Aspergum gum

Generic name: aspirin [ AS-pir-in ]
Brand name: Aspergum

Aspergum gum is used for:

Treatment of aches and pains associated with headache, common cold, and sore throat and for reduction of fever. It may be used to reduce the risk of death and lessen the damaging effects of an acute heart attack. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in certain men and women who have already had a heart attack or ischemic stroke. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Aspergum gum is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by inhibiting several different chemical processes within the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. It also reduces the tendency for blood to clot.

Do NOT use Aspergum gum if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Aspergum gum
• you are a child or teenager with influenza (flu) or chickenpox
• you have bleeding problems such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or low blood platelets
• you have active severe bleeding
• you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness), to aspirin, salicylates (eg, salsalate), tartrazine, or an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Aspergum gum:

Some medical conditions may interact with Aspergum gum. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines or other substances
• if you have alcoholism or if you consume 3 or more alcohol containing drinks every day
• if you have asthma, bleeding or clotting problems, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), hives, kidney or liver problems, stomach or intestinal problems (eg, ulcer, inflammation), heartburn, upset stomach, stomach pain, the flu or chickenpox, or vitamin K deficiency
• if you are a child with a stroke, a weakened blood vessel (cerebral aneurysm) or bleeding in the brain, arthritis (rheumatic disease), or Kawasaki syndrome (a rare inflammation causing heart problems in children)
• if you have had your tonsils out or you have had oral (eg, mouth) surgery within the past 7 days

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Aspergum gum. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg, acetazolamide) because they may decrease Aspergum gum's effectiveness
• Anticoagulants (eg, heparin, warfarin) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib) because the risk of their side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased by Aspergum gum
• Insulin and oral antidiabetics (eg, glyburide, nateglinide) because the risk of their side effects, including low blood sugar (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating), may be increased by Aspergum gum
• Methotrexate or valproic acid because the risk of their actions and side effects may be increased by Aspergum gum
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), probenecid, or sulfinpyrazone because their effectiveness may be decreased by Aspergum gum

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Aspergum gum may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Aspergum gum:

Use Aspergum gum as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• If stomach upset occurs, use Aspergum gum after eating to reduce stomach irritation.
• Do not remove Aspergum gum from the blister until you are ready to use it. Make sure that your hands are dry when you open Aspergum gum.
• Chew Aspergum gum thoroughly, as directed on the package labeling or by your doctor.
• Use Aspergum gum exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. If you are taking Aspergum gum without a prescription, follow any warnings and precautions on the label.
• If you miss a dose of Aspergum gum and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aspergum gum.

Important safety information:

• Do not take Aspergum gum for more than 10 days for pain or for more than 3 days for fever unless directed to do so by your health care provider.
• Check with your doctor if fever or pain worsens, redness or swelling is present, or new symptoms occur. If you have a sore throat that is severe, lasts for more than 2 days, or is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, check with your doctor.
• Aspergum gum has aspirin in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has aspirin in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Talk to your doctor before you take Aspergum gum or other pain relievers/fever reducers if you drink more than 3 drinks with alcohol per day. Serious stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of Aspergum gum. Taking it in high doses or for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of these side effects. Taking Aspergum gum with food will NOT reduce the risk of these effects. Contact your doctor or emergency room at once if you develop severe stomach or back pain; black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling.
• Aspergum gum may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Aspirin has been linked to a serious illness called Reye syndrome. Do not give Aspergum gum to a child or teenager who has the flu, chickenpox, or a viral infection. Contact your doctor with any questions or concerns.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Aspergum gum before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• If Aspergum gum has a strong vinegar-like smell upon opening, do not use. It means the medicine is breaking down. Throw the bottle away safely and out of the reach of children; contact your pharmacist and replace.
• Use Aspergum gum with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially those with a blood coagulation disorder.
• Aspergum gum should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Aspergum gum while you are pregnant. Aspergum gum is not recommended during the last 3 months (third trimester) of pregnancy because it may cause harm to the fetus. Aspergum gum is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Aspergum gum, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Aspergum gum:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent stomach pain; unusual bruising; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; fever; hearing loss; lethargy; lightheadedness, especially upon standing; nausea; rapid breathing; rapid or irregular heartbeat; ringing in the ears; seizures; shortness of breath; stomach pain; vomiting.

Proper storage of Aspergum gum:

Store Aspergum gum at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Aspergum gum out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Aspergum gum, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Aspergum gum is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Aspergum gum. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer