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We've been talking about medical issues related to aging. On the last Healthwatch, we discussed the safety of arthritis medication. But what about the aspirin many people take to help prevent heart disease?
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that low-dose aspirin combined with anti-ulcer medication is more effective than the medication Plavix for preventing both heart disease and bleeding ulcers. Plavix is an anti-platelet drug that is believed to be effective for preventing heart attacks in patients prone to bleeding ulcers. UT Southwestern researchers found that while Plavix didn't appear to cause new ulcers, it may have kept older ulcers from healing. The researchers say the best treatment for patients at risk for both heart attacks and ulcers is the lowest-possible dose of aspirin, along with anti-ulcer medication.
Next: safely storing your drugs.
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March 2005
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