Can I take Aspirin and Nustendi together?

Why this happens

Aspirin and bempedoic acid (one of the active ingredients in Nustendi) are both processed by the same pathway in the kidneys (OAT3 transporter). Aspirin may compete with bempedoic acid, potentially slowing down its removal from the body or blocking its effectiveness at very high doses.

What you should do

For most people taking low-dose 'baby' aspirin (75mg to 100mg) for heart protection, this interaction is unlikely to be clinically significant. You can continue taking both, but ensure your doctor knows you are using them. If you take high-dose aspirin for pain or inflammation, consult your doctor as they may prefer an alternative painkiller.

Important precautions

Asthma

Do not take aspirin if you have asthma that is worsened by aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as it can trigger a severe or life-threatening asthma attack.

Gout

Both of these medicines can increase levels of uric acid in your blood, which may trigger a gout attack or worsen existing gout. Seek medical advice if you experience sudden joint pain or swelling.

Pregnancy (third trimester)

You must not take aspirin during the last 3 months of pregnancy as it can cause serious heart and kidney problems in the unborn baby and increase the risk of bleeding during delivery.

Food and drink warnings

Grapefruit juice

While Nustendi itself does not have a direct interaction with grapefruit juice, it is often prescribed alongside statins (like simvastatin or atorvastatin). If you are taking a statin in addition to Nustendi, you should avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice as it can increase the level of the statin in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.

Alcohol

You should limit or avoid alcohol while taking aspirin. Both aspirin and alcohol can irritate the lining of your stomach. Combining them significantly increases the risk of stomach irritation, inflammation, and stomach bleeds.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.