Aspirin hypersensitivity and desensitization protocols: implications for cardiac patients.

Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid is an important therapy for many cardiology patients but hypersensitivity to this drug affects around 1% of the population and intolerance may affect up to 20%. While alternative medications to aspirin are available, in many cases there is a compelling need for aspirin therapy. In these patients, aspirin desensitization may be considered. However, this is a complex issue with a lack of international standardization. This article reviews the available evidence for aspirin desensitization and provides practical advice for the management of these patients.