What are some guidelines for the safe use of OTC products for menstrual cramps and PMS?
Never take more than the recommended doses without checking with your doctor first. • Aspirin and NSAIDs can cause ulcers and should be avoided by patients with known peptic ulcer disease or reflux esophagitis. They can also increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided by patients with certain blood diseases. Patients who are scheduled for elective surgeries should inform their doctors that they are taking aspirin or NSAIDs. The doctor may ask them to withhold these medications for a period of time prior to the elective surgeries. • True aspirin allergy is rare. True aspirin allergy leads to hives, difficulty breathing, and/or shock within 3 hours of taking aspirin. Aspirin allergy is most common among individuals who have asthma, urticaria, and nasal polyps. Individuals with true aspirin allergy should also avoid NSAIDs because they are chemically similar to aspirin. • Aspirin (and many other medications and some vitamins) can increase the blood thinning effect of the blood-thi
