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New Advice on Aspirin Use
20.10.2002

The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) has announced new recommendations for the use of aspirin in 12-15 year olds. The MCA has taken this step as a purely precautionary measure following advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM).

The guidance from the MCA is an extension of the current recommendations restricting the use of aspirin in under 12 year olds, to include 12-15 year olds. This recommendation is only applicable to Products Containing Aspirin, and does not relate to those non-aspirin containing painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

This advice is related to Reye's syndrome, an extremely rare, sometimes fatal, brain and liver disorder occurring almost exclusively in children. A causal link between aspirin and Reye's syndrome remains unproven and people aged 16 and above should be reassured that this is an extremely cautious approach, and should not affect the way they take the product.

aspirin has been available for over 100 years and remains one of the key treatments for pain and inflammation. It has made a significant contribution to family healthcare for the symptomatic treatment of a wide range of conditions and more recently it has firmly established a role in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke in millions of people.

The Aspirin Foundation is aware of these recommendations and is working with the Department of Health to communicate this new guidance.

For further information contact:G N Henderson, Executive Director, European Aspirin FoundationFax: +44(0)1483 211043Email: nickhen@pncl.co.uk

The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) is an Executive Agency of the Department of Health whose responsibilities are to protect and promote high standards of public health.

The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) is responsible for advising the MCA to ensure medicines meet standards of quality, efficacy and safety the public and health profession would expect.

This guidance is merely a precautionary measure and aspirin remains an important painkiller for the symptomatic relief of a wide range of conditions but also a valuable drug for the treatment and prevention of serious life-threatening conditions.

Reye's syndrome is an extremely rare condition and this latest advice is an extension of current recommendations already restricting the use of aspirin in under 12 year olds.

The Aspirin Foundation represents the aspirin industry. It aims to increase the knowledge and understanding of aspirin by stimulating the distribution and exchange of information and discussion on all aspects of aspirin, including current research as well as old and new therapeutic uses for it. The Aspirin Foundation website is located at www.aspirin-foundation.com

For further information contact:G N Henderson, Executive Director, Aspirin FoundationTel:+44(0)1305 871055 Fax: +44(0)1305 871490Email: aspirin@healthcom.eu.com Website: www.aspirin-foundation.com