Plavix, Aspirin and Stents (April 2005-June 2006)

Postings on This Page (124):

• My dad had a stroke. He was taking coumadin and then his doc changed him to plavix. He was still taking a baby aspirin a day with his plavix, my dad never suffered a heart attack nor did he have a stent put in. The doctor said that he artery was too little. thanks
Heather, Pensacola, Florida, USA, June 30, 2006

• Hello all. I am a 70 years old woman and was put on Plavix prior to receiving the Stent for poor blood circulation, but got off of it after 2 months. Went to another doctor and they said why are you even on Plavix? I had a reaction to Plavix at that time and got blood shot eyes and major pains in my eyes. I told my cardiologist that I was allergic to Plavix and that I would have to take something else, but he went ahead and put one stent in for 50% blockage. I now have blood shot eyes every now and then and my skin is itching and I am braking out with red marks and bruises. Does anyone else have this problem? oh by the way I have a cypher drug eluting stent. When can I stop this medication? I'm sick of it and it is driving me crazy. I feel like I am going to have to see a therapist. Signed, very unhappy camper. Please advise?
Bessy F., California, USA, June 28, 2006

• I had a stent in my RCA, my meds were 75 Plavix, 325 asprin for three months then 81, plus other meds, to this day, 6 months later, my blood is so thin it runs like water when I get scratched or cut working in garden
Jim S., Pennsylvania, USA, June 22, 2006

• Buffered ASA 325mg and Plavix 75mg daily. No heart problems or stents. A lot of congenital deformities like small carotids gortex graft in R subclavian from aneurysm surgery and old venous sinus thrombosis. Good cholesterol and low blood pressure. Do I need to take both of these meds? Bruising a lot and angioedema in hands. GERD as well.
S., Pennsylvania, USA, June 16, 2006

• Husband reacted to plavix following 4 stents into 3 main arteries. Taken off plavix due to severe rash. Put on ticlid. Reaction to ticlid includes swelling of joints spreading and extreme pain. Started in pinky on left hand, proceeded throughout fingers and wrist in first left, then right hand. Currently ankle and knee now swelling and painful. Condition worsens throughout evening into night. Beginning to think Plavix is lesser of two evils needed for treatment.
Cj, wife, hagerstown, md, June 15, 2006

• Dear H. -- Plavix (clopidogrel) is an antiplatelet drug which doesn't exactly "attack" your platelets -- we all need platelets, a main component of blood -- but it suppresses their clotting action, working as a kind of "lubricant" to keep them from sticking together around a stent. Clopidogrel is the standard therapy prescribed for 3-6 or more months after drug-eluting stenting, along with aspirin. Sometimes another antiplatelet drug, ticlopidine (Ticlid) is prescribed instead of clopidogrel. In your case, if you are experiencing the side-effect (a known one) of clopidogrel which is a low platelet count, then your cardiologist should discuss alternatives with you. Not staying on your prescribed medications (especially for heart attack victims) can definitely raise your risk level (see our June 12 news article about this topic).

As for the Flextome Cutting Balloon, a device made by Boston Scientific, it was recalled back in December 2005 for a defect that allowed the catheter shaft to separate -- it occurred in eight reported cases, and if it didn't occur in your procedure (we're assuming it didn't because it's a major problem that you'd definitely have known about when it happened) then the recall doesn't affect you. But since the cardiologist who did your stents stated that the earlier Cutting Balloon procedure put you at risk, you might want to ask him for more detail about "why". One of the reasons a Cutting Balloon was invented was to use in the case of a very dense hard plaque -- a situation where expanding a regular balloon inside the artery might rupture the plaque and tear through the artery wall (a dangerous complication). By making small incisions (cuts) in the plaque first, the Flextome eased the tension inside the artery, kind of "tenderizing" it and making for a safer procedure.

As for your medical records, every hospital has their own policy, but we believe you should be able to have them transferred to another doctor who's caring for you. We would hope you could call the cardiologist who did the stent procedure and explain your concerns, previous platelet situation and current fears. It's very tough sometimes because doctors in our current healthcare system are given very little time to speak with patients. Before you call, make notes, try to deliver the information to him/her efficiently, but get it all in -- just be as brief as possible. And let us know what you find out. Other patients may be in similar situations.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, June 15, 2006

• I just had an three implants Cordis Cypher Sirolimus Eluting Coronary Stents. While during the implants the coronary vascular surgeon was upset because the other physician had in October of 2005 opened an artery with a The Flextome Cutting Balloon. While I was under surgery he told me I had to take Plavix. A drug I know attacks my platelets. I had a heart attack in February of 2003. While taking Plavix and several other medications, I was sent home -- within a week my platelet count was to the point that I had to have a transfusion. I did not want a transfusion and was told they would give me one two days to see if the my blood count was normalizing again naturally -- it finally did and was told never to have Plavix. While searching for the stents I have had put in now, I understand why this doctor wanted to put me plavix. This cardiologist was also during my surgery telling me how my heart was jeopardized because of the Cutting balloon and may needed to have open heart surgery. I am confused what to do. I am afraid to take the plavix and the doctors seem not to respond in a normal ethical interaction with me. I was not allowed to get my own copies that I normally have during a procedure and keep them with me if I travel. I also was not allowed to keep a copy of all my blood work. I feel endangered by all the non information by my heart doctors and searched on the internet for information. Now I am even more concerned and do not know what to do. Will I take the plavix which also endangers my life; I was told I surely would die if I did not take the plavix. Discharged from the hospital yesterday in distress of not being able to know what the heck is going on. Where and how do I find information, since the doctor is not practicing any longer on what Plavix will do to me. I know that within one week there I was without platelets and they wanted the doctors wanted to do a blood transfusion. Only next week they will do a CBC, I am truly scared if I do not take Plavix I die and when I do I might die since I live by myself.
H., Arkansas, USA, June 13, 2006

• My husband had a heart attack on 5/28/06. Doctor put a stent in the blood vessel leading into the circumflex artery. (100% blockage). Now he was taken off the Plavix due to allergic reaction and only on 325 mg. asp....also Lipitor 20mg. My question is: His right leg (thigh and below) has a severe pain whenever he moves the leg. Is this normal? What can be done? We have gone back to doctor and had a doppler x ray done but to no avail.
Susan C., Texas, USA, June 11, 2006

• Hi -- after having 2 stents put in and going on plavix, lipitor, and small aspirin, etc., 6 months later I develop (they say) ulcerative colitis. I never had a stomach problem, ever till now. My new gastrointestinal doc was mortified with the plavix. Asked if I have read the newer studies on the major bleeding and stuff it can cause to stomach, rectum, intestines, etc. I am not on it any longer, and from her look, never will be again. This is much worse than the heart attack, and it's not getting better. Ii'm wondering if I have permanent damage from this or what is going on!!!!!!!!! My life has just turned so bad with constant jolts to the bathroom with blood, etc. and hospital stays. Anyone else have any help or similar issues? Thanks so much
Joe, North Tonawanda, New York, USA, June 6, 2006

• Roe -- aspirin is prescribed specifically to prevent a heart attack (via its antiplatelet action). Clopidogrel (Plavix) does something similar, but in a different way. For stent patients, they are usually prescribed in combination. You should check with your physician regarding dosage of any drug.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 29, 2006

• they say that aspirin can cause heart attack just use one baby aspirin a day.Would it be better if i used one plavix a day or maybe a half of one. thank you.
Roe H., New York, USA, May 27, 2006

• G -- haven't heard of plavix causing seizures -- is this information from your doctor? There is an alternative drug called ticlopidine (Ticlid) which is similar but tolerated differently in different patients. Let us know more.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 16, 2006

• My brother is 57 yrs old has had 2 stents put in. He is a severe diabetic and has 2 to 3 seizures a week due to plavix. He can't tell when his sugar drops and it drops fast. He takes plavix and aspirin. His blood is too thin and the dr. won't tell him to stop taking it. He lives alone and has seizures in his sleep. We are so afraid we are going to lose him. what do we do? HELP.
G., Georgia, USA, May 15, 2006

• Congratulations Dick!
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 15, 2006

• I was placed on 75mg plavix & 81mg aspirin in March '02 when I received a Cordis non-coated stent. In Sept 05, I had a Taxus coated stent inserted. Am still on same plavix/aspirin dose. Of course, I bleed easily, have become fat and happy, have to rest a lot while doing work like heavy-duty gardening....but then again, I turned 80 last month!
Dick Weigler, Venice, Florida, USA, May 14, 2006

• today i my doc says i have atrial fibrillation that comes and goes. i never had a stroke or heart attack. never had problems with my heart. the doc says since i take levothroid for my thyroid that my levothroid med is way too much and in the mean time to take two aspirins and one plavix a day. i'm really terrified of taking plavix i guess it's because of know it's dealing with my heart. until my thyroid level is back to normal and my arterial fibrillation is gone i have to continue to take plavix once a day and two aspirins a day. is anyone in the same boat as me? i'm really hesistant in taking plavix.
kumi, killeen, texas, USA, May 12, 2006

• A study was just presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) that demonstrates a potentially successful method for reversing hypersensitivity reactions to clopidogrel (in English, an allergy to Plavix). It consists of a "densensitization process" where patients who have exhibited the symptoms are started with a very small dose of clopidogrel (0.02 mg) that is then increased slightly every 15 minutes until the full daily dose is achieved -- takes about two hours. Dr. Nicholas Walker of University of Iowa Healthcare has done this with 8 patients and every one was a success. More on this later.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 12, 2006

