The Food and Drug Administration issued a Drug Safety Communication yesterday to warn consumers about the risk of serious bleeding with the use of nonprescription antacids containing aspirin to treat heartburn, indigestion, or upset stomach.
Although these over-the-counter products are already labeled with warnings about a bleeding risk, the FDA is continuing to receive reports of the issue.
The FDA plans on continuing their evaluation of this issue and will arrange an advisory committee of experts to decide whether the organization should pursue further actions.
Some common brand names of over-the-counter aspirin-antacids are Alka-Seltzer Original, Bromo Seltzer, Medique Medi Seltzer, Picot Plus Effervescent, Vida Mia Pain Relief, Winco Foods Effervescent Antacid and Pain Relief, and Zee-Seltzer Antacid and Pain Reliever.
The FDA recommends that consumers should make sure to read the Drug Facts label when taking a nonprescription antacid to see if it contains aspirin and should consider choosing a product that does not contain it.