CLOPIDOGREL

[JaiMataji]

Hello every one, I am 67 yrs old and have CHD & narrow arteries with triple arteries calcific plaque score of 972, however last year my Angiogram revealed that, there is no need for stenting, for non free flowing arteries and I have been put on Clopidogrel instead of Aspirin, as I have Hiatus Hernia & Esophagitis, so Clopidogrel suited me more then Aspirin, as I am discharged from cardiologist, I am not sure whether I should carry on with Clopidogrel on long term basis, or switch back to Aspirin, my GP have told me it is up to me, your expert advice in this matter will be highly appreciated

[Hidden]

My advice is change your doctor. This is a decision that should be made by GP or Cardiologist, not by you. Did the cardiologist in the follow up letter not state how long to continue taking Clopidogrel? Usually this type of drug is prescribed after a stent is fitted to allow the stent to bed in by reducing the stickiness of the blood and is generally prescribed for 1 year to 18 months. However your circumstances are different and I personally would seek another opinion, perhaps contact the BHF Nurses and see what their advice is ?

[Loving-life in reply to Hidden]

I certainly agree with your response. Please seek further medical advice from another professional preferably a cardiologist. Good luck

[jimmyq]

I too am on Clopidogrel. My doctor wants me to take it to "be on the safe side". She has taken me off all the other meds because I don't need them and I had a lot of side effects but I don't get any side effects from Clopidogrel so she wants me to stay on it.

[Janma123]

My husband took clopidogrel for many years as he couldn’t tolerate Asprin. Aspirin is the preferred choice as it is very cheap to produce!

Do you take a PPI like omeprazole? I seem to remember that the effectiveness of clopidogrel is reduced by omeprazole and for that reason my hubby was changed to aspirin.

Maybe the doctor saying it is up to you is because only you know how you feel and how well you tolerate the medication. You have probably been given the clopidogrel as it is kinder on the stomach.

Best wishes

[DD59]

Can I ask...are you taking a stomach protector with the Clopidogrel? Many thanks,

[fergusthegreat]

I was on dual antiplatlet therapy for 12 months following my stent. After this, following a discussion with my cardiologist I opted to come off aspirin and stay on clopidogrel long term.

This decision was based on my being a low bleeding risk and the fact that clopidogrel is better at preventing heart attack and stroke .

Standard clopidogrel dose is 75mg which is equivalent to 325 mg of aspirin not the 81mg aspirin that people are normally prescribed.

I also take omeprazole but take it in the evening and the clopidogrel in the morning to avoid any issues.

[Maisie2014]

Hi JaiMataji. Everyone seems to be getting different advice from different doctors and cardiologists. I find it very confusing. I have hiatus hernia, osteoarthritis and various allergies. After having stent fitted I have been advised to take anti platelets, aspirin, statin and esomeprazole for ever! I’m 68.