I had a heart attack the week before christmas 2023 and had a stent fitted.I spoke to my GP surgery pharmacist last week and I'm told I'm due to stop my blood thinner (clopidogrel)on 22nd Dec but I'm nervous about stopping them. Especially before/ over Christmas. I'm a bit anxious about increased risk.
I will still be on disperable aspirin but am wondering if I should gradually taper off the clopidogrel or have others stopped completely?
What experiences have others had please?
C
I was on edoxaban and clopidogrel after my stent and told to stop the clopidogrel after 12 months. I checked with the cardiologist when the 12 months was up and she said yes, to just stop, which I did. That was three months ago and I've had no problems.
Thank you
When applying for a renewed prescription I reminded the inhouse pharmacist that this med was supposed to cease after 12 months. I was glad to reduce the number of meds. It was stopped, I stopped taking it and had no problems. I still take low dose aspirin.
Big advantage is that the bruising that could start as soon as I looked at a hard surface reduced considerably.
Re. bruising. Oh Good! I should be due to stop mine in late Jan (+12 months from MI). I am really hoping that even while staying on low dose aspirin my propensity to look like an overripe banana will disappear afterwards. I'm fairly active, and can easily find myself with bruises I didn't even know to expect, especially after a bit of MTB riding.
I was on Clopidogrel for quite a while after I had a stent and then it was stopped but I am still taking aspirin as a blood thinner 3 years after and I have gradually been taken off other medication as well, the last being Bisoprorol. I am still on Elantan LA25 and also take 20mg Pravastatin (which I halve each night as I'm not too keen on taking Statins!). At the moment all seems well thank goodness! I'm sure you don't need to worry.
Thank you
I believe it is common practice to prescribe two anti platelets following a heart attack, which is then is reduced to one after 12 months. I was also on clopidogrel and low dose aspirin after my NSTEMI ,and after 12 months I stopped the clopidogrel and that left me on low dose aspirin for life. I do not recall any problems about stopping clopidogrel 'overnight' and I was pleased that I could drop one of the meds I needed to take. No need to get concerned is my advice.
Thank you. I'm on aspirin too and yes, I'm staying on that. I guess I'm just a bit anxious dropping something that is controlling my risk.
If you're not sure, could you make an appointment to speak to your GP ?
It's not that I'm not sure. Just a bit nervous.
I can understand that. Is it because it's stopping just before Christmas, or are you just nervous in general about stopping the Clopidogrel?
I think it's because it's just before Christmas and my diet might be slightly worse... or the medical support might be reduced eg GP closed.I know it's the statins that help protect against cholesterol build up and that 999 never closes. It's just my brain.
Perhaps you could ask to just continue it until January if you are worried.
I've asked the GP. Awaiting a response. Thanks for your support 😀
🙂❤️👍
I've emailed the cardiologist and he's said it's fine to stop.
Interestingly, I had an annual checkup with my kidney specialist (other issue) and she noticed that I was no longer on ramipril and asked me why. I told her that my cardiologist said it was only for a year after my last stent/HA. She seemed a little confused but I'd always heard that it was standard practice...I'm still on plavix as a blood thinner.
I was definitely told it was one of the blood thinners I needed to stop after a year. The GP has it on my notes. I'm still on aspirin but like many here the clopidogrel stops after a year.
I stopped the aspirin at an early stage but keep taking clopidogrel.
When I needed a different op/ the dentist then I just stopped clopi. Then restarted after the op etc.
I love clopidogrel because , for me, it prevents migraine.
But of course you should keep within your medics recommendations.
Sooty
I think that there was minimal damage at the time and I was only put on it to protect the stent. The cardiologist said at the time that I'd only need to take it for a year but that I'd be on everything else (including aspirin) for life. I guess I'm just a bit nervous about stopping it. Knowing that it's been managing the risk up until now, I mean.
I had nstemi and quadruple bypass July 2023, was in clopidogrel for 12 months, stopped no problems. One less tablet to worry about . On aspirin, pantaprazole, bisoprolol and Rosuvastatin. 👍🏻
Thank you
the risk lessens over time, I’m given to understand, assuming that you maintain a good lifestyle and diet. You have healed.
Clop is sometimes résumes if something else happens. For example, in my husband’s case he had to be re-stented . In this instance it was decided he would have to restart Clop and be on it for life. I had a look at the NICE guidance for this scenario, and it implied it was up to the discretion, knowledge and training of the cardiologist
Thank you. The cardiologist said at the time that I'd only need to take it for a year but that I'd be on everything else (including aspirin) for life. I guess I'm just a bit nervous about stopping it. Knowing that it's been managing the risk up until now, I mean.
and the risk has reduced so you shouldn’t need it.
