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Surprising reasons to take aspirin—and when to skip it

From boosting your beauty regimen to helping you live longer, aspirin's a versatile little pill. But it's important to know its potential side effects.

Updated on August 11, 2023

Aspirin bottle
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Most people know that the occasional aspirin can reduce a fever or soothe a headache. But you might not know just how versatile—and lifesaving—this little pill can be. Here are some surprising uses for the medicine cabinet staple, plus information on when to consider a daily aspirin regimen and when to skip it altogether.

A smiling middle aged Black man speaks on the telephone in a sunny kitchen.
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Talk to your provider first

Yes, aspirin’s readily available over the counter, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe for you to take every day. The decision on whether to start a daily aspirin regimen should be made carefully between you and your healthcare provider (HCP) based on factors including:

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Who should avoid aspirin?

Aspirin is considered a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a category of medication that also includes naproxen and ibuprofen. If you’re allergic to any NSAIDs, you might experience an allergic reaction to aspirin, too. Steer clear if you’re not sure whether you’re allergic or ask yourShow More

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Side effects to know about

Aspirin is generally safe for most people, but it can cause mild side effects like heartburn, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation at any dosage. Though less common, some people (especially those with any of the high-risk conditions listed on the previous slide) might experienceShow More

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Aspirin may help you live longer

If you take aspirin daily under medical supervision, it might add an extra candle to your birthday cake. Some large studies that have combined evidence from other studies have found that taking aspirin may reduce overall death risk. But other studies have shown mixed results. More research isShow More

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It can help you survive a heart attack

If you experience heart attack symptoms, first call 911 and if the operator tells you it’s safe and/or your HCP has told you to do so previously, chew a 325 milligram dose of aspirin immediately. (Chewing helps it reach your bloodstream quickly.) The sooner you do both, the better your chancesShow More

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It can help you recover after surgery

After some heart procedures like a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or angioplasty, your HCP may recommend you take aspirin daily for life. If this applies to you, it’s essential to stick with this regimen because:

  • After a CABG, aspirin can help your graft stay open and prevent
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Other surprising ways aspirin can help

Some people find aspirin can be useful for other reasons. Though there’s very little scientific evidence that establishes its effectiveness, it could help address these common complaints:

  • Acne: The active ingredient in aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, is similar to salicylic acid, a common
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Can it cure a hangover?

Do not use aspirin to treat a hangover. You may still have alcohol in your bloodstream the morning after drinking. Aspirin combined with alcohol can irritate your stomach’s lining. Some people, including daily aspirin users or regular drinkers, should avoid the combination since it increases theirShow More

Slideshow sources open slideshow sources

National Health Service (UK). Taking low-dose aspirin with other medicines and herbal supplements. Last reviewed December 16, 2021.
Rothwell PM, Price JF, Fowkes FGR, et al. Short-term effects of daily aspirin on cancer incidence, mortality, and non-vascular death: analysis of the time course of risks and benefits in 51 randomised controlled trials. Lancet. 2012;379(9826):1602-1612.
Cuzick J, Otto F, Baron JA, et al. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for cancer prevention: an international consensus statement. Lancet Oncol. 2009;10(5):501-507.
Guirguis-Blake JM, Evans CV, Perdue LA, Bean SI, Senger CA. Aspirin Use to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Colorectal Cancer: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2022;327(16):1585–1597.
Jayaprakash V, Menezes RJ, Javle MM, et al. Regular aspirin use and esophageal cancer risk. Int J Cancer. 2006;119(1):202-207.
Loomans-Kropp HA, Pinsky P, Umar A. Evaluation of aspirin use with cancer incidence and survival among older adults in the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(1):e2032072.
Loomans-Kropp HA, Pinsky P, Cao Y, Chan AT, Umar A. Association of aspirin use with mortality risk among older adult participants in the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(12):e1916729.
National Cancer Institute. Can Taking Aspirin Help Prevent Cancer? Updated October 7, 2020.
US Preventive Services Task Force. Aspirin Use to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2022;327(16):1577–1584. 
American Heart Association. Aspirin and Heart Disease. Last reviewed March 20, 2019.
Harvard Health Publishing. Aspirin for heart attack: Chew or swallow? April 14, 2020.
American Heart Association/American Red Cross. Part 8: First Aid: Chest Pain. Accessed August 11, 2023.
American Stroke Association. Aspirin and Stroke. Last reviewed April 22, 2020.

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