• I had terrible itching, and some swelling in the hands. My doctor took me off LISINOPRIL, and so far not much itch, swelling went down as well. I'm on MICARDIS instead...so far, so good!
Steve J., Illinois, USA, May 10, 2006

• My doctor ordered plavix 75 mg and aspirin 81 mg, plus isosorbide dinitrate 20 mg BID.
Harold L. Percell, Salem, Oregon, USA, May 7, 2006

• Anonymous -- you've happened upon one of the big controversies in interventional cardiology: the question of when to stop clopidogrel (a.k.a. Plavix) after drug-eluting stent placement. It is in fact the subject of this month's "thumbs up, thumbs down" discussion between Drs. Eric Topol and Rob Califf on theheart.org -- and it's currently the "Question of the Week" on CRTOnline.org -- both these websites are restricted to healthcare professionals (mainly cardiologists) so you can see that this is a subject very much in debate. On the "Question of the Weekvote so far only 57 doctors have voted, but 53% say a year and 30% say for life. We can't give you medical advice -- your doctor must do that -- but we can point you to resources. One is our coverage (and referred to documentation) of the BASKET-LATE study presented on March 14, 2006 at the annual ACC meeting. This study raised much concern and almost a shouting match in the conference hall. The study showed an increase in thrombosis-related events up to a year after stopping clopidogrel (the study only went that far, so these late events might continue beyond a year). The package inserts for drug eluting stents recommend 3-6 months of clopidogrel. Most cardiologists today recommended a year. Many feel like Dr. Rob Califf of Duke, who stated, "In my practice, if you get a drug-eluting stent, you're going to be on clopidogrel for life until more data come in." The reason cardiologists would like to see their patients stop clopidogrel is the increased risk of bleeding and the complicated situation if you have to get surgery. Then there's the cost. The biggest problem right now is that, as of yet, there is no way to tell which patients are at higher risk for thromotic events after stopping clopidogrel.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 4, 2006

• I just visited my new cardiologist today (my former one left the group without informing me and I hesitated to go back to that group). My new cardiologist is young, cocky and opinionated. I noted I was taking Plavix and enteric 81 mg ASA and he said "Current wisdom is that you should stop taking Plavix a year after your last stent". Well, my second of 2 stents was implanted 3 years ago and I'm not comfortable discontinuing the Plavix, and told him so. Any thoughts?
Anonymous, USA, May 4, 2006

• To Fred of Mississippi- I also have recently had 2 angioplasties consisting of 2 drug-eluting stents each. Like you, I experienced a severe rash with leather-like skin on my groin and buttocks and was prescribed Atarax for the allergy caused by Plavix. The Atarax worked exceptionally and within 2 days vanished completely at which time, I ceased taking the Atarax and have not neede3d it again.
Bryan, Florida, USA, April 29, 2006

• My father is 73 years old and has 5 stents. He has been on Plavix for about a year and last October his doctor tried to wean him off the medicine. However, after 10 days he had a mild heart attack. At this point his heart doctor told him he would be on Plavix for the rest of his life.

Fast forward to April 19, 2006 and my father has a mild stroke. A stroke caused by a massive blood clot (really pool of blood) in his brain. The brain doctors asked if he had hit his head lately and, in fact, he had getting out of the car about a week prior. Nothing hard. Just a hit on the head as he was getting out of the car.

After removing the blood clot (really a pool of blood), his heart doctor now says he can no longer take Plavix. Apparently, there has been an increasing number of cases just like this. While Plavix does wonders to keep blood flowing through the heart, it simply makes the blood so thin that if a person hits their head the chances of a pool of blood forming in their brain is huge.

The point is, Plavix is a wonderful drug for a heart patient. However, one of the risk is that if you hit your head (and not real hard) you may experience the same thing that my father did. While in the Hospital there were 4 or 5 other patients with the same condition.

My hope now is to find an alternative drug to keep his blood flowing.They are talking about putting him on an aspirin a day. The effectiveness of an aspirin seems to be considerably less than that of Plavix. Therefore, I am greatly concerned that within a very short time my father will die of a heart attack. Anyone with suggestions, please let me know.
John, Sugar Land, Texas, April 27, 2006

• I just underwent angioplasty and drug-eluting stent surgery and was prescribed an aspirin-plavix regimen. After only four days, I developed a severe, itchy skin rash that covers most of my torso, legs and thighs. I intend to see my physician today to investigate alternatives, if any, to Plavix.
Fred D., Mississippi, USA, April 26, 2006

• After doing elective heart scan...showing increased plaque...then took results to Doctor...followed by angiogram and I had stent implanted in February...taking one Plavix and one full strength aspirin daily. Question whether I should take 325 aspirin since I have had low blood platelets for a number of years (after radiation for prostate cancer 10 plus years ago) Has anyone on 75mg Plavix and aspirin seen changes in blood platelets, blood counts or hemoglobin?
Joe, Georgia, USA, April 21, 2006

• Diane -- the FDA-required IFU (Instructions For Use) on the Cypher drug-eluting stent recommend 3 months of Plavix; for the Taxus, it's 6 months. But stent thrombosis in drug-eluting stents is a hot button issue and many cardiologists prescribe Plavix for a year or more, and aspirin for life, to avoid the thrombosis problem which is extremely serious when it occurs. It is usually recommended that elective surgery wait until Plavix can be discontinued, to reduce the risk of bleeding. But these decisions should be made with your interventional cardiologist who is probably best-informed about the Plavix / drug-eluting stent issues.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 20, 2006

• I want to have bariactric surgery, but I had an angioplasty done so my doctor says I have to wait. How long do I have to be on plavix and asprin? My sister had the same thing done and she has had carpel tunnel and back surgery three months after the stents were put in. My doctor says that mine is an elective surgery. What do you think?
diane v. berkey, klamath falls, Oregon, USA, April 14, 2006

• I am a 34-year old female who was diagnosed with a hole in my heart (atrial septal defect) and had a catheter procedure to fix the problem. I have been on Plavix for about two months and have started to experience severe itching and a rash on my hands, feet, arm pits, abdomen, thighs, and just today my upper lip has swollen up. I am so glad that I logged on to this site because I was so afraid it was the device I was allergic to which is similar to a stent.
Lisa M. Fiorello, Liverpool, New York, April 14, 2006

• He had five blockages. Three stents on the left side. Two total blockages on the right side that they could not unblock. Yes, he is on Plavix.
Barbara M., Florida, USA, April 9, 2006

• Barbara -- not to add to the extensive list of medications that your boyfriend is taking, but is Plavix one of them? It's usually prescribed after a drug-eluting stent to prevent stent thrombosis (blood clotting in the stent). Muscle ache and pain is sometimes a side effect of some statin drugs. Your cardiologist should be made aware of these reactions. Some advances are being made in the treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTO) or the 100% blockage, but it's a tricky situation. Every patient's condition is different, which is why only an experienced interventional cardiologist should make a decision on whether or not to treat in these situations -- in your case it sounds like he did. Managing the medications can also be tricky -- we recommend that you work closely with your doctor and report side-effects to him/her, etc. so the best and most effective combination can be achieved.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 9, 2006

• My boyfriend had three medically coated stents put in 1/6/06. He has 100% blockage in the RCM The Dr. attempted angioplasty but stopped because of risks to the left side. He has only one leg and was concerned about having a by-pass and the recovery after, so the stents was a good option. He is breathing much, much better. However he suffers from shoulder, arm, and leg pain. Has a feeling of numbness in his hands. He presently is taking glipizide, norvasc, tricor, coreg, avalide, furosemide, ecotrin(325 mg), potassium, isosorbide and zocor. He sees his cardiologist in May. His primary Dr. said he will always be on this medication, because he did not have the by-pass. Needless to say, he gets discouraged. Is this right?
Barbara M., Florida, USA, April 9, 2006

• Dr. N -- a clopidogrel-eluting stent. That's an interesting idea. One of the problems is that the blood circulates throughout the body quite swiftly, so any "eluted" clopidogrel would be extremely diluted and probably not have much antiplatelet effect. This is different from the type of localized drug eluted by the stents to prevent proliferation (growth) of muscle cells that can become stenotic and cause blockages. These eluted drugs act on the endothelial layer on the inside of the artery, only around the stent area. Blood thinners must act on the entire bloodstream. But you're right. There must be a better solution. One such idea we'll be hearing much more about: bioabsorable polymers or bioabsorbable stents. In this case, the coating, or possibly the stent itself, will be absorbed into the body and will in effect disappear. Conor has a stent being used in Europe now that has a bioabsorbable coating. We'll soon be posting a feature article on these new emerging technologies.By the way, the drug on the Endeavor is ABT-578, made by Abbott. Abbott is using the same drug on their Zomaxx stent. If you search our site for these terms, you'll come up with more information. Thanks for your contribution.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 8, 2006

• i am 61 year-old male with an EndeavorRx 2.5x12mm put on December 22, 2005. Why should we expose the whole circulation to clopidogrel? can't we invent a clopidogrel-eluting stent which can create a ''clopidogrel pool '' within and around the stent? The aim is to reduce the occurrence of bleedings and other adverse reactions to clopidogrel also to shorten the duration of its use. By the way, I couldn't trace any info or studies regarding my Endeavor eluting stent and its active ingredient? Greeting to all fellow sufferers.
Dr. N., Khartoum, Sudan, April 8, 2006

