Drug interactions
Acetylsalicylic acid + Fish oil
Severity: Minor
Acetylsalicylic acid and Fish oil: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Fish oil with omega-3 fatty acids has mild antiplatelet effects and may add to the bleeding tendency of aspirin. Clinically significant bleeding is uncommon at usual supplement doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Acetylsalicylic acid and Fish oil have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Fish oil belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Omega-3 fatty acids modestly reduce platelet aggregation, which is additive with aspirin's COX-1 inhibition.
What to do
Usually no change is needed at standard doses. Counsel the patient to report bruising or bleeding, particularly with high-dose fish oil or additional anticoagulants.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetazolamide + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Alteplase Major
Other interactions of Fish oil
- Antithrombin alfa + Fish oil Moderate
- Antithrombin iii + Fish oil Moderate
- Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate + Fish oil Moderate
- Betrixaban + Fish oil Moderate
- Bivalirudin + Fish oil Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Acetylsalicylic acid with Fish oil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Acetylsalicylic acid and Fish oil have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Fish oil with omega-3 fatty acids has mild antiplatelet effects and may add to the bleeding tendency of aspirin. Clinically significant bleeding is uncommon at usual supplement doses.
How serious is the interaction between Acetylsalicylic acid and Fish oil?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Usually no change is needed at standard doses. Counsel the patient to report bruising or bleeding, particularly with high-dose fish oil or additional anticoagulants.
What other medicines interact with Acetylsalicylic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Abciximab. The full list is on the Acetylsalicylic acid page.
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