Drug Topics: Amber Martirosov on aspirin and COPD

Amber MartirosovAssistant Professor (Clinical) of Pharmacy Practice Amber Lanae Martirosov was featured in a June 18, 2019, Drug Topics article, "Will an Aspirin a Day Keep COPD from Flaring Up?"

Martirosov provided an analysis of a recent observational study that suggested that aspirin might be instrumental in preventing flare-ups of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), thereby improving quality of life for those who suffer from breathing difficulties because of it. 

“The study demonstrated only a small effect on moderate exacerbations and didn’t indicate that aspirin is as effective as other therapies in reducing exacerbations,” said Martirosov, who also urged caution in interpreting the results.

“With additional research, aspirin may become an adjunctive therapy to reduce morbidity and mortality,” said Martirosov. “However, these studies would require a robust study design and include dosing, plus adverse effects. Recent literature has been released which suggests the risk of bleeding in older adults is something we as practitioners need to assess when determining risk versus benefit of treatment. There are definite advantages to the cost of aspirin compared to other therapies, but this study did not compare the use of aspirin alone. As such, we are also unable to suggest that aspirin should be preferred over current therapies for COPD.”

In addition to her role in the Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Martirosov is also a clinical pharmacy specialist ambulatory care for Henry Ford Health Systems.

Full article in Drug Topics

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