Both fish oil and aspirin are natural blood thinners. Fish oil is commonly taken to decrease the risk of heart attacks or strokes, as well as to decrease cholesterol levels in the body. Aspirin is often prescribed as a daily dose to thin blood, and also prevent heart attacks and strokes due to blood clots forming. Still, taking the fish oil supplement and aspirin together is often not recommended due to the possible side effects, advises MedlinePlus. Discuss with your medical doctor the safety concerns of taking the blood thinners together and an appropriate alternative.
Increased Bleeding
You may experience increased bleeding when combining fish oil and aspirin. Bleeding may even increase without combining the supplement and drug; taking each one in high doses might have the same effect. Your blood will not clot quickly. Signs of increased bleeding include nosebleeds, bleeding at the gums and occasional blood in the urine.
Stroke
In severe cases, a hemorrhagic stroke may occur. The condition occurs when blood vessels in the brain rupture, causing internal brain bleeds. Though rare, the result may lead to severe debilitating complications including death. Signs a person is suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke include inability to communicate effectively, confusion, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body and general fatigue. Immediate medication attention is necessary to potentially reverse side effects of the stroke, though this is not always possible.
Hematomas
You may see unexplainable bruises, or hematomas, on your skin. It is important to monitor bruises. If bruising continues and the areas become painful, it is critical to seek medical attention. Apply ice to bruises and elevate as needed. Rest the areas where the bruises occur. The University of Florida suggests wearing compression hose to decrease bruises from forming on the lower legs. The hose, or stockings, are available over the counter at most pharmacies and medical drugstores.
Additional Medication Interactions
Aspirin is not the only blood thinning medication that may interact and increase bleeding times when taken with fish oil supplements. Other anticoagulant medications include heparin, warfarin, clopidogrel and enoxaparin. Don't rule out blood-thinning supplements. Ginkgo, red clover, willow and even garlic supplements have a blood thinning effect. Use caution when taking these and other supplements in combination with fish oil.
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