Vazalore Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Vazalore was designed to reduce one of aspirin's most common side effects: stomach irritation. Its liquid-filled capsule formulation uses PLxGuard technology to release aspirin in the duodenum rather than the stomach, significantly limiting direct gastric exposure. But Vazalore is still aspirin — and aspirin still carries important side effects and risks that every patient should understand.

Here's a complete overview of Vazalore's side effects, from the most common and minor to the rare but serious.

Common Side Effects of Vazalore

These side effects are reported by some patients and are generally mild. They may lessen or resolve as your body adjusts to the medication:

Stomach upset or heartburn: Although Vazalore is designed to reduce gastric irritation, some patients still experience mild indigestion, especially when taking higher doses (325 mg). Taking Vazalore with food can help.

Nausea: Mild nausea has been reported, particularly at the start of therapy or at higher doses.

Increased bruising: Because aspirin inhibits platelet function, you may bruise more easily than usual. This is expected and not typically concerning, but tell your doctor if bruising seems excessive.

Minor bleeding: Small cuts may bleed longer than usual. Gum bleeding during brushing is also more common.

Serious Side Effects: Call Your Doctor or Get Emergency Help

These side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention:

Gastrointestinal bleeding: The most significant risk of any aspirin product. Warning signs include: vomiting blood or coffee-ground material, black or tarry stools, or stomach pain that won't go away. Seek emergency care immediately. Vazalore carries a GI bleeding warning label as an NSAID, even with its stomach-protective design.

Severe allergic reaction: Signs include hives, facial swelling, shock, or wheezing (aspirin-induced asthma). Aspirin allergy can be life-threatening. Call 911 if you experience these symptoms after taking Vazalore.

Tinnitus or hearing changes: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss can occur, particularly at high doses or in case of aspirin toxicity. Tell your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms.

Hemorrhagic stroke: While aspirin prevents ischemic (clot-caused) strokes, it can increase the risk of bleeding strokes in people already at high risk. This is part of why physician oversight of aspirin therapy is important.

Reye's Syndrome Warning: Critical for Children and Teenagers

Vazalore must never be given to children or teenagers who have chickenpox, the flu, or any viral illness. Using aspirin in a child with a viral infection can cause Reye's syndrome — a rare but severe and potentially fatal condition that causes brain swelling and liver damage. This warning applies to all aspirin products, including Vazalore.

Vazalore and Pregnancy

Do not use Vazalore during the last 3 months of pregnancy (third trimester) unless specifically directed by your doctor. Aspirin can harm the unborn child and cause complications during delivery, including bleeding. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before taking Vazalore.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Aspirin Side Effects?

Your risk for serious side effects is higher if you:

Are age 60 or older

Have a history of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding

Take other blood thinners (warfarin, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, etc.)

Take other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) concurrently

Drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages daily

Have liver disease, kidney disease, or a bleeding disorder

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if you experience:

Persistent or worsening stomach pain

Any signs of GI bleeding (vomiting blood, black stools, blood in stool)

Ringing in the ears or sudden hearing loss

Unexplained heavy bruising or prolonged bleeding

Any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction

Bottom Line on Vazalore Side Effects

Vazalore is among the most stomach-friendly aspirin options available, but it's not without risk. Most patients on daily low-dose Vazalore tolerate it well. The most important thing is to take it as directed, tell your doctor about all your medications, and don't ignore warning signs of GI bleeding. For details on drug interactions, see our post on Vazalore Drug Interactions: What to Avoid.