OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug, but may be prescribed by your health care professional.

"Approved instructions and information for doctors about heart-related uses of aspirin are part of the professional labeling for aspirin, but they are not permitted on consumer labels because safe use for these conditions requires supervision by a physician," the F.D.A. said.

Because of this evidence, the drug agency published a notice in the Federal Register on Thursday saying it was proposing changes in the professional labeling of the drug to reflect the new use.

Henry Dausch, an assistant to the Commissioner of the F.D.A., said the companies agreed not to promote aspirin as a preventive for first heart attacks, "until such time as that study is completed, reviewed by the F.D.A. and appropriate professional labeling for use by physicians has been developed."