*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature O: Orthodontics.

Who Can And Cannot Take Aspirin For Pain Relief

NHS medicines information on who can and cannot take aspirin for pain relief.

Who can take aspirin

Most people aged 16 and over can safely take aspirin.

Who may not be able to take aspirin

Aspirin is not suitable for some people.

There is a possible link between aspirin and Reye's syndrome in children. Reye's syndrome is a very rare condition that can cause serious liver and brain damage.

Important

Never give aspirin to children under 16, unless their doctor prescribes it.

To make sure aspirin as a painkiller (including mouth gel) is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

have ever had an allergy to aspirin or similar painkillers such as ibuprofen
have ever had a stomach ulcer
have recently had a stroke (although depending on the kind of stroke you've had, your doctor may recommend that you take low-dose aspirin to prevent another one)
have high blood pressure (hypertension)
have indigestion
have asthma or lung disease
have ever had a blood clotting problem
have liver or kidney problems
have gout - it can get worse for some people who take aspirin
have heavy periods - they can get heavier with aspirin
are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature O: Orthodontics. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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