• My husband had a heart attack in January, 2006, and is taking many meds, including Plavix. He has shaking chills and feels very cold for hours every day, but three different doctors have said no medications can cause this. Does anyone else have these symptoms or are we both crazy?
Susan P., Georgia, USA, April 3, 2006

• husband had heart attack on 3/26/06 one artery 100 % blocked..stent put in ..prescribed plavix, aspirin 325 mg. corag and blood pressure meds... pharmacy (error) filled with 81mg aspirin and he had another heart attack 3 days later....clot formed..could the wrong dosage of aspirin contributed to 2nd heart attack and blood clotting.. any connection
joanne, California, USA, April 2, 2006

• I am on non-eluting 3 stents since 11 months ago. I take plavix 75 and no aspirin because I am afraid of bleeding with the combination. I am 55 and have no other health problems. With time, the chest pain comes lighter and less frequent. My LDLs are at the minimum limit with lescol . My Question is for how long I have to stay on plavix? Should I take Aspirin too? I also take Concor 2.5 mg tablet per day. My heart rate is regular (60/min) and bp is 100/70 even before stenting. Should I contiue on that beta blocker? Thank you very much. Sincerely, Sayed
Sayed I., Egypt, April 2, 2006

• Kathy from Illinois -- did the doctor determine the source of the bleeding? Did it have anything to do with the femoral artery where the catheter was inserted?
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 2, 2006

• i am age 25 a suffered a stroke after a car wreck. I had a stent put in Nov. of 05 and now taking plavix and aspirin everyday. I am very tired a lot and so much bruising now.
Nancy Jilek, Billings, Montana, USA, April 1, 2006

• I have had an episode of internal bleeding 2 weeks after my heart stent was put in. It came on suddenly and I developed severe burning pain in my lower right side, went to the E.R. and was given a CT Scan that showed the bleeding. Nothing was done other than pain meds. Now my cardiologist has taken me off of Plavix and the 325 mg. aspirin and is having me take only 81 mg. aspirin. Has anyone else had this problem and what was your outcome ? The pain is unbelievable. Any help you can give me to help me cope with all of this will be appreciated.
Kathy, Illinois, USA, March 31, 2006

• Drug coated stents and aspirin allergies. My father just had a stent put in and he is allergic to aspirin. Will Plavix trigger the same allergic reaction?
Teresa Feeser, Hanover, Pennsylvania, USA, March 22, 2006

• Within the past three days both the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have issued alerts, basically stating what we've written here, if you are currently taking aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix®), don't stop without consulting your doctor. Like we said....). Our Editor has also chimed in with his view on what happened with the news media last week.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 19, 2006

• I am 38 and had an angioplasty and 2 non-drug-coated stents placed 4 years ago. I've been on aspirin 80mg and Lipitor 10mg. Actually I have reduced the dosage on aspirin myself in the recent year to like one pill every the other day. My heart feels normal. I am wondering after 4 years, is it still necessary to take aspirin?
Chung, San Francisco, CA, USA, March 18, 2006

• I had a heart attack about 6 months ago at age 52 and had one stent put in due to 100% blockage. I am taking Plavix (75mg) with aspirin (81mg), Metoprolol (25mg) and Vytorin (10/20mg). During the first 90 days, I realy could not do much. I was always out of breath, light headed and sleepy. Then I attended a rehab 3 times a week for six weeks and everything changed. Whatever you do make sure to go through a rehab session after a heart attack. Primarily because it builds confidence. Getting hooked up and monitored while exercising for 3 hours a week does wonders to the mind. All those funny little pains and burning sensations that I used to feel, blaming my medicines for not feeling good etc. kind of went away. Being physicaly conditioned feels great (and I have not been exercising for over 15+ years!) I truly believe that the biggest damage from a heart attack is in ones head (off course excluding legitimate complications). I try not to wory about the side effects, or little pains here or there anymore...important things is I am still alive and know a lot more about how to take care myself now than I did before. I think the first 4-5 months is the hardest then things get better.
Mustafa, California, USA, March 18, 2006

• HI I WOULD JUST LIKE TO START OUT BY SAYING I HAD A HEART ATTACK ON 1-1-06,FOLLOWED BY ANGIOPLASTY IN WICH A 100% RCA BLOCKAGE WAS FOUND AND MEDICALLY STENTED,PRECEEDED BY 40MG ZOCHOR,75MG PLAVIX,325 ASPIRIN,50MG*2METROPOL,0.5 ALTACE. WHEN I FIRST GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL I GOT PRETTY SICK FOR A WEEK STRAIGHT THEN TURNED THE CORNER FOR THE BETTTER I GUESS,I HAVE BEEN WALKING 7 DAYS A WEEK 2 MILES A DAY AND HAVE LOST 35 PONDS AND FEEL 10 YEARS YOUNGER.MY AGE INCIDENTLY IS 36 YEARS OLD SO I AM VERY GREATFULL FOR MY GOOD FORTUNE.
SHAWN, DES MOINES IOWA, March 17, 2006

• I am a patient with the VA who has had stent placement as well as angioplasty. Following my stent placement I was prescribed Plavix initially, and then its generic or counterpart, Ticlid. I am allergic to both. We have consulted with an allergist who has determined that to work for desensitization would possibly interfere with medications now prescribed for Hypertension, diabetes, Cardiac Disease and Cholesterol. Where does that put me?
H. H., Tennessee, USA, March 15, 2006

• Just a note -- Monday, which was the day we issued our News Alert about the misleading headlines stating that Plavix and aspirin were a risky combination, this page received the most hits of all of the 500-plus pages on Angioplasty.Org. To boot, our site traffic was 50% above normal. Just another indication of consumers using the Internet for health information. See our Editor's Blog for more info.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 14, 2006

• I have had shoulder burning and shoulder pain bilaterally at times. My stress test is negative. Could the med be causing the pain and burning . I am currently taking ASA 81 mg and Plavix 75mg qd. since my Non q wave MI April 27 2005.
G.P., March 13, 2006

• In 1994 I had Angioplasty for 3 blockages. In July 1998 I had a quadruple by-pass. Jan 2004 went through 55 EECP visits, with no benefits from therapy. In Aug 2004 2 stents. After the stents (non medicated) Driver MX Medtronic, he put me on 75 mg Plavix and 325 mg aspirin. In May 2005 I had a double by-pass. I ve been on Plavix for 19 months. I keep reading that you should take it for 3-12 months after a stent is put in. Should I question my cardiologist about the 19 months or could it because of my by-passes that he keeps me on them? My history is pretty poor. My triglycerides stay extremely high. The lowest they have been in 16 years are 625. Last month they were 1800. They have been as much as 2200. All this while taking medication. I'm 52 years old and feel like I'm 80. I take: Lisinopril 10mg, Toprol XL SA 50mg, Cartia XT ER two 180mg (360mg), Pravachol 40mg, Tricor 145 mg
Mike, Cumming, Georgia, USA, March 13, 2006

• NEWS ALERT! If you are an angioplasty patient, don't stop taking your meds. Readers have expressed concern about stories in today's news reporting that Plavix and aspirin may be dangerous when taken together -- for example, the Houston Chronicle's headline reads "Study: Using Plavix with aspirin is risky" -- this is very misleading and not the point of the CHARISMA study, presented yesterday at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology. The study was, by the way, funded by the manufacturers of Plavix.

First of all, if you're reading this, you or a family member may have already had a coronary event or intervention. You may well have a drug-eluting stent in your coronary arteries. The CHARISMA study does not apply to you. There have been many studies which have shown definite benefit of Plavix (a.k.a. clopidogrel) and aspirin combination therapy. In fact, if you have had a stent put in, especially a drug-eluting stent, Plavix and aspirin are mandatory. They prevent the blood from clotting inside the stent -- an event that is extremely dangerous. So for those of you in this population, DO NOT stop taking Plavix and aspirin on the basis of these headlines. By all means, discuss this with your cardiologist if you are concerned.

