Cartia

Cartia is a low dose aspirin that helps prevent blood clotting and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Low dose aspirin helps reduce blood stickiness, the tendency of blood to clot. Cartia is used to help protect against some of the problems which can be caused by clotting in the blood stream. Cartia may be useful if you are at risk of coronary artery disease, angina, transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs or mini strokes), stroke (due to a blood clot) or heart attack.

Cartia contains 100mg of aspirin and has a special Duentric coating that prevents the aspirin from being released in your stomach.  This reduces the chance of the aspirin upsetting your stomach.  The aspirin is released lower down, in the intestines, where it is absorbed gradually in to the blood stream. This slow absorption is believed to be necessary to maximise the anti-clotting effect.

 

Products

Why should I take Cartia instead of other aspirin?

Cartia’s Duentric coating can help reduce the risk of stomach problems because it remains intact until it reaches the upper intestine. This delayed action helps to prevent the stomach irritation which is commonly caused by uncoated aspirin preparations.  By helping to minimize stomach irritation, Cartia’s Duentric coating reduces the chance of stomach or gastric upsets.

 

What else should I do as well as taking Cartia?

Your doctor may recommend that you take Cartia on a long term basis as part of an overall program to help manage your risk of a heart attack and/or stroke.  Some lifestyle changes that you could make to help reduce the risk of a heart attack and/or stroke include:

• Reducing the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet
• If you are overweight, try to lose some weight
• Stop smoking
• Regularly check your blood pressure
• Exercise regularly

 

Can I take Cartia for headache or pain?

No, as the amount of aspirin in Cartia is much less that you would need to take to relieve a headache or other pain.

 

Where can I purchase Cartia?

Cartia is available from both your pharmacy and supermarket.

---

Consumer Medicine Information: Cartia (100mg enteric coated aspirin) for the inhibition of blood clotting. Warnings: Tablets should be swallowed whole with water without crushing or chewing. Contraindications: hypersensitivity to aspirin, bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers. Adverse events: Nausea and gastric irritation. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Always read the label carefully and use strictly as directed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if Cartia is right for you. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Auckland, New Zealand.  

Cartia & Duentric are registered trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

Back to top