Q. My neighbor recently had a light stroke. Her doctor suggested that she take an aspirin every day — said it would act as a blood thinner and might help prevent another stroke. Is that good advice for everyone?

A. I have no medical training or background — but no medical recommendation that includes a drug is good for everyone. Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, was introduced to the market in 1899 as a relief from headache, pain and fever. Because it’s a product older than most of us, we tend to take it for granted and forget that it is a powerful drug.

When you look on the directions for using aspirin, you will read facts and cautions about using it safely and effectively for its primary purpose — headache, pain and fever. There is no labeling information about using aspirin to thin blood or prevent stroke.

Studies have shown it can be effective in reducing stroke and heart attack, but there will also be risks from long-term use of aspirin that may outweigh its benefits. Before undertaking any self-treatment regime, talk to your health care provider.

According to information from the Food and Drug Administration, your health provider will need to help you think through certain cautions.

“Aspirin has been shown to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, but not all over-the-counter pain and fever reducers do that. Even though the directions on the label do not apply to this use of aspirin, you still need to read the label to confirm that the product you buy and use contains at the correct dose. Check the Drug Facts label for ‘active ingredients: aspirin’ or ‘acetylsalicylic acid’ at the dose that your health professional has prescribed.

“Remember, if you are using aspirin every day for weeks, months or years to prevent a heart attack, stroke, or for any use not listed on the label — without the guidance from your health professional — you could be doing your body more harm than good.”

For more information, check the Web page, www.fda.gov, or call (888) INFO-FDA.