The CHARISMA study was meant to see if adding clopidogrel to aspirin was better than aspirin alone in preventing heart attacks in patients who did NOT already have Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) or who had NOT had an intervention (balloon, stent, etc.). And the answer was no -- it didn't help any more than aspirin alone. What all the headlines are referring to was the "subset" of patients (about 20% of the total) who were asymptomatic (had no symptoms of heart disease) -- the rate of heart attack and death in the clopidogrel plus aspirin combination in these patients was actually higher (from 2.2% to 3.9%) -- a surprise to the researchers. So the results of the study are not to prescribe aspirin plus Plavix to asymptomatic patients, just aspirin alone -- and that for patients with symptoms, while there was a slight benefit to the combination, it was not great enough to justify the expense and possible side-effects of the Plavix. But for stent and angioplasty patients and those with more advanced disease, the combination of Plavix and aspirin has been shown to be very beneficial and essential. Read our Editor's Blog for more.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 13, 2006

• Alana:I recently heard that plavix and aspirin can cause strokes on the news 3/13/06. I have been taking these medications since 9/10/05,I had a 100 percent blockage of the coronary artery and my cholesterol level was 176 at the time. I had 2 eluting stents put in 3.5x24mm and 3.5 8mm rca's i also am taking 80 miligrams of lipitor and 25 miligrams of toprol. Since I have been taking all these meds I have been gaining so much weight has the medicines have anything to do with this also. Thank You
Alana Mc Namara, Brooklyn New York, March 13, 2006

• My father has a very extensive heart history including triple bypass, about 10 or more angioplastys and 8 stent placements, well controlled type II diabetes and one very mild TIA. He had a pacemaker installed a couple years ago and is on many medications including plavix and baby asa. He is 72 yrs old and struggles daily with palpatations that cause weakness. No one seems to be able to help. They insist his pacemaker is working fine but at this point it is hard to believe anyone. My father tells them how bad he feels and they tell him he is doing fine. It really seems like many doctors don't listen, just doctoring their numbers, not the person. At this time they are increasing his Coreg to attempt to stop the palpatations. It has really affected his quality of life and his emotional state. He has always been a "get up and go" type of person despite a chronic back disability. We don't know what to do. Now, on top of it, my parents heard of a new study over the news saying that taking plavix and aspririn together actually increased your chances of heart attack or stroke by some 50-70%. Has anyone heard of this study? We are at the end of our rope...
Jody, Washington, USA, March 12, 2006

• My GI physician won't prescribe Plavix. Said its side effects are too bad. I reach the question about not removing a blockage less than 70%. What about the consequences of leaving it there? Try kinking a hose and watch the bulge build up. Isn't leaving it there only contributing to high blood pressure and aneurysms? I suppose the reason for not removing them is that you'll need more drugs until it is removed. And, you might be able to avoid all those checks every few months to "be sure" the blockage hasn't increased. I supposed to have test every year which cost about $7,000.00. If the blockage is removed, the hospital would lose that money.
C.M.W., March 05, 2006

• Had angioplasty 1/5/06, found 90% blockage in RCA, put in 2 stents (Cypher Sirolimus-eluting coronary stent). Left hospital with instructions to take 75mg Plavix, 325mg apsirin, and 10mg lipitor daily. Felt great for about 3 weeks, and then began noticing the easy bruising, then joints started bothering me, and also came a feeling of weakness. Was told to stop the lipitor to see if that helped. Did eliminate a bit of the joint pain. Am only on the plavix/aspirin now but continue to feel body weakness, always feel slightly dizzy, and have aches and pains all the time, especially in my legs and just generally feel lousy every day. Doesn't seem to be a solution since I was told that I have to stay on the plavix/aspirin for 9 months to a year.
Jane, Lemont, Illinois, February 27, 2006

• I had three Taxus-Express stents and was put on the aspirin-plavix regimen but in a few days had a very severe allergic reaction to the plavix. Substitution of Ticlid did not help. I was then put on a regimen of pletal, dipyrimadole and aspirin and have been on this for a year. Should another stent have to be used should I have the drug-coated one with the current pletal, aspirin, dipyrimadole regimen or would a bare stent be better?
Morris B., Ohio, USA, February 21, 2006

• my husband had a stent put in 3 mth ago he feels that he is losing muscle mass while also taking weight off , he is on plavix
diane wawiernia, eagle mi, united states, February 17, 2006

• I had a heart attack on January 9, 2006. I had angioplasty done and a Taxus stent put in. I am taking 20mg zocor, 325mg aspirin, 75mg plavix (twice a day). I left the hospital on January 13 and was feeling fine the first two weeks after leaving, but these last two weeks I have had a lot of joint pain in my hands, wrist, and knees. I have missed work because I can't walk and can barely type this letter. My internal medicine doctor said the plavix was what was making my joints ache, the cardiologist said it was the zocor. So he took me off the zocor and told me to continue the plavix. I still go very sore and am home again from work. All this medication is interrupting my life and my well-being. What can us heart attack sufferers do to stay healthy without all the terrible side affects from medications. To me the side affects surely outweigh the benefits, this pain is HELL!!!
Evelyn Hyland, St. Paul, MN USA, February 17, 2006

• What would happen if someone took Plavix and didn't need it?
C. V., February 12, 2006

• I had a drug eluting stent put in march 2005 for a blockage in my circumflex and was prescribed aspirin 75mg, plavix 75mg and bisoprolol 5mg. About 6 months after taking them i started to get pain in my left shoulder, mild chest pains (mt GTN spray don't seam to work) also i get burning in my hands so hot they would be sweaty and wet and am sick most days and burping a lot, the bruises i seem to get i can put up with them it the rest that i am bothered about. my doctor and the hospital have told me it's not my heart so what is causing all these problems? could it be the medication, any answers please as i feel worse now than i did before i had my stent.
amanda, United Kingdon, February 11, 2006

• Aspirin 75mg plavix 75mg 1 drug eluting stent. age 68. Feeling OK, but having trouble walking -- extreme pain in right thigh after walking 200 yards.
James I., United Kingdom, February 6, 2006

• Nick -- check our Forum Topic on "why won't my cardiologist open a 50-60% blockage". Most guidelines recommend not opening blockages that are less than 70%. These are, of course, medical questions and the solutions vary from patient to patient -- depends on whether you have symptoms, other clinical conditions, etc. That is why we do not and cannot offer "medical advice" on our Forum -- we can only steer you to resources and once again stress that this is a decision patients and their physicians need to reach together. Another resource is our Angioplasty 101 article. Good luck and let us know what happens.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 8, 2006

• Dear Forum Editor: Thanks for your response. My cardiologist who is also an interventional cardiologist surgeon who will do the procedure tells me that once he goes in, he will know how much is the blockage and if he does not have to do stenting or angioplasty he will not do it. Can you please provide any data and comments from your experience as to how many times they go in and not do anything and put the patient on a medical mamagement without stenting or angioplasty? I wamt to be only on medical mangement without stenting or angiopasty if I can help it and I am willing to go for an severe life style change. Is it foolish to think that nothing will be done when they do the procedure based on my previous CTA results and that they will put me only on a heavy dose of statins and blood pressure medication? Only 2 days are left for the procedure and I am nervous. They tell me that if I do not go through the procedure I may live for a longe time without it or can have heart attack any time. People go on without stenting and angiopasty with blocked arteries. I guess once you know you have some issues with your arteries you must fix it? I have only limited chest pain and a lot of shoulder muscle pain. Thanks.
Nick R, New Jersey, February 8, 2006

• Nick, if you get drug eluting stents placed, you will need to be on antiplatelet therapy for 3-6 months, perhaps a year. This is usually aspirin plus Plavix (clopidogrel) or Ticlid (ticlopidine). These are very important medicines. If you have had an allergic reaction to Plavix (and it's not clear from your post if you did, because you had a number of other factors involved) you need to make sure the cardiologists know this. Ticlid is sometimes used instead when Plavix causes adverse reactions. Bare metal stents don't need antiplatelet therapy for as long, but they do have a higher rate of restenosis and greater numbers of repeat procedures. These are issues you should discuss with your cardiologist, in advance of any procedure. But it is not advised to stop antiplatelet therapy after stenting, because of the risk of stent thrombosis (blood clotting) -- this is what Plavix and aspirin help prevent. Let us know how you fared.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 7, 2006

• Help: Recently in December 2005 during X-mas during driving I lost some coordination and felt some momentarily numbness in my arm. I had to stop the car and was not able to drive stead so I called my wife who picked me up and we went to ER. they took chest X-ray, didi MRA, MRI of head and determined that I may have had a TIA or could be neurological because MRA, MRI and vhest X-ray were not remarkable. I was taking 25 mg Atenolol and my BP was 155/99 at the time of ER visit. My cholesterol was 230. I had been on Cholsterol med Lipitor, 10 mg and that had brought it down to 171 but I had to stop because of the bad stomach problems due to sever irritable bowel syndrom for may years. At the time of supposedly TIA event the cardilogist put me on 100 mg Cozaar, 25 mg Atenolo, 10 mg Zetia, 80 mg Lescol and one 75 mg PLAVIX. After being on Plavix for two weeks with all other drugs I had bad chest pain and muscular pain in shoulders, arms and chest area. I reported to the cardiologist and we stopped Plavix, Lescol, Zetia and stayed on Cozzar 100 mg, Atenolo and 81 mg Apirin. The pain reduced. However we decided to do stress test and it had abnormal EKG read. The cardilogist asked me to do an angiogram but I decided to go for an 64 slice cardiac CT scan. It showed that I had three diffrent stenosis, one high grade stenosis versus segemental occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery, the other a high grade stenosis of the LAD just proximal to the first Diagonal branch and third high grade stenosis of the second diagonal branch origin. They asked me to do cardioangiogram and check how much is the damage and fix it. I will start to Plavix on 2/8/06 and the procedure is planned on 2/10/06.. I guess I will have to take the Plavix and depending on what they do I may have to continue taking it. Considering what could have happened during my earlier Plavix experience, should I wait for a week and be on Plavix for a week and not for two days before the procedure? I have a lot of shoulder and arm aches and occasional chest pain. Shuold I wait? I also have inflamed groined skin but no infection and the dermatologist tell me that it is okay to puncture it there for angiogram. What more questions I should ask about this planned surgery regarding post operation Plavix use and other post operation drug management and use care with my irritable bowel syndrom condition? I am in my mid 50's.
Nick R., New Jersey, February 7, 2006

• I had surgery for blocked veins in my legs about 3 months ago and the doctor prescribed 75MG Plavix. Since I have been taking Plavix I have bruises on my arms and one hand. What can I do to eliminate the bruises? Is there some kind of salve or ointment I can use to relieve the problem
Ray S, Fort Wayne/Indiana, USA, February 04, 2006

