**7. Monitoring of aspirin efficacy and adverse effects**

Aspirin once daily (75-100 mg) is recommended in primary prevention of CVD in type 2 diabetes patients when antiplatelet prophylaxis has a favorable benefit/risk profile (Patrono et al., 2004). For effectiveness of primary prevention strategy, patients should be followed on a regular basis and examined for signs and symptoms of any cardiovascular diseases. In consideration of dose-dependent GI toxicity and its potential impact on compliance, physicians are encouraged to use the lowest dose of aspirin that was shown to be effective in each clinical setting (Patrono et al., 2001). Aspirin should not be given to patients with gastrointestinal ulcerations; best tolerated after food. In conclusion, bleeding and gastrointestinal complications are the most common adverse effects of aspirin. Thus, the patients on aspirin should be monitored for stomach pain, heartburn, nausea and bleeding tendency.
