Clodiprogrel

[Sizzlerman]

Ordered my tablets the other day only to find there was no Clodiprogrel which I was taking, all my other tablets, which are: Lansaprozole, Aspirin, Bisoprolol, Isosorbide Mononitrate, Losartin and Rovastatin. When I questioned this with the Doctors surgery they explained that the doctor had stopped it on 24th dec. I had been taking them for over a year and when I left hospital with an arm full of tablets I noticed that it said all the tablets were supposed to be for twelve months but Aspirin for life. However by cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse said to be because I have narrowing of the arteries and two stents fitted all the tablets I take will be for life, saying that they are not for now but later in life. I can't understand that the doctor has stopped Clodiprogrel without even notifying me. I know it's an anticoagulant drug and is to stop clotting, but it is a bit worrying when my mother and my mothers mother had strokes and my father died of heart disease which also involved DVT.

[Hidden]

Hello

Brilliant reply and full of knowledge as always from Hidden and cannot add more except to say I know how frustrated and angry you can feel when your meds are stopped or changed without been told

I have had so many reviews over my meds this last year I have lost count

I went onto my repeats to find they were not available to order and underneath them all saying need a review

I thought again !

I phoned up and my Doctor admitted I did not need another review and when I asked well why have you done this of course it was no ones fault except the computers but she put them all back on

Maybe if you still feel unsure talk with the Doctor and put what you were told to them x

[Hidden]

Yes sometimes it happens but my Doctors seem to all the time I can get on my notes they write and find it unbelievable what they have put as it is opposite to what has been said , I sometimes wonder if they make it up as they go along

Never mind x

[Hidden]

Hi, it's normal. For. Clopidoprol to be stopped after 12 months. I'd double check with the cardiologist but I'd be very surprised if they keep you on them.Nothing to worry about 👍

[Gail1967]

It’s normally stopped around 12-18 mths. On my notes when I left hospital post bypass it said 12 mths so I brought it up with my gp. Rest were for life!

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Only exception to the above experiences was, after my third HA, the Drs weighed up if I should go on Clopidogrel permanently. The usual 12 months had already been repeated twice. In the end, they decided against.

[Sewing19]

What an excellent explanation. Thank you 😀😀

[Hoocher]

I had my ticagrelor stopped the same after 12 months. I was told that I only needed aspirin now .

[Sizzlerman]

Thankyou for your reply, it was just that due to the underlying condition of the arteries I thought they might of carried on with the medication. Better to be safe than sorry so it speak.👍

[Sizzlerman]

Thankyou all for your replies it seems I am not alone in the circumstances and feel better knowing this is common practise.

[Heyjude31]

Thank you Thatwasunexpected for your response, it has really helped me to understand too! 👏👏☺️☺️

[Gazzer83]

A very good explanation. Although there are always exceptions to the rule. I currently take 3 different blood thinners and have done for years. That is of course after 6 HA's. Take 14 different meds per day most twice a day. One of them to stop my stomach lining dissolving. Used to take aspirin but could not tolerate it after 12 years. Now approaching 19th year since first HA. Unfortunately most GPs are not well versed in heart drugs and just follow what's on record without question. Sometimes you need to push for a better explanation or contact the consultant direct.

Be glad that it is reduced not increased.

Always make sure you understand Why for anything.

Regards

Gazzer.

[James4540]

My HA was in April 2019 when I was 48, i was diagnosed with IHD, one blocked LAD and multiple other arteries with between 30 and 60% occlusion’s, after stents I was placed on ticagrelor but was eventually changed to clopedogrel (not sure why) after having issues with recurring issues with LAD artery starting to fur up again (caused due to underexpanded stent and myocardial bridging) resulting in so far 3 more angiograms, I was advised that each time they carry out a procedure they have to extend the ‘blood thinner’ medication to prevent clots, my last angiogram in November 2021 my meds were changed until my follow up appointment in may 2022. Unfortunately cardiologist told me that he expects to see me again annually due to the issue in my LAD, so looks like I’ll be stuck on them for a while 🤦🏻‍♂️

They did initially advise me after HA that the blood thinners are normally only used for 12 months 👍

[Cruise1]

My discharge notes after my stents said Aspirin for 12 months and Clopidogrel for life. When I queried it with my consultant at my checkup he said that was the wrong way round and the Clopidogrel was for 12 months. Despite this my GP has not corrected my repeat prescriptions even though I gave pointed it out. Now my 12 months are up I am not re ordering a repeat of the Clopidogrel and if problems with repeat Aspirin I shall purchase them as they are so cheap.

[Dessert]

You can ask your Cardiologist to put you back on Clopidogrel and take you off Aspirin if you like . Sometimes Aspirin doesn’t agree with people ( stomach issues etc) so the Cardiologist takes people off it and keeps them on Clopidogrel

[valeriep]

Clopidogrel is usually only prescribed for 12 months, but I think with your family history, it would be worth raising this with your cardiologist for their opinion next time you have a check-up. I have hardened carotid arteries, so at greater risk of stroke. The vascular registrar (note: not my vascular consultant) said I might as well come off Clopidogrel after I'd been on it over 12 months, as I was also on aspirin. At my next cardiology check-up, they got very cross when I told them what the vascular dept had said, told me to ignore them and re-prescribed the Clopidogrel. The next drug review I had with the vascular dept, I told them cardiology had put me back on Clopidogrel and their response was, "Oh, OK"!