No Aspirin for Deployed Troops

Week of May 11, 2009

Defense Department officials are directing servicemembers and government civilians deployed in overseas war zones to refrain from taking aspirin unless under a doctor's orders. Aspirin use could contribute to excessive bleeding in the event of wounding or injury. Troops slated for deployment to combat zones should cease taking aspirin at least 10 days before departure. Servicemembers and civilians could substitute over-the-counter, non-aspirin-based medications -- such as Tylenol or Motrin -- for treatment of colds, fever, muscle aches and other maladies. Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) operations in contingency locations have removed all products containing aspirin from their shelves.To learn more, read the full article on Military.com.

To find more deployment news and resources, visit The Deployment Center.