Can't take asprin after having stent, any alternatives

[Maisieandjess]

Hi guys my dad is going to have a stent fitted but is worried because he really can't stomach asprin, it makes him really unwell because of sensitive guts, but the doctor has said he needs to take asprin after having a stent does anyone know if there is an alternative, has anyone else had this trouble please? Thank you x

[Chappychap]

The aspirin that's prescribed for heart patients really isn't like the aspirin you'd buy in a chemist shop. Firstly it's a much lower dose. Secondly you dissolve it in water before taking so that it's far easier on the stomach lining.

Aspirin used to upset my stomach, but I've been taking this heart version for three years now without any problems at all.

I'd suggest your dad keeps an open mind, gives the prescribed aspirin a try, and if he encounters problems only then go back to his GP and requests an alternative.

It's worth adding that this low dose of aspirin can make a big difference to his future health. It materially reduces his risk of a stroke or heart attack, and if the worst does happen and he has a stroke or heart attack then it will reduce the severity and significantly improve his chances of survival. In other words, he'd need to be absolutely sure that he's suffering a sustained and substantial reduction in his quality of life before electing not to take prescribed aspirin.

Good luck!

[Maisieandjess in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you very much that is very helpful x

[Jaycey]

Along with the low dose aspirin they will give your dad a medication to protect his stomach. Many of us are on the same medication.

[Hidden]

Hi Agree with all the above. Aspirin 75mg given is a dispersal and taken with food. I’m prescribed a stomach liner with mine too.

[Maisieandjess in reply to Hidden]

Thank you x

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

All v useful posts here. I could just add that there are various stomach liners that will be tried if the first one doesn’t suit him. They don’t all suit everyone.

[richard_jw]

Along with the low dose aspirin (75mg not 300mg and it's dispersible), you need something to protect your stomach. It's a pill called a Proton Pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole or lansoprazole depending on what other medication you take. It reduced the secretion of stomach acid. It's especially important since you will be taking the aspirin daily. There are alternatives to PPIs (e.g. Famotidine which works in a different way) but a PPI is the first choice partly because they are cheaper.

[MountainGoat52]

I think your dad should ask for coated aspirin which dissolve lower down in the digestive system. Adding a PPI to medication is, in my opinion, not always the best course of action, particularly when it can be resolved by other means.

[Keeponwalking]

When I had my stents (3) for angina I was given an anticoagulant in addition to the aspirin I was already taking. I was given Omeprazole to protect my stomach. I have to takd the anticoagulant for twelve months from the date of my stents and aspirin for life. Like others, the aspirin is only a low dose. Someone described it as 'baby' aspirin. It's best to discuss any issues with the doctor or cardiac nurse. Hope all goes well.

[Qualipop]

LIke so many here I'm on low dose aspirin following a HA and stents. Even the low dose soluble t ype absolutely crucifies my stomach. I'm allergic to PPIs so i have to take famotidine. I was changed to the coated type that doesn't dissolve until it reaches the bowel. They do prefer the soluble type because most people pass out the coated ones rather too quickly but they do still work. IT is possible to have a blood thinner like clopidogrel instead but even that can affect eh stomach. Your dad really needs to try the aspirin with a stomach protector. IT's such a low dose, chances are it will be fine.

[Astronomyrules]

Hi, like your dad my stomach is intolerant of aspirin, He may find that the low dose they will give him is fine. As suggested by others, a PPI can help if not, I have one, Lanzoprazol, to protect me from the clopidogrel. The practice here is to give both drugs for a year after stenting. After the year is up most people stop the clopidogrel and just continue with asprin, but some, like myself ,who don't get on well with asprin continue with clopidogrel instead. I have found that enteric asprin is easier for me, the soluble one gives me heartburn, but I have to buy it myself as my doctor won't prescribe it as it costs a bit more, but my GP is okay with this arrangement . 75mg enteric asprin is widely available and cheap. I hope this information helps your dad. We are all different in our responses to medications and he should chat to his medical team about his concerns. Stenting is a wonderful technique . I have seven,( not placed all at once).

[Maisieandjess]

Thank you everyone for your very helpful answers x

[Wumbalina100]

Like your father I couldn't take aspirin after HA and stents, I was prescribed Clopidogrel perhaps your father could request this.