• I had a RCA 100% blockage in 2002 with resulting angioplasty and stent. A previous nuclear imaging stress test was negative, no sign of coronary artery blockages anywhere and larger than normal arteries. I was placed on Plavix and 325 mg aspirin following the stent and at the end of one year, it was decided that studies were showing no serious problems in remaining on Plavix, so I am still taking Plavix and aspirin with no side effects. I have not had any other coronary events with the exception of occasional irregular beats during periods of stress or intake of excess caffeine. Atenolol has taken care of the irregular beats. I have regular blood tests every 3 months because I am also on Provochol (to stabilize artery walls....not for cholesteral problems. 160 day of heart attack). Follow up cardiolyte stress tests show almost no heart damage from the heart attack and the minimal amount there is, occurred in a section of the heart that will probably not cause any issues in the future. I also take a low dose of Avapro for blood pressure which keeps my BP in the normal/low normal range. I exercise 4-5 times per week, am losing weight, but am severely obese and have type II diabetes for which I use Lantis and Humalog (none of the pills for Diabetes)which keeps my A1C at 7 or below. I was recently told I also had osteoporosis (T score of -2.73) and that I should take a medication (Fosomax) for this. I am very concerned with adding another medication to my growing list, especially with taking aspirin and Plavix already with Fosomax which is well known to cause gastro-intestinal problems (esophageal issues as well as stomach ulcers. I am 53...almost 54. I have not started the Fosomax yet, but have increased my exercise to include weight strengthening training and more weight bearing types of exercise as well as increased calcium and Vit D and calcium from diet. I am very hesitant to discontinue the aspirin/Plavix therapy because of the history of the blood clot that caused my heart attack. The actual cause of the clot to form was not found. BTW...I FEEL GREAT!!! Any thoughts?
Julie Tupker, self, Marion, Iowa USA, February 03, 2006

• Oneway -- recommended antiplatelet therapy with Plavix (clopidogrel) or Ticlid (ticlopidine) after drug-eluting stents is currently 3 months for the Cypher stent and 6 months for the Taxus -- we assume you that you had a drug-eluting stent implanted. Based on recent studies, some cardiologists extend this period to a year; sometimes more. This depends on several things, the patient's clinical situation, tolerance of the drug, etc. These antiplatelet drugs are taken in combination with aspirin, which is usually prescribed for life. Sounds like you've been tolerating the meds well and we're glad to hear you're feeling well (that is, after all, the idea). We certainly would recommend discussing your concern about extending antiplatelet therapy with your cardiologist. Plavix and Ticlid are indicated for several conditions, as a prophylactic against future cardiac events, etc.. See what he/she recommends for you -- and let us know as well so other patients can benefit.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 25, 2006

• Question: I had a stent put in six months ago and they have me taking a Ticlid twice a day to prevent clogging of the stent. The doctor mentioned that they would be taking me off the Ticlid soon...is this wise??? I am a bit concerned about a change in meds as I am feeling good right now. I also take a 325 aspirin and fish oil too, might this be enough to thin my blood slightly? Thanks for any comments about this...
onewaypockets, california, January 24, 2006

• i had 3 stents implanted on nov.2005. I'm on plavix 75mg, lipitor 20mg, coreg 25mg, cozaar 50mg and aspirin 81mg. After approx 5 weeks post nov 1st 2005 i began to feel great. i still do except that i've had a very stiff neck for the last 2 weeks. is this a side effect of the drugs? would welcome an answer.
james donnelly, sewell, new jersey usa, January 23, 2006

• I am a 57 year old male in excellent physical condition and had very few of the risks factors associated with coronary artery disease, other than high cholestrol and job related stress. My cholestrol has been under control using cholestrol lowering drugs since about 1990. I had three stents implanted on 11/18/05. One "Vision" Colbolt Chromium in the RCA and two "Cordis" drug-eluting in the LCA. I had already been taking 20 mg of Lipitor and a 81 mg aspirin daily for many years due to my high cholesterol. After the stent procedure, my cardiovascular surgeon also placed me on a 75 mg Plavix daily. After experiencing some muscle pain and weakness in my legs and arms, he switched from 20 mg of Lipitor to 10/20 mg of Vytorin. However, I have also been experiencing considerable side effects from the Plavix medication. Sore throat, cough, leg weakness, stomach upset, chills, tenderness in the groin area where the catheter was inserted, and a low grade fever (97.7). It is like having the flu, but without nasal congestion or a fever. The chills and stomach upset will come and go intermittently. These side effects are all listed as possible side effects for the Plavix medication. In my case they can last for several days to a week and then go away. I plan to discuss them with my doctor and find out how long I need to remain on the Plavix medication and whether there is an alternative blood thinning medication I can take in place of Plavix. My doctor never told me about these potential Plavix side effects. I thought my case was unusual, but after reading these patients internet postings, I see that I have a lot of company when it comes to Plavix side effects. Any comments or advise would be greatly appreciated...
Ed Lipinski, Retired, Woodbridge, Virginia, January 22, 2006

• Does Aspirin have the same mechanism or pharmacolgic action as Plavix in regards to anti-platlet effect? Can Plavix induce G.I. bleeding like aspirin?
J.F.L, Boone, Mo., January 18, 2006

• JFL -- Good question. Here's the answer from the AHA/ACC Guidelines revisions issued in November 2005: "In patients who have undergone PCI, clopidogrel 75 mg daily should be given for at least 1 month after bare-metal stent implantation (unless the patient is at increased risk for bleeding; then it should be given for a minimum of 2 weeks), 3 months after sirolimus stent implantation, and 6 months after paclitaxel stent implantation, and ideally up to 12 months in patients who are not at high risk of bleeding." So for a Cypher stent, 3 months minimum; Taxus is 6 but many physicians think a year or more is better.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 12, 2006

• What is the current recommendation by the American College of Cardiology and the Am.Heart Assoc. in regards to the length of time to take Plavix 75 per day after routine insertion of stents (Cypher)??
J.F.L., Boone, Mo., January 9, 2006

• How is the wife with blockage in brain doing? Did they put her on plavix? Did she get the stent? Did she have a stroke? Was there white matter visible in the MRI and How much blockage does she have? Thank you in advance.
Monique, daughter, Houston, TX, USA, December 19, 2005

• My mother was prescribed plavix after a stent procedure. The doctor emphatically states the need for use. Six weeks after the procedure, she swears she feels MUCH worse than before--EXTREME weakness & unbearable joint/back pain (had to see an orthopaedic doctor), always sick at her stomach, VERY, very depressed. Why didn't the doctor have her use plavix for more than one week prior to the stent to check possible side effects first??? What do you do?? Help!!
Kristy, concerned daughter, tulsa, OK, December 13, 2005

• Last year I had 7 drug coated stents installed in my left decending conary artery.druing the instlation process my artery kept disecting, each time causing the need for another stent to be placed inline, all during this time I was having a heart attack, that lasted 3 hours, I was placed on plavix 75 Mg & asperine 325 mg daily. So far it's working!
John Paul, self, new jersey, December 10, 2005

• I had a terrible rash on my groin, arms and arm pits due to plavix. They put me on Ticlid and I have not been feeling well. I now notice pin dot rash on my palms. What medication is next? I had two Cypher stents placed in October with another to be placed in two weeks
Lew, New York, New York, November 18, 2005

• Dee, you've hit on a controversial topic -- we just attended a symposium at this year's TCT that discussed this situation and one of the interventional cardiologists on the panel reported having this argument with his wife all the time -- she's a surgeon! This is a call that must be made by the surgeon doing the procedure in partnership with the cardiologist who has placed the stent and prescribed the antiplatelet drugs -- the sense seems to be that if the surgeon is aware of and able to manage the possible bleeding complications, he/she should not stop the Plavix/aspirin because going off the antiplatelet therapy, especially if drug-eluting stents were used, can increase the risk of stent thrombosis (which can result in infarction -- heart attack). The length of time since the stenting is also important. However, no one, especially on the internet, can say which way to go. This decision must be made by the medical professionals who know the patient and have all the patient's records in hand. Just make sure they talk to each other -- sometimes not an easy task. Many non-cardiology physicians are not aware of the critical importance of coninuing antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stenting. Good luck, and please let us know what happens.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, November 11, 2005

• My husband is on plavix and aspirin with two cardiac stents due to blockage. He was recently diagnosed with an irregular prostate and needs a biopsy. Can he come off the plavix for this procedure and if not, what are the alternatives?
dee scarpellino, reg. nurse, gaiensville, georgia, usa, November 11, 2005

• Ex-husband was taking 80mg Zocor, Cardiologist found three blockages, 2,80% and one 70%. Stents were put in the two *80% and balloon used in the 70%. After he was told by the Cardiologist to take 75mg. of Plavix and 325mg aspirin, but not to take Zocor, his Primary Dr. told him to stay on Zocor. Cant figure this out, one says take Zocor the other says not to. Help!
Kathy, Texas, November 07, 2005

