Elderly patients prescribed daily low-dose aspirin may need more frequent monitoring of haemoglobin and ferritin levels, according to Australian-led researchers.

The recommendation is based on new evidence of a 20% higher rate of incident anaemia within five years of starting 100mg aspirin once daily compared with placebo.

“Older adults are more likely to become anaemic generally and now doctors can potentially identify patients at higher risk,” said lead author and consultant haematologist Associate Professor Zoe McQuilten, from Monash University in Melbourne.

“This study gives a clearer picture of the additional risk of becoming anaemic with aspirin use and the impact is likely to be greater in older adults with underlying diseases, such as kidney disease.”