Stopping blood thinners early?

I'd be interested to know if anyone here has experience of stopping their dual anti-platelet medication (aspirin + clopidogrel) early?

I know guidelines are for 12 months but I know some people stop 1 drug early (usually due to bleeding).

My reason for asking is I'm having debilitating side effects 6 weeks in, and my gut feeling is to try and make it to 3 months. I've agreed with the hospital to carry on tolerating it but to review in 2 weeks.

[Hatchjd]

I was told to take Ticagrelor for 6 months. I continue to take aspirin. I was diagnosed Nstemi. 90% blockage in LAD and 80% LCX on angio last June. You don't say what the problem is but it is not advisable to stop medication without consulting your doctor. Many of us had medication adjustments in the first few months for various reasons. I had a lot of stomach issues and had a high dose acid blocker added.

[MountainGoat52]

As someone that has quite a list of drug allergies and intolerances, I can sympathise with your situation. I would recommend that you contact your GP and discuss how you are feeling before taking any action. I wouldn't just stop drugs unless you are experiencing severe and immediate effects.

There are alternatives to Clopidogrel. I was on Prasugrel for 11 months between having stents following a heart attack and bypass surgery, after which I was put on Clopidogrel for 12 months. The only issue I had was that I had to be careful not to cut myself.... which I managed to do on several occasions!

[Qualipop]

I was initially put on ticagrelor after HA and stents. I was due to go back for anoher angiogram but the side effects of ticagrelor were unbearable. My GP refused to change it s o just a week before the angio, I stopped taking it as I knew I'd be seeing eh consultant. He was NOT Pleased but he swapped me to clopidogrel. I tolerated that better but had multiple bouts of agonising stomach pain. Eventually, after 6 months, my GP stopped he clopidogrel and just kept me on aspirin. Stopping after 6 months doesn't seem for me to have been a problem. Have you had your medication changed? I definitely would not have stopped without the GP's say so.

[Hidden in reply to Qualipop]

I haven't stopped yet. It's good to know there are alternatives to try and it is good to hear you were able to stop after 6 months.

I appear to suffer the same debilitating side effects to a broad spectrum of meds. It's like my body says "Look at these toxins, I'm going to mess you up!" But I won't give up without trying alternatives.

[Qualipop in reply to Hidden]

After the HA I ended up having every single tablet changed ( Except aspirin) because of unbearable side effects. I react really badly; not always to the drugs but to preservatives and colourings. I mean who on earth do we need to have bright yellow tablets? There are always alternatives. If it's unbearable tell your GP and get it changed.