Study in JAMA Cardiology finds coating on aspirin does not impact effectiveness or safety for cardiovascular patients

A recent analysis from the large ADAPTABLE trial published in JAMA Cardiology showed that enteric coating on aspirin does not change effectiveness or safety for patients with cardiovascular disease. The findings of this study, which focused on the comparison between enteric-coated and uncoated aspirin, provide valuable insights for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Mark Effron, MD, cardiologist and executive chair for Ochsner Institutional Review Board, was one of the study’s authors.

The study was a sub analysis of the randomized ADAPTABLE trial involving 15,000 patients that aimed to determine the optimal dosage of aspirin for patients with cardiovascular disease. Ochsner Health, as the third highest enrolling site, played a crucial role in this landmark study. The ADAPTABLE trial did not detect any significant differences in effectiveness or safety between the two different doses of aspirin - 81-mg and 325-mg.

This secondary analysis of the ADAPTABLE trial data specifically investigated the impact of enteric coating on aspirin. The results were based on an evaluation of 10,678 participants with cardiovascular disease who reported whether they were taking enteric coated or uncoated aspirin. The research reveals no significant differences in rates of death, hospitalization for myocardial infarction, hospitalization for stroke, or hospitalization for bleeding between participants taking enteric-coated aspirin and uncoated aspirin. This held true regardless of the assigned dose of aspirin.

"These findings suggest that enteric coating on aspirin does not alter its effectiveness or safety for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events," said Dr. Effron. "Patients can now have the freedom to choose the aspirin formulation that suits them best."

The implications of this study are significant for patients with cardiovascular disease, as it allows them to make informed decisions regarding their aspirin therapy. With the knowledge that enteric coating does not impact the effectiveness or safety of aspirin, patients can confidently choose the formulation that aligns with their preferences and needs.

Ochsner Health remains committed to advancing medical research and providing evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes. The ADAPTABLE trial and its sub analysis on enteric-coated aspirin are just a few examples of Ochsner's dedication to groundbreaking research in the field of cardiovascular medicine.