I have a severe allergy to aspirin and aspirin like products. Does anyone know if the commonly used clot buster drugs used on stroke patients would be contraindicated for someone (ME) with an aspirin allergy?

In case it matters I had a full blown anaphylaxis (throat swelled almsot shut, couldn't breath well etc.) reaction the last time I took asirin in the 1980s. I've been warned to avoid aspirin and NSAIDS since then. And NO I am not thinking I'm having a stroke anytime soon. Just curious.

Curious about this as well. I developed an allergy to aspirin in the early 90s (hives, elevated heartbeat, not nearly as bad as yours) and haven't taken it or other NSAIDs since.

You could try speaking with your local pharmacist...I've found them to be more knowledgeable than most MDs about drug interaction issues.

quote:

Originally posted by Rotndad:
I have a severe allergy to aspirin and aspirin like products. Does anyone know if the commonly used clot buster drugs used on stroke patients would be contraindicated for someone (ME) with an aspirin allergy?

In case it matters I had a full blown anaphylaxis (throat swelled almsot shut, couldn't breath well etc.) reaction the last time I took asirin in the 1980s. I've been warned to avoid aspirin and NSAIDS since then. And NO I am not thinking I'm having a stroke anytime soon. Just curious.

When we talk "clot busters", we're talking thrombolytics/fibrinolytics used in treating acute clot forming stroke (as opposed to hemorrhagic stroke). No, they are completely different and have no cross allergy with aspirin or NSAIDs.

I would strongly advise that you wear a bracelet indicating your Aspirin allergy. It would avoid the unfortunate administration of asprin in the event of a stroke.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by Rotndad:
I have a severe allergy to aspirin and aspirin like products. Does anyone know if the commonly used clot buster drugs used on stroke patients would be contraindicated for someone (ME) with an aspirin allergy?

In case it matters I had a full blown anaphylaxis (throat swelled almsot shut, couldn't breath well etc.) reaction the last time I took asirin in the 1980s. I've been warned to avoid aspirin and NSAIDS since then. And NO I am not thinking I'm having a stroke anytime soon. Just curious.

When we talk "clot busters", we're talking thrombolytics/fibrinolytics used in treating acute clot forming stroke (as opposed to hemorrhagic stroke). No, they are completely different and have no cross allergy with aspirin or NSAIDs.

That's part of the problem...I realize it's hard to answer since I'm not having a stroke right now in an ER where decisions have to be made quickly. I also don't know what I don't know to ask the correct question. But yes I am mainly talking about a clot stroke. My thought was apirin thins the blood so maybe clot dissolving drugs might be similar and a danger for me. Plus is it better to risk the stroke or have the ER fight both a stroke and anaphylaxis? I'm just getting older and curious is all. THanks.

12131 has the answer.
Search Herbal blood thinners- there are other options to aspirin to make your blood "slipper"
Some that you are already taking but not aware.

quote:

That's part of the problem...I realize it's hard to answer since I'm not having a stroke right now in an ER where decisions have to be made quickly. I also don't know what I don't know to ask the correct question. But yes I am mainly talking about a clot stroke. My thought was apirin thins the blood so maybe clot dissolving drugs might be similar and a danger for me. Plus is it better to risk the stroke or have the ER fight both a stroke and anaphylaxis? I'm just getting older and curious is all. THanks.

^^^^^^^^^^^
Maybe you missed it. The reason for the bracelet is so they know about your allergy. Q explained the other part quite well. Clot busters are NOT given for hemorrhagic strokes.

When I had my $40,000.00 shot. They didn’t ask what I was allergic to....

I’m allergic to Penicillin. I wear a black medic alert bracelet...I would suggest getting a RED MEDIC ALERT bracelet....the ER doc knew me and my stroke history. No one checked my bracelet either time I was transported, I think it’s because I was able to talk....

Also got a trip to the ICU for three days.....the ICU nurse was the best, she thought I was cool to...then she told my wife that it was because I could talk and walk and most people she deals with in the ICU can’t do either..

I’m sure you could find out what’s in it if you call a hospital. Apparently they whip it up on demand and don’t just keep it laying around waiting. The lady from pharmacy walked in with the shot and handed it to the doc, who had a nurse push it thru my IV....

Just googled it and found https://www.medicinenet.com/al...ase_cathflo_activase


A cursory review says that warfarin and aspirin and nsaid all are To be avoided..but aspirin is not in it

HERE you Go:
Tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, is the only FDA-approved treatment for ischemic or thrombotic stroke, which is stroke caused by a blood clot interrupting blood flow to a region of the brain. 1 It has been used in treatment for pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction.

Bottom line, Rotndad, is that, if you have an ischemic stroke, as opposed to a hemorrhagic stroke, and if you arrive in the ER withing 4.5 hours of symptom onset (the window time frame for giving thrombolytic), you will be given the "clot busting" drug, unless you have some absolute contraindications, and aspirin allergy/anaphylaxis is not one of them.

Thank you all for your replies and suggestions. As a mechanic I cannot wear jewelry when working on cars and would probably tire of taking it off and putting it back on. I do still have my red dog tag (Name, SSN and ASPIRIN ALLERGY imprinted on it)that I can add to my necklace that hopefully will do the same as a bracelet.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
Bottom line, Rotndad, is that, if you have an ischemic stroke, as opposed to a hemorrhagic stroke, and if you arrive in the ER withing 4.5 hours of symptom onset (the window time frame for giving thrombolytic), you will be given the "clot busting" drug, unless you have some absolute contraindications, and aspirin allergy/anaphylaxis is not one of them.

Thank you very much. Hopefully, I never have to find out.

See it's my luck that IF I had an ischemic stroke and IF they were contraindicated for me because they were like aspirin (I know they're NOT now) the Dr would give the meds and I'd react and the Dr would like "FUCK!!!" That's just my luck,

quote:

Originally posted by Rotndad:
Thank you all for your replies and suggestions. As a mechanic I cannot wear jewelry when working on cars and would probably tire of taking it off and putting it back on. I do still have my red dog tag (Name, SSN and ASPIRIN ALLERGY imprinted on it)that I can add to my necklace that hopefully will do the same as a bracelet.

However you do, just make absolutely sure the hospital staff are aware of your aspirin anaphylaxis, so that they won't accidentally give it to you, since aspirin is part of the subsequent treatment of the stroke. Don't want to be saved from the stroke but then die from a preventable mistake.