I just stopped it. That was three years ago. Nothing happened.
Thank you
Hi
I was on both as well. Only they took me off aspirin and kept me on the clopidogrel. Im sure your GP will allow you to take it for another month for your mental wellbeing.
I'll ask them. Thank you
Hi I had quadruple heart bypass in Sept 22 and stopped clopidogrel a year later with no side effects ,I also stopped amloadpine after 8 months with no side effects ,I'm still currently on bisoprolol 2,5mg asprin 75mg,and avrostatin 80mg
All the best
Thank you
As others have said, your risk has reduced after a year, while the possible risk of abnormal bleeding continues on the clopidogrel. It's a matter of balancing risks, and the best advice after stenting is to cease clopidogrel after a year. We all understand your hesitation, but the doctor's advice is optimal. Best wishes
Thank you
I had the same feelings after my nstemi in nov 2019, annd 3 stents fitted. After a year just stopped the clopidogrel and leaving me on the 75mg Aspirin seemed odd that I wasn’t weaned off it. But no ill effects from just stopping this.
Thank you
like you . I am due to stop mine in January, but nervous as I have a long haul flight to Jamaica in Feb . But was told ok to go with the aspirin after my stents been in a year . Which will be in January. Good luck
It's just nerves. I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling weird about it. Good luck with your continued recovery and enjoy Jamaica.
Thank you
I’ve been on Clopidogrel twice 5 years apart. Each was for a year and i was told to stop completely in each case. Like you I was nervous each time.
I had 3 stents in the first case. I had nightmares both times when taking Clopidogrel ( which I was told it was unlikely to have caused them ) it’s odd the nightmares stopped when I stopped taking it.
I’m on aspirin and Bisoprolol for life now.
Thank you.
i was on an alternative. They stopped it after 18 months.
Was on aspirin until they found a clot. Now on warfarin.
Just make sure you have regular checkups
There is no evidence of additional benefit if dual therapy is continued for greater than a year.. There is no evidence that "tapering off" confers any benefit ...
Thank you
I stopped immediately once I was put on Apixaban. I didn't have any problems.
When people receive stents (the tiny metal mesh tubes that help open narrowed arteries), doctors routinely prescribe aspirin along with another medication that prevents clots. These drugs include clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), and ticagrelor (Brilinta). Like aspirin, they prevent blood components called platelets from sticking together and forming clots. Clots that form inside the stent — known as stent thrombosis — can lead to a heart attack.
The combination of aspirin and one of those stronger antiplatelet drugs is known as dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The question of how long people should stay on DAPT has been a matter of debate for years. Current guidelines suggest at least one year in people who needed an emergency stent placement and at least six months after a nonemergency stent procedure. But doctors may adjust this timeline based on an individual's specific situation. For example, people who receive a stent after a heart attack or acute coronary syndrome (a sudden loss of blood flow to the heart) may benefit from staying on the drugs for an additional period beyond the first year, potentially indefinitely.
clopidogrel is to stop your stent getting clogged up post insertion. 12 months is regarded as a safe cut off to ensure that. Aspirin is the ongoing one to reduce your risk. Don’t worry about stopping it. And there’s no benefit to tapering it.
Following a heart attack in May my cardiologist informed me that I would be on clopidogrel for 12 months and then I can stop , no need to taper off them,I also had a heart attack in 2018 and came off clopidogrel and like ms y others on this group had no problems.
My GP was adamant that I stopped my blood thinners in one go, no taper and that the date was also absolute.
I had no issue at all, in fact I was glad to stop, that was nearly 6 months ago.
In some of your further responses, you've talked about it "managing the risk". Depends what you mean. If you have a stent fitted you are specifically prescribed the the anti platelet (in this case clopidgrel) in order to minimise the risk of a clot forming around the stent. It is a foreign body after all. However, over time your own tissue forms around the stent. And hence the risk of it triggering a clot forming dissipates. I believe this takes around 3-12 months, and hence the prescribing for a 12 month (only) period.
It isn't managing the risk of a heart attack: it's targeted at preventing the stent from causing a clot to form until that is no longer a risk.
Thank you
Hi,When I had my first heart attack I was in clipidogrel for a year, then taken off it . I still take aspirin. I've had 2 further heart attacks and a double cabg, and the same happened. It's a psychological thing isn't it? It was with me. You will be fine though honestly. No tapering off, just alright off it. You will probably be on a beta blockers and a statin as is normal, so these should be enough to keep you right. You will be ok , honestly. Xx
Thank you. Yes still on aspirin, beta blockers, statins etc... its definitely psychological.
