Alka-Seltzer can cause ‘serious bleeding,’ FDA warns

People usually take Alka-Seltzer to make themselves feel better after eating too many pieces of pizza. But the Food and Drug Administration warns that the medicine may have an unintended consequence.

The FDA said Monday that over-the-counter antacid products, commonly taken for heartburn and upset stomach, that contain aspirin can cause “serious bleeding.” It said that although such cases are rare, there have been eight new cases of serious bleeding since the FDA issued a warning in 2009. Common antacid brands like Alka-Seltzer and others contain aspirin and many people don’t realize the product carries a bleeding warning.

Karen Murry Mahoney deputy director of the Division of Nonprescription Drug Products at the FDA said it is important people read the labels on their over-the-counter medications so they know what is in it, and what potential risk factors for bleeding are.

“Take a close look at the Drug Facts label, and if the product has aspirin, consider choosing something else for your stomach symptoms,” Mahoney said in a statement. “Unless people read the Drug Facts label when they’re looking for stomach symptom relief, they might not even think about the possibility that a stomach medicine could contain aspirin.”

Risk factors include being age 60 or older, having a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, and drinking three or more alcoholic drinks each day.

The FDA said due to lack of awareness about the dangers it will “continue to evaluate this safety concern.”

This story was originally published June 6, 2016 at 7:16 PM with the headline "Alka-Seltzer can cause ‘serious bleeding,’ FDA warns."