• My mother had an inferior wall MI on 22nd March 2005. Angiography showed two blockages - RCA 99% and LAD 70%. PTCA was done on 5th April 2005 with Taxus 3.5 X 30 in RCA and Cypher 3.0 X 18 in LAD. She was prescribed Clopidogrel 75 mg twice a day, Aspirin 150 mg twice a day along with blood pressure and cholesterol lowering drugs. After 3 months Aspirin 150 mg dosage was reduceds to once a day. After 5 months, around 4th Sept.,05, my mother had inflammation on the knuckles of the hands and the feet and was accompanied with severe pain. I spoke to the cardiologist and he advised that the dose of Clopidogrel 75 mg be reduced to once a day. After doing that, the pain reduced a bit but the inflammation was still present. I looked up in the net and came across two articles of BMJ.indicating arthritis like symptoms being induced by Clopidogrel and Ticlopidine. I informed the cardiologist about this and since he was not aware of any such side effect in any of his patients, he advised us to continue clopidogrel till atleast 9 months since PTCA. The pain would not go away and after consultation from two orthopaedic surgeons we were told that the symptoms are not the signs of any new joints disease and is most probably a side effect of a drug. We also saw two black patches under the skin one on the hand and one on the leg. We decided to discontinue Clopidogrel and observe. In a about 7 days after discontinuing Clopidogrel the black patches disappeared and the pain and inflammation reduced substantially. Apart from the small joints the pain had also started to occur in the right elbow and left shoulder before we discontinued Clopidogrel. After 7 days we started Clopidogrel 75 mg once a day. After 4 days of continuing this dosage the inflammation and pain returned and after the 5th day we stopped Clopidogrel. After 11days of being without Clopidogrel we spoke to the cardiologist who advised us to take Ticlopidine 250 mg twice a day instead of Clopidogrel. After 4 days of starting Ticlopidine the small joint pains increased a bit and I could see a small red spot of 3 mm dia below theskin of the left feet of my mother. I spoke to the Cardiologist and he asked us to continue taking the medicne and said that the joint inflammation is probably another disease. On the 7 th day of taking Ticlopidine my mother had pain in both her knees which was bearable. After 12 hours of this beginning of pain, the pain had become severe and my mother had to use a stick to walk (which she never had used). She took the one Ticlopidine 250 mg even at this stage. After 1 hour of this, she also had headache. This was post dinner and she could not sleep wel that night. We decided to discontinue Ticlopidine. The pain was there the whole of the next day and night. She had pain when she would be trying to bend her knees or trying to get up or sit down. The pain in her elbow nad shoulder which had started at the time of taking clopidogrel also turned severe. I also noticed a black patch under the skin of her right leg above the knee. After two days of discontinuing the medicine the pain started to reduce and today after 8 days of discontinuing Ticlopidine, the pain is still there but has greatly reduced. My Mother's age is 59 and she is 64 kgs in weight and 5 feet in height. It seems that she is hyper sensitive to both Ticlopidine and clopidogrel. The cardiologist says that it is very important to continue taking this drug till atleast 9 months post PTCA. Is there an alternative to Ticlopidine/ Clopidogrel which could be prescribed for my Mother at this stage. What would be the outcome of discontinuing these drugs? I would be greatly thankful if someone could find a solution to this problem.
Ramesh Shukla, Mumbai, India, November 05, 2005

• Prior to having had two cypher stents fitted I was on... 75 mg Aspirin 40 mg Simvastatin 10 mg Nicorandil 5 mg Bisoprolol Post stenting I dropped to 2.5 mg Bisoprolol (to reduce the tiredness) and started 75 mg Plavix. After a few weeks I dropped the Nicorandil and started on 2 mg Perindopril, with the intention of increasing the dose if I can take it. I have a bit of dizziness, tend to feel the cold more, bruise very easily and have a metallic taste in the mouth. None of this is unbearable, just an embuggerance.
M.P., Shropshire, United Kingdom, November 04, 2005

• I am a 67 year old male . Eighteen months ago I told my Dr I had neck and back pain but I was still in good shape strong as an ox and working hard .I took a stress test and they told me I had a blocked artery but I was never short of breath. The hospital then did an angioplasty and put in place three stents in my RCA which was completley blocked, the cardiologist said the chances of the stents closing up was high but he also said what is in your faviour is the fact you have very larg arteries. All this was in June 2004 and I am still on Plavix 75 Aspirin 100mg Coversyl 2mg Minax50mg and Lipitor 10mg and have no side effects do not bruse and all this never cost me a penny --Good onya Oz
William Davidson, Taree NSW Australia , November 03, 2005

• Regarding my mother and lack of Plavix with stent. Upon admission to the hospital she was presented with the option of participating in a double blind Plavix and an investigational drug study. We opted not to participate in the study due to recent medical problems with my father, need to travel some distance for the followup evals and the fact that they usually leave to head south for the winter. The request to participate in the drug comparison study and then no Plavix was a pretty clear tipoff. Thanks for your timely response.
David B, son, Lincoln, NE, November 02, 2005

• David -- good work! We've discussed often on this site the crucial importance of Plavix/aspirin antiplatelet regimen after implantation of a drug-eluting (a.k.a. medicated) stent. The reason it's used is to keep thrombus or blood-clotting from occuring inside the stent (platelets in the blood see a foreign object like a stent and tend to start gathering to cover it). We don't know what, if any, effect having a four-day non-treatment occur. We do know that a "loading dose" of 300mg of Plavix is often given to the patient 4-8 hours before stent placement. Recent studies have shown that an even higher loading dose of 600mg is safe and effective, and results in better outcomes. It may be that because this was an emergency procedure, there was no time for the Plavix loading dose. We're curious as to how you knew or where you learned about the need for Plavix after stenting?
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, November 1, 2005

• My 80 yr old mother who was active and in good health (on no medications for anything) had a heart attack last Wednesday. On Thursday they placed a medicated stent, 28mm to open an 80% blockage of the LAD. She was discharged and 3 days later I discovered she was discharged on crestor, beta blocker and 325 mg Aspirin but no Plavix. Contacted Cardiologist office and found that they had messed up in not sending her on Plavix. She was contacted by the Cardiologist office to take four Plavix today and then one a day beginning tomorrow. Any consequence of this that we should watch for or be aware, including both the lack of Plavix initially and the four Plavix on the first day? Thankyou.
David B, Son and Respiratory Therapist, Lincoln, NE, November 1, 2005

• Hospitalized for sepsis. Also needed two stents for closed heart vessels. Post stent is 75 mg plavix, and 325 mg asprin. Also taking 40 mg Lasix and 50 mg toprol. Just one month out now.
Ron Williams, Newbury Park, CA USA, October 26, 2005

• I had three stents which started to close. I was on plavix and aspirin. Is it a practice not to stop plavix and aspirin before double bypass surgery or any kind of surgery? In June I had a double bypass and was not taken off of plavix or aspirin as a result I experienced bleeding around my heart and had to be brought into surgery for the second time within a few hours. Doctors believe my heart problems were a result of radiation which caused scar tissue.
diana tavares-parker, framingham, massachusetts, October 25, 2005

• I had three stents inserted into my right coronary artery just over three weeks ago. I am taking Plavix 75mg Aspirin 325 mg Toprol XL 25mg Lisinopril 5mg Lipitor 80 mg Initially I broke out in a rash which covered most of my body, now I am getting back spasms, have no appetite, feel as if I am in a fog, hence slow thinking. Is this the best that i am going to feel for the rest of my life? I am 5 ft 2 inches tall & weigh around 125 pounds.
Marie Lamoureux, Washington DC, October 23, 2005

• Sue -- You're right that Lovenox (enoxaparin sodium) is basically an anticoagulant and not an antiplatelet. There are a few studies around to suggest that Lovenox combined with antiplatelet therapy can lower certain adverse events, late lumen loss, etc. Of course, your husband is on aspirin which is an antiplatelet drug. We will be posting some documentation that Sanofi–Aventis, manufacturers of both Plavix and Lovenox, is sending us. But the company stresses, and rightly so, that the use of Lovenox in stenting is NOT an approved use and any information should NOT be considered a recommendation for the use of Lovenox in a manner which may be inconsistent with approved product labeling. WE, of course, cannot dispense medical advice, but we will post the studies. Please keep us informed as to your husband's progress. This is an occurrence that a number of patients, as you can tell from this Forum, have written about, and it will be most helpful to others to share experiences.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, October 21, 2005

• two weeks ago my husband had a drug eluting stent placed for restenosis of metal stent that was placed in aprox. 6 years ago. Was on plavix for a week prior to implantation, developed acute reaction to plavix within 48 hours after stent placement; received high doses of prendisone and antihitamines with no effect. Was Changed to ticlid and remains on high doses of prendisone only to have acute serum sickness from this. He is now going to be placed on lovenox and aspirin. I can not find any literature that details how effective or ineffective an anticoagulant not antiplatelet therapy yields post des placement....
sue oconnor, peabody ma, October 19, 2005

• Dear A.R. -- First of all, congratulations on your post-stenting weight loss and your resumption of physical activity -- most important! As for your question, perhaps you didn't have a drug-eluting stent placed. Let us know what type it was. These two drugs work separately to make the blood (platelets) "slippery" and keep them from congregating -- like around the stent. The problems with taking these drugs is mainly due to allergies to one or both, the need for some type of surgery (in which case you can't be on drugs that will keep your blood from clotting) and cost -- Plavix is not cheap. The standard recommendation from device manufacturers and cardiology associations, and this is based on a number of clinical studies, is that a combination antiplatelet therapy of Plavix (clopidogrel) and aspirin has shown to reduce the occurance of late stent thrombosis for drug-eluting stents. And stent thrombosis is a very serious complication, although it occurs infrequently. Most cardiologists recommend this combo for 6-12 months post-stenting. Was there a reason your doctor took you off Plavix after four months? We'd be curious to know. (And by the way, try releasing your caps lock -- writing in all caps is the electronic equivalent of shouting....) Meanwhile keep up the good work!
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, September 24, 2005

