What is a Duentric® coating?

Cartia’s Duentric® coating is a special coating on the Cartia® tablets that is designed to reduce the risk of mucosal damage to the stomach that can be caused by the aspirin. Uncoated aspirin is generally released in the stomach which may cause damage to the mucosa. Cartia® Duentric® coated low dose aspirin is released in the duodenum, the upper part of the small intestine, which reduces the risk of mucosal damage.

Why is it better to prevent aspirin from being released in the stomach?

Cartia® Duentric® coated low dose aspirin is released when it reaches the duodenum - which means less contact with the stomach lining, and less risk of irritation.

Do I need to see my doctor before taking Cartia?

You should only take Cartia® after seeking advice from a doctor or healthcare professional.

Daily Low-Dose Aspirin: Cartia® Everyday

If you are at risk of blood clots, your doctor may have prescribed you Cartia®. Cartia® is a low dose daily aspirin.

This article will cover how to take Cartia® and who it’s for. You’ll also find out how it can reduce particularly the risk of blood clots
and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How to Take Cartia®

Take Cartia® with a glass of water. Cartia® should be swallowed whole, without crushing, chewing or breaking the tablet.

The tablet blister are conveniently marked with a daily calendar to help you keep track of your daily dose.

Take your first tablet from the appropriately marked day, then follow the arrows.

Do not use if the expiry date printed on the pack has passed, or the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

What is Low Dose Aspirin?

Low dose aspirin therapy helps reduce blood stickiness and the tendency of blood to clot. Low dose aspirin belongs to a class of medications called anti-platelets, as it blocks certain blood cells (called platelets) and slows your body’s ability to clot blood.

By preventing blood clots in arteries leading to the brain and heart, low dose aspirin can help lower your risk of stroke and heart attack.

Cartia Low Dose Aspirin tablets

Benefits of Taking Low Dose Aspirin

To help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, it is recommended to take Cartia® every day. Cartia® is available in packs of 28, and 84 tablets.

Who Can and Cannot Take CARTIA?

Cartia® helps prevent blood clotting and reduces the risk of
heart attack and stroke. Cartia® may be useful if you are at
risk of angina, transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs or mini
strokes), stroke (due to a blood clot) or heart attacks. If you
already have heart or blood vessel disease.

Do not take Cartia® if:

You have had an allergic reaction to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine.
You are or think you may be pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant. (Your doctor or Pharmacist will discuss with you the possible risks and benefits of using CARTIA during pregnancy.)
You are breastfeeding.
You have a bleeding or clotting disorder such as haemophilia, Von Willebrand’s disease or hypothrombinaemia.
You have stomach bleeding or a history of stomach bleeding after treatment with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Gastritis or an active or previous stomach ulcer.
History of gout.
Severe kidney or liver failure.
The expiry date printed on the pack has passed.
The packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
You have bronchial asthma.
You have bleeding tendencies or take anticoagulant therapy (medicine which thins blood eg warfarin)
Any kidney or liver problems.
If you are not sure whether you should use CARTIA, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not give this medicine to anyone else.

If you have taken aspirin before and became unwell, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether Cartia® is right for you.

If you don’t have cardiovascular disease or aren’t at high risk of developing it, low dose aspirin may not be suitable for you. Speak to your doctor first before using Cartia® as part of an overall management plan to help reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

FAQ's

Does the Duentric® coating make the aspirin in Cartia any less effective?

No, this coating does not reduce the effectiveness of aspirin.

Should I take Cartia® with food?

Cartia® can be taken with or without food. Food does not alter the effects of Cartia®.

How should I take Cartia?

Take one tablet at the same time each day with a glass of water. DO NOT crush, break or chew the tablet.

What happens if you stop taking aspirin every day?

If you are advised from your doctor to stop taking aspirin such as Cartia®, ask the pharmacist how to discard the remainder. If you forget a dose of Cartia, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the next dose is due within 12 hours, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that has been missed.

Is Cartia® an anticoagulant?

No, Cartia® belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-platelets.

What is a low dose aspirin dosage?

Low dose aspirin has been found to be most effective with doses of 75-150mg daily.2 However, your doctor will be able to advise if Cartia is right for you.

Can I take low dose aspirin for a headache?

Cartia® contains 100mg aspirin - which is much less than you would need to take for a headache or other pain. If you require medication for temporary relief of these symptoms, please speak to your healthcare professional.

Is Cartia® and aspirin the same?

Cartia® is one brand name for low dose aspirin.