(HealthDay student loan calculator News) — Before you start a daily dose of aspirin to lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke, you should speak to your doctor, advises the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

While aspirin can help prevent a heart attack or clot-related stroke by lowering the clotting action of the blood’s platelets, it can also cause unwanted side effects. These include stomach bleeding, bleeding in the brain, and kidney failure.

Aspirin companies can also mix badly with other medicines, vitamins and herbal or dietary supplements.

If your doctor has recommended you take a daily dose of aspirin, discuss any potentially dangerous side effects first.