• IF PLAVIX IS SO GREAT WHY WOULD ONE TAKE 325 MG ASPIRIN. I SAW MY DR. 9/23 AND HE TOOK ME OFF PLAVIX. I HAD STIN PUT IN 5/31. I FEEL GREAT AND HAVE LOST WEIGHT FROM 245 DOWN TO 209 AND AM BUSY WITH A LOT OF PROJECTS IN THE HOUSE AND YARD. SOME ON PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY YOU WOULD TAKE THE TWO TOGETHER.
A. R. SMITH, ST. LOUIS, MO, September 24, 2005

• Walter -- very good point! Have you asked this question of your cardiologist? -- the one who prescribed Plavix/aspirin. He/she should be the one to make this call since your cardiologist has your medical records to consult. We haven't seen any data regarding time-to-thrombosis after stopping antiplatelet therapy but you raise an interesting question and we'll see if we can get an answer.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, September 23, 2005

• The question: Can Plavix & asprin dosing be safely suspended for one week prior to dental surgery? Gleanings from the Internet: Plavix: platelet aggregation and bleeding time gradually return to baseline values after treatment is discontinued, generally in about 5 days. Asprin 81mg/day: platelet lifetime 10 days. How soon after stopping Plavix & asprin did the 1% experience stent thrombosis?
Walter Gerstmann, patient, LAD stent,, Brooklyn, NY, September 23, 2005

• I had an Atrial septal defect closure device put in in May 2005 and I am taking 100mg Aspirin and 75mg Plavix a day since to stop stroke and blood clotting. Since taking it I feel hot flushes than usual. Does anyone else have this problem especially with plavix?
Cherie, Wisconsin, September 12, 2005

• I take Plavix 75mg once a day and 81mg aspirin once a day. I've been taking the aspirin for 3 years. Had an annual stress test 6 days ago and they sent me straigt to angioplasty w/95% in two places in my RCA. Feel 100% now and will get back to exercising today. Lost 12 pounds this month and stopped smoking/drinking 3 weeks ago. My numbers have all dropped dramatically. This is the key people. Don't smoke, don't drink, eat healthy and exercise. All the medicine in the world can't replace that!!
SteveA, Jacksonville, FL, August 29, 2005

• In the past 2 weeks, I had 2 stents put in, after an angiogram, I had a positive stress test. I am now taking 75mgs of Plavix and 325 mgs of ecotrin along with my sectral 400 mgs and avapro 150 mgs. I find bruises on my body and checked with my Dr. and he said that is what the drug does and I have to stay on it, hopefully for a short time. I have not experienced any unusual bleeding except for a little blood in my nose while blowing and then it stopped. Tell me what is your opinion? I also watch my diet as far as cholesterol and trans fats.
Annette S., Brooklyn, NY, August 26, 2005

• I took a full aspirin (325mg) for about 6 months after my 4 stents. After that my doctor dropped my aspirin down to 81 mg. I also take 75mg of Plavix.
JIm Morris, Wesley Chapel, FL, August 25, 2005

• Plavix 75 mg q day
ASA 81 mg q day
lipitor 80 mg q hs
David Gens, Univ of Md Med Center, MD, August 21, 2005

• I am taking 75mg Plavix after having a stent put in. I am bruising all over my body epecially my legs. I even have a black eye. Is this common? Will it stop? It is an allergic reaction to the Plavix? Should I be on a lower dosage? Does anyone else have this problem. It really bothers me. I look terrible!
Jackie Omdahl, Hendersonville, TN, August 14, 2005

• In Aug. 2003 I had Taxus2 stent in LAD (75%) and prescribed 75 Plavix and 75 Aspirin. After 3 months I was advised to stop the apsirin as it was thought that I might be mildly allergic to it. A recent stress echo suggested I could still have a problem but due to a small VSD the results could not be considered conclusive so I was referred for an angiogram. The consultant could not agree to a stent if needed (but proceeded with the angiogram) because of recent recommendations that aspirin and clopidogrel should be prescribed for 12 months post procedure; and as I was possibly allergic to aspirin I would need to undertake an allergy trial for several months just to make sure. I was unaware of this new recommendation so it came as a surprise and shock that any stenting would be delayed. The good news from the angiogram is that I don't need another stent. I now plan to take a course of aspirin along with the still prescribed plavix just to check the allergy thing for the future. Anyone know whether plavix can be taken indefinitely? I'm 71, train regularly and asymptomatic. Problem was first revealed following EBCT scan.
Reggie Dickinson, UK, August 04, 2005

• I am trying find the new combination medication of adding 81 mg of ASA and Plavix 75 mg in a single tablet. The patients can take the combo tablet instead of two individual tablets for one to 12 months. Any coments on my idea
Aravinda Nanjundappa, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA, July 30, 2005

• i have been taking plavix since 7 jan 2005 and i noticed some spots all over my back,chest and neck i need to know the right treatment for this case,and to check the right dosage of plavix to be taken and for how long?
fouad sarwat, Cairo,Egypt, July 30, 2005

• My husband had his stent done more than a year ago. He was then taking plavix and aspirin. After sixteen months, he was advised to have colonoscopy because of his age. His doctors did not inform him to discontinue plavix and aspirin.During the process of colonoscopy they found out that he had a polyp so they took a sample from it for biopsy. After a few days he hemorhaged and had to stay in the hospital intensive care for a week. He had blood tranfusion and I thought I'll lose him. Now it's almost three months, his primary doctor wants him to take plavix again when he is also taking aspirin. I'm very concerned.
Lily, Mother, Naperville, Illinois, July 25, 2005

• I am taking 75 mg. plavix, and 325 aspirin. I bleed now like a stuck pig when I have to do my finger pricks for my diabetes daily monitoring. Was told at least min. 6 mos. on blood thinners. Not thrilled. Anyone nauseous with plavix?
Gail H, Franklin, NJ, July 21, 2005

• A recent MRA confirms my wife has a blockage of a vein in her brain. Doctor is exploring the possibility of installing a stent. Years ago she took Plavix to relieve a cholesterol problem. Later, she had surgery to correct a problem in her shoulder and afterwards began to display large areas over her body where the skin blackened. Doctor took her off the Plavix and the conditon corrected itself. Now they are cautiously suggesting the use of Plavix again in an attempt to relieve the present condition in her brain in lieu of surgery. She can not take aspirin as she is highly allergic to this substance. Has anyone heard of this procedure involving the placement of a stent in the brain. It causes us to shudder.
Bert Quillin, Retired, Tigard, Oregon, June 30, 2005

• Is there any justification to use 75 mg Plavix as opposed to say 35 mg Plavix. The idea of a one size fits all doesn't seem obvious. I'd like to use the minimum amount necessary, but can't find any reseach on the effect of different doses. BTW, my doctor agreed that Plavix, and Coumadin may be sufficient to prevent the cardiac problems I face. Therefore I discontinued the 325 mg of aspirin that was previously included in my medication regimen. I'm much more comfortable with that.
Derek, Palm Harbor, Florida, USA, June 30, 2005

• My Husband had a Stent put in on May 8, 2005 the new medicated stent was used for a 90% blockage. He is taking Plavix, Ectotrin 325mg, Vasotec, and Lipitor. Recently he was brought into the emergency for an Inflammation of the Heart Muscle, which was treated successfully with Indocin. The Doctor in the ER told me this was a common Syndrome that some people develop after a Stent is put in, My husband had the same pain the day after his Heart Attack and at that time was treated again with Indocin, successfully. Can some one please explain this to me, why this happens. Thank You
JoAnn Wicker, The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, New Jersey, June 27, 2005

• I had a stent to open a 99% blocked heart artery. It was just in time to prevent a major stroke. Prior to the stenting I was on Coumadin for 10 years to prevent TIAs caused by Atrial fib and clotting. The Coumadin was discontinued to implant the stent and all was fine for 15 days using 75 mg plavix in conjuction with 325 mg aspirin, but then I had a minor TIA. It was just like I used to get before taking Coumadin. An emergency physician advised taking Coumadin as well as Plavix and Aspirin. I'm just hoping it won't cause a bloody problem! More later . . . with luck!
Derek , Palm Harbor, Florida, June 27, 2005

• I am 73.After years of stable angina of effort in 2004 my angina became unstable. My blood pressure had always been 140/75. Following angiogram in Feb 05 a single stent was inserted at position of 87% lesion and there was a less than 60% lesion left alone. Within a few days my blood pressure became unstable occasionally 210/110. Four weeks after angioplasty at night I had recurring chest pain in spasm and after four hours went to emergency. My blood pressure was sky high and I was kept in for two days and a further angiogram was scheduled. I reuested first a stress test on which I did 15 minutes with no pain and top blood pressure of 165/80. I continued to have erratic blood pressure and spasm but generally good exercise tollerance. I went on holliday to Switerland where I suddenly had severe spasm and highly variable a of e. I went to hospital where they recorded very high blood pressure and sent me by ambulance to Bern University Hospital. In view of my history and possibility of the stent having blocked I had another angiogram which showed the stent clear but the other occlusion was also fitted with a stent. Over three days the hospital could not stabilise my blood pressure and concluded that this was the cause of my angina and spasm. All this time I was taking Plavix. I have kept a blood pressure chart since May 1. Four days ago following ten days of angina of effort and spasm I discontinued Plavix. Immediately my blood pressure has fallen and stabilised at around 140/80 no spasm and improved exercise tollerance. Now how do I protect against platelet aggregation. Clearly my second angioplasty was an unnecessary intervention. I hope this report will save some other patients a lot of stress.
Malcolm Adams, Spain, June 27, 2005

