South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
It’s a toss-up on whether aspirin helps with COVID-19
Q: Does low-dose aspirin offer any protection against COVID, especially for older people? My wife is 69, and I am 71. We both are fully vaccinated but have breakthrough cases.
I recall reading many months ago that low-dose aspirin reduces the inflammatory response and therefore might mitigate COVID symptoms. Has there been more definitive research on this?
A: There has been more research. However, as with so much regarding COVID, the answer is complicated. A study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (Aug. 29, 2021) tracked more than 17,000 patients 50 or older with COVID. Those who had been taking aspirin before admission were less likely to die. The authors point out that previous studies have also found lower in-hospital mortality among COVID patients already taking aspirin.
On the other hand, a Korean study found that “Aspirin use was associated with adverse effects in COVID-19 patients” (Medicina, Sept. 4, 2021).
No one should start taking aspirin against COVID without first checking with their health care provider.
Q: Why is pancreatitis seldom listed as a side effect of statins? I took statins for many years and suffered from many of the side effects you described in a recent article. One serious complication you didn’t address is pancreatitis.
After a year of acute pancreatitis attacks, three different GI specialist exams and numerous tests and hospitalizations, the specialists determined that the cause was atorvastatin. I discontinued atorvastatin nine months ago and have not had another pancreatitis attack.
A: You have alerted us to a controversial adverse reaction to statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs. There is a mention of pancreatitis in the official prescribing information for atorvastatin (Lipitor), but it is pretty well buried. This is considered a rare complication.
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include abdominal pain radiating to the back. If someone touches the belly, the pain can be intense. Pancreatitis is also associated with nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate and fever.
Researchers in Taiwan have found that people taking atorvastatin or rosuvastatin (Crestor) are more likely to suffer pancreatitis (Medicine, February 2016; International Journal of Cardiology, March 27, 2015). However, a meta-analysis of 13 studies found no such association (United European Gastroenterology Journal, October 2018).
Q: Under-breast rash was a big problem for me for a long time. Remembering what I used for my babies’ diaper rash, I tried Desitin. Applying it after my shower, or at least once a week, keeps the rash away! It took about a day before it started to work, but within a week the rash was totally gone. If I skip a shower for a few days or work out, or it’s especially hot out, the redness and itch may start to come back. I shower right away and put the Desitin on.
A: Desitin Maximum Strength Original Paste contains zinc oxide. It has been used to treat diaper rash for generations. Zinc oxide has well-established antifungal activity. It also provides a moisture barrier that is helpful for diaper rash and under-breast rash (intertrigo).