Aspirin Expert Views

Dr. Asad Khan discusses the use of aspirin as part of a three-drug combination to treat Long Covid symptoms, particularly those related to clot formation. He explains that aspirin, along with clopidogrel and another anticoagulant like heparin or apixaban, targets different parts of the clotting pathway. This approach has shown promise in reducing the need for repeated cycles of apheresis, a blood filtration treatment. Dr. Khan notes that while the treatment is intense, it has led to significant improvements in his condition, especially after adding the three-drug combination.

Dr. Derya Unutmaz, a professor at NYU Langone Medical Center, discusses the potential of aspirin as a treatment for chronic inflammation, including its role in conditions like Long Covid and ME/CFS. He mentions ongoing trials to determine if taking a small daily dose of aspirin can reduce inflammation. However, he emphasizes that current evidence is anecdotal and not definitive. Dr. Unutmaz advises against recommending aspirin for these conditions until more data is available, stressing the importance of understanding individual immune profiles and the heterogeneity in responses to treatments.

Professor Doug Kell, a systems biologist, discusses the role of microclots in Long Covid and potential treatments. He explains that microclots can lead to chronic ischemia reperfusion injury, which causes symptoms like fatigue and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). He suggests that addressing microclots through treatments like triple anticoagulant therapy and protease supplements, combined with antioxidants, could be effective. However, he emphasizes the importance of measuring coagulation potential to avoid risks like bleeding and notes that these treatments are currently off-label.

Joachim Gerlach, chairman of Vedicinals, emphasizes the importance of continuing research into Long Covid and not settling prematurely. He advocates for a collaborative approach, inviting experts from various fields to contribute to diagnostics and therapeutics. Gerlach highlights the thrombotic nature of Covid and mentions that aspirin, a common anti-thrombotic, might be key in addressing this aspect of the disease. However, he also notes potential interactions with other treatments, such as Medicinals 9, and advises caution, especially for individuals with heart conditions.

Professors Resia Pretorius and Douglas Kell discuss the potential use of aspirin in treating Long Covid, particularly its role in addressing microclots and hyperactive platelets found in affected individuals. They emphasize that while aspirin is a well-established treatment for cardiovascular issues, its application for Long Covid is not yet widely accepted or supported by clinical trials. They highlight the need for more research and trials to validate treatments for Long Covid, as the medical community remains divided on approaches. Additionally, they note the challenges patients face in accessing care due to the lack of awareness and acceptance of microclots as a factor in Long Covid.

Prof. Jack Lambert, an infectious disease expert, discusses the use of aspirin and other treatments for Long Covid. He mentions that studies in the U.S. have explored heavy-duty anticoagulants like aspirin for Long Covid patients, but these treatments carry risks such as brain or intestinal bleeding. Instead, he suggests safer alternatives like baby aspirin (75 mg daily) or natural supplements like natto kinase, which may have anticoagulant effects and work on the spike protein. Lambert emphasizes the importance of safe, tailored approaches to improve patients' quality of life and criticizes the focus on psychiatric treatments like CBT for Long Covid, calling it inappropriate and harmful.