stomach and heartburn,

than those taking traditional NSAIDs. More importantly, studies indicate

that people taking COX-2 drugs experience fewer instances of stomach ulcers

and bleeding.

The first COX-2 drug, celecoxib (Celebrex), was approved in early 1999 by the

FDA for the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid

arthritis, the recommended dose is 100 to 200 mg twice per day.

Rofecoxib (Vioxx) was the second COX-2 drug to receive FDA approval for the

relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. It is also approved for the

management of acute pain and the treat of menstrual pain in adults.

COX-2 inhibitors may be a helpful alternative to traditional NSAIDs for

people who need relief from the pain and inflammation of arthritis, but who

have had trouble tolerating the stomach side effects of aspirin and other

NSAIDs, or who have one or more of the risk factors listed below.

Stomach complications may occur without warning, even in people who have

never had stomach pain or heartburn. One or more of the following factors

may put you at a greater risk for developing stomach problems.

Being over age 60

Being several disabled from arthritis

Smoking

Having an inflammatory form of arthritis

Having a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding

Having a history of cardiovascular disease

Consuming more than three alcoholic drinks per day

Using blood thinners

Using cortisone medications or NSAIDs

Having a Helicbacter pylori infection

REMEMBER, THESE NOTES AND GUIDELINES ARE DIRECTED AT FOLKS WHO HAVE STOMACHS,

NOT FOLKS WHO HAVE POUCHES.