Brief Answer:
Yes it is ok, but anemia has to be investigated.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

I believe that your doctor advised you to stop Ecosprin as he suspected some bleeding issues as the cause for your anemia (low hemoglobin levels).

Ecosprin is a blood thinner given to prevent heart attacks and strokes in those with a moderate to high risk of encountering these events (in your situation- due to diabetes, as this increases risk of heart disease).

Side effects of Ecosprin include gastric irritation and risk of bleeding.

I recommend:

- that you follow your doctor's advise- Stop Ecosprin
- investigating the cause of low hemoglobin levels ( blood tests- complete blood count, peripheral smear, bleeding time, clotting time, Prothrombin time/INR, liver and kidney function tests, Vitamin B12 levels, serum Ferritin levels); stool analysis to check for occult blood loss, urine analysis to check for any blood/protein loss

- physical exam to check for other sources of bleeding like gingivitis, gastric/duodenal ulcers and possible causes of anemia such as renal disease, nutritional deficiencies.

The above tests will be individualized based on what your doctor finds clinically.

If anemia is caused by bleeding secondary to aspirin, then withholding the medicine for a while and restarting after hemoglobin has normalized , under close supervision is advised.
If it is not due to bleeding, but due to other causes, treatment should be aimed at the cause and judgement should be made based on your clinical status as to the benefits versus risks of restarting aspirin.

I hope I've answered your query.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

Wish you the best of health.

Regards,
Dr.Shuba Hariprasad

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Brief Answer:
If normal stools & no other symptoms, can wait

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.

Black tarry stools indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, more so due to an ulcer in the stomach or duodenum. This can be caused by ecosprin. Stopping it may help reverse symptoms in time.

How are your stools now? Still tarry? Black or dark green? If so a stool analysis should be done to check for blood (dexorange contains iron and may stain stools black as well)
Any other symptoms? Like abdominal pain, heart burn?

If so then bleeding is still persistent and needs to be treated immediately.
An endoscopy to check for ulcers will be done & treated simultaneously if possible.
In certain cases medical management (medicines) alone will suffice.

If your stools are normal now, you can wait till your next review.
Hope this helps.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

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