Bayer Consumer Care praises USPSTF's recommendation of broader use of aspirin

MORRISTOWN, N.J. Bayer Consumer Care on Tuesday commended the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s recent support of broader use of aspirin in the prevention of heart attack and stroke.

“[Tuesday's] recommendations add support for broader appropriate uses of aspirin and do not affect the already [Food and Drug Administration]-approved indications for prevention of recurrent heart attack and stroke, as well as reduction of the risk of death when taken during a suspected heart attack,” Bayer stated. “Further, it's important that those on doctor-recommended aspirin treatment regimens do not stop taking aspirin without consulting with their doctor as research shows that aspirin withdrawal actually puts patients at higher risk for a cardiovascular event.”

The new recommendations provide more specific guidance on aspirin use, providing clarity on maximizing benefits and minimizing risk, Bayer suggested. To help increase awareness around appropriate use of aspirin as a prophylactic to heart disease, Bayer is introducing "Is Aspirin Right For Me?" — a downloadable discussion guide available at http://www.wonderdrug.com/ to help consumers have meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers to together determine if aspirin is right for them.

"Bayer applauds the USPSTF for today's important announcement," stated Wes Cetnarowski, SVP global research and development at Bayer Healthcare. "These recommendations are consistent with our ongoing commitment to advancing appropriate aspirin use to reduce the personal and public health impact of cardiovascular disease."

The USPSTF granted its highest level of evidence rating encouraging the use of low-dose aspirin in men over 45 and women over 55 to prevent first heart attack and ischemic stroke respectively, when the benefits outweigh the risks. The guidance specific to women is based on results from the Women's Health Study.

As stated in the Annals of Internal Medicine accompanying editorial, Aspirin for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, "in women older than 65 years, the WHS did demonstrate a clear 26% reduction in [myocardial infarction]: the same risk reduction as occurred in primary prevention trials of aspirin in men."

In addition, the new recommendations advise caution with respect to aspirin use in men and women 80 and above.