How long to avoid ASA and Ibuprofen?

I am a new member and am so happy to have found this support group. I was diagnosed with ITP in 1981 and have been in complete remission since a splenectomy in 1982. I need information on whether it is now safe for me to take ASA, Ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory drugs. I was told to avoid these drugs 30 years ago by my haematologist, but find myself in need of these drugs to treat other medical conditions I am now experiencing.

My own GP seems unaware of any issues and has instructed me to take these drugs to deal with TMJ (inflammation of my jaw joints) even though they are not recommended for being with ITP. I do NOT want to kick myself out of remission.

Anyone have any answers to this question: How long should I avoid ASA and Ibuprofen?

Usually, the reason for avoiding those meds is because they can affect coagulation (clotting). If counts are down, that is a problem. If counts are normal, the meds shouldn't affect anything. They typically don't lower platelets, however, any drug has the potential to trigger thrombocytopenia (including antibiotics).

I guess I got the fear put into me by my haematologist those many years ago who warned me that taking these drugs might kick me out of remission although I didn't find anything online today to substantially support that. I am pleased to note in your profile that you are also in remission from ITP. Have you taken any ASA or Ibuprofen in the past few years for any length of time?

I have had ITP for 7 years and have been in remission 3 times. During those times I take ibuprofen and aspirin. My hema told me not to take them when counts are under 50k, otherwise it is fine. My counts have never been affected by taking them.

I've been taking lots of NSAIDs, mostly naproxen but also aspirin and ibuprofen, for neck trouble (cervical radiculopathy) for several months now. My counts are stable and sufficiently high that my hematologist is fine with this. I haven't noticed any increased bruising or other signs of active ITP.

I went into remission about 10 years ago. Since that time, I have taken prescription Naproxen daily. I also take aspirin and Advil PM quite often. So yeah, I have taken many NSAID's over the past 10 years.

Something I learned in nursing school. Like Sandi said all drugs have the potential to lower platelets. As for taking or not taking a drug you need to look at all possible side effects than you need to decide which is worse taking the medication and the possible side effects over not taking anything.


If you take ASA and have issues than stop. If you take the ASA with out issue and you need it because of other medical issues. Than continue you won't know till you try!

I still don't take it - I just tell my doctor/s I can't take aspirin because I have ITP. Taking only Tylenol was smashed into my brain long ago and I just can't get away from it.

I was taking ALLEVE for a couple of months for recurring headaches .
ended up in hospital with Brainbleed & brain surgery.
So I avoid these . (only Tylenol)'

SuperDave
staying positive

Thanks everyone for your feedback on this topic. For now, I've decided to stop taking Ibuprofen and see my naturopath about alternate ways of dealing with the inflammation in my jaw joint (TMJ). Although I've been in remission from ITP for 30 years, I'm still very concerned it will come back and don't want to take any chances.