• I had stent implanted May 25/2005. I have been prescribed Plavix, 325 mg aspirin. Also take Altace,Lipitor(10),Bisoprolol(5)daily. Comment on drawings supplied "63yo male,prior CABGx4. Known occluded SVG to ramus,DI, and LIMA to LAD. New 90%lesion at anastomotic site of SVG to distal RCA. PCI 3.5/15 Biodyvisio, post with 3.5/8 Quantum. Good results. OM2 90% chronic. Angioseal RFA. Plavix>1m. Integ. JS/VH(Drs.)" I feel great!
R JUohn Smith, Retired., Vancouver, BC Canada., June 20, 2005

• If patient is already taking Coumadin for a previous DVT/pulmonary embolism, is it still OK to take 325 mg of aspirin, along with the usual plavix, beta blockers, etc. after drug-eluting stents installed on an emergency basis out of town while on vacation. Back home (in Chapel Hill), it takes 2 months to get an appointment with an interventional cardiologist. Meanwhile, how do you determine the proper dosage? Ask your cardiologist is not an option for 2 months. Any idea who to ask to get an immediate response?
Evelyn Glatt, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA, June 16, 2005

• I have just had 1 Cypher (RCA Bypass) and 2 Taxus stent implants in the LCA with one causing serious LIMA bypass spasm. Having a St. Jude aortic valve, I am also on Coumadin but still required to take Plavix 75mg and Asp 81mg. Is anyone on these 3 anticoagulants and how do you manage them?
ChrisR, retired, St.croix, USVI, June 13, 2005

• I take 81mg and 75mg plavix 10mg crestor all once a day along with 25mg metoperol twice a day
Wayne Lanthier, June 13, 2005

• MB -- only your cardiologist should be making the decision as to whether you should continue with any prescription medication. Plavix is prescribed for 3 months to a year to avoid the problem of stent thrombosis, but Plavix also has other benefits and reasons for use.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, June 7, 2005

• I had an angioplasty exactly year ago. I had three stents in my arteries, of which doctors recommended one stent of cypher. I was prescribed aspirin 75 mg, plavix 75 mg, zocor 20 mg, zestril 10 mg, beta blocker 50 mg, I am diabetic so i take diamicron MR 10 mg, and two tablets of glucophage 500 twice a day. I am really curious whether should I stop plavix as its been 1 year that I've been taking. Plz do advice me.
MB, Business, Pakistan, June 05, 2005

• J.P. -- Sorry about your situation. As you read in my blog, Dr. Eisenberg's article in Lancet (sorry -- subscription only to read) cautions doctors to think about the clinical consequences down the road of implanting drug-eluting stents. But with a 90% blockage, it's possible you may not have had much choice and been at high risk for a coronary event. As for medical advice on what to do, that is something we do not and cannot give. Your physician is really the best source for that type of advice. And it sounds like your cardiologist is quite aware that early cessation of antiplatelet therapy post drug-eluting stent implantation is not such a good idea. Over half of the voters on an April 5 poll conducted by CRT Online, a professional-only cardiology site, said that they prescribe Plavix for a year or more after stenting (not a scientific survey by any means, but you get the idea). So I would not just stop this course of medication -- any change needs to be discussed with your cardiologist and you should discuss with him/her the implications of any decision in this situation.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, June 1, 2005

• My stents were installed in February ( 2 in the decending coronary artery) following a kidney stone and subsequent dehydration effects. I had been walking around with a 90% blocked DCA. But, my problem is I still have the kidney stone because my cardiologist doesn't want to discontinue the anticoagulants (Plavix and Aspirin) long enough to do the Lithotripsy (sonic kidney stone blast technique). The stone was secured with a urinary track stent in my ureter. Also, Plavix is expensive and a nasty tasting pill thats hard to swallow. Do I want to discontinue my anticoagulants so I can get rid of the kidney stone and urinary stent? Sure, but I'll wait. The devil is always in the details.
J.P., USA, June 1, 2005

• Aspirin 325mg 1 per day
Zocor 10mg 1 per day
Plavix 75mg 2 per day
Lisinopril 10mg 1 per day
Metoprolol 50mg 1 per day
Julie Hood, Corpus Christi, Texas, May 30, 2005

• Colleen, as for aspirin and Plavix, before changing the dosage of aspirin from what your mother's cardiologist prescribed, you should check with him/her. Both drugs can cause bleeding, especially when used together. So I would not increase your mother's aspirin dose without checking first. Most cardiologists prescribe Plavix for 6 months after a drug-eluting stent -- some feel a year is better. Again check with your cardiologist (general practice physicians are sometimes not aware of the importance of Plavix and drug-eluting stents -- do not stop taking it without your cardiologist's approval). As for the drug on the coated stents, paclitaxel (used on the Taxus) is a cancer drug, and sirolimus (used on the Cypher) is an immunosuppressive. Both have the characteristic of slowing-down cell growth, thought to cause restenosis or re-clogging. But they're not anti-platelet drugs (Plavix and aspirin are). Paclitaxel or sirolimus are eluted (given off) by the stent in a very small dosage (compared to taking a pill systemically) over time. While there have been instances of hypersensitivity to the drug itself, they are relatively rare (you can read about allergic reactions our readers have reported in a different topic -- there's also a phone number there to report/discuss concerns about any reactions to the Taxus stent) . Sometimes rashes, coughs, etc. may be due to medications being taken by the patient (heart patients are usually on several). And yes, it is true that elderly people react differently to medications, usually they are more sensitive. Hopefully another procedure won't be necessary (that's the concept behind drug-eluting stents -- they've cut restenosis from the 20+% range down to 5%). But if one does, you should discuss these concerns with your mother's cardiologist (patients often have more than one stent implanted during a procedure).
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 29, 2005

• My mother was told to take plavix and one aspirin Started with full strength aspirin, then cut to baby aspirin after a month, along with taking plavix. She has drug eluting stent (paclitaxel). i didn't know about different kind of stents and when she developed rash, started researching and found out. I am concerned that this is a chemotherapy drug that is implanted in a persons artery where a minute amount will supposedly remain of this drug. Elderly people have compromised immune systems just from the natural aging process, so I don't understand why a company would use this particular drug to keep platelets forming. Being a lay person of course doesn't give me full insight, but, common sense would tell me that a chemo drug, that can have highly allergic side effects, was not a great choice of drugs to use on elderly people. Now I've read that this stent is not to be used on people who are allergic to plavix. Well, if you never were a heart patient before, how do you know if you are allergic? My other concern is from what I have read, there hasn't been any studies of effects of this stent in a persons body beyond a year. That is scary to me. Her rash has calmed down somewhat, but still no one can pinpoint why she has it. Is there any one else out there that has experienced this? Getting back to meds, she is to continue plavix for 6 months with baby aspirin. After that continue with aspirin Personally, I think one whole aspirin and a baby to say the least. My grandmother took 2 aspirins (whole) everyday and lived to 97 years. If you can give me any info regarding rash, I would appreciate it. Also, her electrocardiogram is still not normal, which was the original reason she had stent implanted. The doctor told her that this is probably the way it will read from now on and to carry a copy with her in case of emergency.Yet, I read that one of the signs of side-effect from stent is electro cardiogram abnormal. Hope I am just overly concerned and worrying too much.What if a patient with a paclitaxel eluting stent, God forbid, needed another procedure down the road. What kind of stent would be used? I don't think it would be good to have chemo again eluting into an elderly person?
Colleen D., Bergen County, New Jersey, May 25, 2005

• One Aspirin 81mg and one Plavix 75mg. Both to be taken in the morning. Aspirin should be after meal, but Plavix no difference. Hope this is of use. Good health to you.
Adel, I am a patient, Bahrain, May 20, 2005

• Ellen -- check out this article on our "News" page about a study published in the February "Annals of Internal Medicine". They studied a combination therapy of clopidogrel (Plavix), 75 mg per day, plus aspirin, 325 mg per day for 1 year, followed by aspirin only (lifetime) and compared that with aspirin only (lifetime) and found that the combination, although more expensive, was also more cost-effective, since it was better in preventing more vascular events. This study was in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Post-stent patients need to be taking aspirin, probably lifetime, and Plavix certainly for 3-12 months -- this can prevent stent thrombosis, a not frequent (< 1%), but very serious complication with stents. As for the exact dosages, while you are correct in noting different strengths quoted in different articles, your doctor is the best source of this information, because he/she needs to look at your whole clinical situation and determine the best, most effective dosages (there may be some side-effects to anti-platelet medication, but this varies with individuals).

We are curious as to what medications/dosages other readers have been prescribed post-stenting. Post your comments below regarding aspirin, Plavix, etc.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 24, 2005

• What is the normal dosage of Plavix, aspirin given after having a Stent. I hear one aspirin, over and over, but is this 325 mg or 81? Please let me know as soon as possible.
Ellen, Dayton, Ohio, USA, April 23, 2005