Originally Posted by Heathpack

Actually no.

Enteric coated aspirin protects against the direct chemical irritant effect of the medication on the stomach lining, so it helps prevents immediate stomach upset. But that is not the cause of ulcers.

The cause of ulcers with aspirin is the systemic effects of aspirin- ie what happens after the medication is digested, absorbed and then delivered back to the tissues. Aspirin is a cycloxygenase (COX) inhibitor. COX is an enzyme necessary for the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane A2.

Prostaglandins are involved with inflammatory reactions, which is why aspirin is an "anti-inflammatory" medication. However, prostaglandins are also important in producing a layer of protective mucus that coats the stomach. Without this layer the stomach lining is more susceptible to damage, ie ulceration.

Thromboxane A2 promotes platelet aggregation. Platelets are some of the cells that help the blood to clot. Thus, taking aspirin prevents platelet aggregation and therefore blood clots. This is important in patients with cardiovascular disease because the lining of the blood vessels becomes abnormal in those patients & that attracts platelets, they normal hang out in your blood and if they see any damaged blood vessel, they stick themselves onto it to form a clot.

Glucocorticoids, ie "steroids" (prednisone) also is a prostaglandin inhibitor, so aspirin + prednisone in combo can further increase the risk of ulcer. It is thought the risk is much less with low-dose aspirin, it should be ok to use these meds in combo, but that's a judgement call for a doctor based on a patients individual situation.