|
For Immediate Release
February 20, 2004
Aspirin Foundation of America statement
in response to the meta-analysis of the effect of aspirin
on asthmatics, published in the February 21 issue of
the British Medical Journal:
It is important to note that aspirin-induced
asthma is triggered in only a small percentage of asthmatics.
The association between asthma and aspirin is well-known,
and aspirin labeling indicates that asthmatics should
consult with their physicians before taking the medication.
In a published media report, Dr. Russell
B. Leftwich, assistant clinical professor of medicine
at Vanderbilt University and spokesman for the American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, says he believes
the analysis "overestimate[s] the frequency of
aspirin sensitivity." Dr. Rand A. Malone, another
Academy spokesman, also took issue with the analysis,
saying, "The episode [of aspirin-induced asthma]
resolves without therapy in the vast majority of patients."
For those who do not suffer from asthma,
aspirin is generally a safe and effective pain reliever.
The vast majority who take aspirin have no adverse reaction.
###
Contact:
Caroline Perrin
807 National Press Building, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 800-432-3247 Fax: 202/737-8406
info@aspirin.org
|
