You don’t know what you don’t know and hence why I felt it was important to give a brief rundown of some over the counter medicines ITP patients’ need to try and avoid.
As you are aware ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura) is a rare bleeding disorder where ones platelets are low therefor their blood struggles to clot which in turn can cause issues with internal and external bleeding. The reason for this condition is that the immune system see’s platelets as a treat and starts to attack them leaving the platelets to constantly be working overtime to reproduce themselves. However depending on how strong the immune system is attacking can leave a person with ITP with minimal to zero platelets which in turn increases the risk of bleeding.
When you are low in platelets you have to be cautious on what you do physically (eg. sports) but did you also know that you have to be cautious with what you put into your body?
Many ITP patients may be unaware of some of the over the counter medicines that could be potentially harmful to their situation. The drugs listed below are generally what you may call blood thinners although not all will literally thin the blood but what they will do is slow down the bloods clotting time therefor considering ITP patients already are having trouble with their blood clotting then it’s best to try and avoid the below.
Medication sold over the counter to try and avoid;
Aspirin – this is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug that also suppresses the normal functioning of platelets.
Celecoxib – this product is only available by prescription it is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, period pain etc. In regards to pain relief it is similar to paracetamol. What it is designed to do is stop the productions of COX-2, a natural substance in the body that can cause pain and inflammation.
Diclofenac – other over the counter names for this product are Voltaren, Pennsaid, Solaraze, Zipsor, Cataflam and Zorvolex. It again is used to relieve pain from inflammation. One of the common side effects of taking this product is bleeding in the stomach, esophagus or intestines.
Ibuprofen – this is also a non-steriod anti-inflammatory drug, this is used to relieve pain, fever and inflammation. Popular brand names of this product include: Advil, Addaprin, A-G Profen, Brufen, Bufen, Bugesic, Caldolor, Cap-Profen, Herron Blue, Ibu or IBU, Midol, Nuprin, Nurofen, Panafen, Proprinal, Q-Profen
Meloxicam – is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug, used to treat tenderness, swelling, pain caused by inflammation.
Naproxyn – other names for this product include aleve and Naprosyn it is a non-steriod anti-inflammatory drug that is used to relieve pain, fever, stiffness and swelling.
Please note I have not mentioned every brand name only the popular ones therefore always check the ingredients before taking any product.
Other medication that is not sold over the counter however you must be wary of because they are blood thinners are;
Apixaban (Eliquis™)
Dabigatran (Pradaxa™)
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto™)
Warfarin (Coumadin™, Marevan™)
Clopidogrel (Plavix™, Clovix™)
Before taking any medication whether it be over the counter or prescribed be sure to consult your haematologist.
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