Why does the Ecotrin® package list a precaution not to use the product in conjunction with certain medications?

Aspirin, including Ecotrin®, should not be taken with other blood-thinning (anticoagulant) drugs such as warfarin (Coumidin®). Aspirin, including Ecotrin®, is proven to reduce heart attack risk, it may exaggerate the effects of other blood-thinners and increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. A combination of Ecotrin® aspirin with other heart medications that affect the blood clotting might nevertheless be indicated. You should therefore always check with your doctor if Ecotrin® is appropriate for you and also to make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications (including supplements, herbals and over-the-counter medications) you are taking. Aspirin can interact with several other medications: * Aspirin will counteract the effects of medications for gout such as probenecid (Benemid®). * Moderate doses of aspirin may increase the effectiveness of oral diabetes (hypoglycemic) drugs, which may cause very low blood sugar levels. * Aspirin may also counteract the effects of many ...  more