Drug Wars
Don't take different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the same time, experts warn. They neutralize each other so that neither works well. And that would include aspirin's prevention of clotting.

The remedy, experts say, is to wait several hours between taking one drug and taking the next.

Physicians and pharmacists say to separate your aspirin dose by eight to 12 hours, and you'll get the benefit of both drugs.

"Simply take the painkiller in the morning and the aspirin in the evening," Brasington says.

What Aspirin Can Do

Headache:
Aspirin can ease or eliminate a headache.

Chronic Pain :
Aspirin can reduce joint aches caused by arthritis or overuse and ease some long-term pain.

Minor Injury :
Aspirin can work for mishaps such as a twisted ankle, a bruise or bumped knee.

Heart Attack Prevention :
Aspirin can help prevent blood clots that cause heart attacks and strokes.

Heart Attack :
Chewing two aspirin during a heart attack can get your blood moving enough to get you to an emergency room.

Stroke :
Chewing aspirin during a stroke can relieve clotting in the brain. But a stroke also can be caused by bleeding in the brain, in which case you shouldn't use aspirin. Check with your doctor about your risks.

Cancer :
Aspirin is associated with reduced cancer risks, especially for colorectal cancer. In April, the American Cancer Society published a study that said aspirin shows promise as a drug to reduce cancer risks. But medical researchers aren't ready to tell people to take aspirin to prevent cancer.