Does asprin cause ulcers?

Question

I usually take Excederin Back and Body Pain or Bayer Back and Body pain. Both are essentially the same type of OTC medication for body aches. Anyhow, I would say I take a pill 4-5 times a week. I take one pill but I think two is the recommended dosage. Once, when I was at the grocery store I was asking the pharmasist about the medication. I told her that I have frequent back pain and I do take those medications a lot. She mentioned that I shouldn't take them so often because they can cause stomach ulcers.

I was wondering if anyone knew if this was true and how would one know if they have an ulcer. I am pretty certain I do not but I don't have health insurance so I can't get checked for my back pain or if I ever have stomach pain from the medication. Can medications such as those cause ulcers?

I'm not looking for what people "think" but rather the truth about the situation.

Answer 1

Chronic heavy use of aspirin can definitely cause ulcers. But don't just take my word for it, here's what the American College of Gasteroenterology has to say about it:

http://www.gi.org/patients/women/asprin.asp

Answer 2

3 times in my long life I had Bleeding Ulcers---in looking back
I could only attribute them to putting off meals and then
drinking lots of regular coffee on an empty stomach !

On all 3 occasions the Doctors told me that the ulcers
were probably caused by Caffeine and recommended
that I use Decaffeinated Coffee instead ---which I do to this
day---they also recommended Tylenol instead of Aspirin---
again that is what I do---but only for stiff neck problems---
Tylenol is hard on the Liver---so they say.

NOW the latest --- Ulcers are caused by Bacteria--so the Doctors now say
so who knows ?

I recommend low dose (Baby) aspirin ---Decaf Coffee---
not too much Chocolate (Caffein!) and use Tagamet
or Cimetidine for upset stomach ---I have survived
past 90 with no problems of that nature anymore
Of course I don't smoke---if you do Ulcers are not
your problem---right?

The warning sign for Ulcers is Indigestion---If you have
this often---see a Doctor .. Bleeding ulcers create
Black tarry Stools---head for the hospital and you will
be OK!

Incidentally I have back pain after all these years---
unfortunately for both of us ---to overcome it you
have to strenghten your back muscles with exercise !
Like walking a lot or working in the garden digging
as I do ----sorry to have to tell you this ---but it works.!

Unfortunately there are no Chiropractors in this
country !

Answer 3

Asprin is very hard on your stomach and will cause ulcers in some people. Try taking coated asprin.

Answer 4

Yes, that's very true. I used to also take a lot of aspirin and I didn't even notice that I had developed a bleeding ulcer until I passed out and had to go to the hospital for a blood transfusion. It's best to take Tylenol instead. That's also what I was told to switch to.

Answer 5

No, panadol is not the same as aspirin. panadol is just the trade name. It basically contains paracetamol which doesn't irritate the stomach the same way aspirin can. Aspirin will cause ulcers if excess amounts are taken on a regular basis. My Dad has to have aspirin every day cos of a heart condition, but it is a low dose and its not intended to alleviate pain, but more to help the blood flow through the heart as it thins the blood.

Answer 6

It is true what the pharmacist told you. Too much aspirin can cause ulcers in your stomach. If you take the "enteric coated" aspirin, it will dissolve in your intestines, rather than your stomach and greatly ease the chance of ulcers.~

Answer 7

Too much aspirin most definately can cause ulcers.

Answer 8

Always trust your Pharmacist, they know more about meds then most doctors. Yes they can cause ulcers.

Answer 9

If not taken with enough water over a long period of time.

Answer 10

http://www.newstarget.com/000202.html