I remember getting blood thinning injections every day before my heart bypass, until the night before, then none!! I was petrified I was going to have another heart attack!! I think I had in my mind that these were preventing me from being poorly, and so I relied on getting them every day!!
Yes, pretty much sums up how I feel. The brain is in overdrive. I'll be ok.
12 months on it then completely stopped as instructed and bruise free with no problems at all 🙂
Thank you
I had my NSTEMI at the beginning of July and was told I would be on Clop for one year. But I am not on aspirin because of stomach problems. I am however on Edoxaban because I have atrial fibrillation. I will wait to see what they suggest when the year is up.
I too have stomach problems so I take enteric coated aspirin that does not dissolve in your stomach.
Thanks for that. I will discuss with the medics when the time comes to go off the clopidogrel.
I also have stomach issues. The cardiologist stopped the aspirin and told me to continue with the clopidogrel as it is much kinder to the stomach .
I asked about doing that. I was far happier with clopidogrel but mine said no because they have so much more experience with aspirin.
That's a shame. I had stomach issues before the aspirin, but it only added to my suffering. I still have issues, but I can honestly say that the cardiologist keeping me on clopidogrel and stopping the aspirin was the best option for me. I know we're all different so some will have no issues with aspirin at all.
Yes I was far better on clopidogrel but they wouldn't play ball. I guess aspirin's a lot cheaper too but I am ok with the coated type.
I tried 3 types, dispersible, ordinary and the coated ones. Of them all the coated was the better option, but not great. As you've got stomach problems, I'm surprised that your consultant won't change it for you. Hopefully you'll be able to manage on the coated ones without too many problems, if not it'll be worth asking again. Fingers crossed for you and I hope you get sorted.
Thank you
hi i stopped 1 month ago under doctor advised. 1 year after
Thank you
In my case I had a stent fitted in January and went on dual antiplatelet therapy. However the clopidogrel was just for 6 months (but aspirin permanently). There was no tapering off.
Thank you
I just stopped with no problems from stopping. My stents are still okay since Xmas 2017 and I'm 78.
Thank you
Came off clopidogrel 12 months after my stents. No problems. I just take coated dispersible aspirin now instead of aspirin and Lanzaprazole. I buy it from Home Bargains.
Thank you
I was on Ticagrelor blood thinner after HA in September 23. In September 24 I was taken off as only on for year. I think this is normal practice for all blood thinners. They leave you in Aspirin. I had no issues coming off.
Thank you
I simply stopped. No problems at all. I also had had heart attack and 2 stents a year before. Stopping after 12 months is completely normal. I've been on just aspirin now for 5 years.
Thank you
I was put on clopidogrel after an HA and stents fitted, and put on it for a year and couldn't wait for the year to end! In fact I've been through it twice. I really wouldn't worry. If your doc thought you needed to continue they'd tell you. Apparently, it's used to assist in getting your heart used to the stent/s.
Thank you
Hi. I was on Clopidogrel for 12 months after my stent and now 75mg aspirin for rest of life. No issues. Happy with stent keeping my artery unblocked and aspirin helping the blood flow nicely.
Thank you
I stopped clopidogrel after 12 months, am now on plavix (aspirin did NOT agree with my stomach). No problems.
Thank you
hi there. It seems cardiologists differ on what they prescribe in cases like this . My mother’s cardiologist stops aspirin and continues the clopidogrel. Mine does the opposite . He said they both do the important job of anti clotting , but feels clopidogrel gives more heart protection than aspirin does . At one time, aspirin was the more affordable option and readily available but now clopidogrel is more affordable and therefore he prefers this option . Also, if you can’t tolerate the aspirin, clopidogrel is the other option.
I can tolerate both. I will remain on aspirin.
I was on apixaban and tricagrelor after my HA. Both stopped immediately after 12 months which just left the 75mg aspirin. 5 yrs later I'm fine. They only put you on them until the stent had bedded in properly which is 12 months.
Thank you.
Hi I was taken off clopidogrel too after 12 months after my HA and bypass
I take aspirin I have been ok speak to the cardio team if your feeling unsure they will be able to set your mind at ease
Take care
I have now spoken to the cardiologist. Most people here say its fine too. Thank you
I had a stent fitted 3 years ago and was told I will be on clopidogrel for life as I can’t tolerate aspirin I always Thort after a heart attack you would stay on them for life unless they just tell u to keep taking aspirin
I'm taking aspirin for life. Stopping clopidogrel.
Anyone suffer anxiety . I’ve been started on low dose sertraline . Had a heart attack 18 months ago No damage to my heart . Meds for life . Never smoked , not overweight etc . Would like to converse with a like minded event ? Thankyou
Hello Comfy,I am on the same medication,I have no problem taking it,and if it was me a,I would just continue on with the medication,Good Luck
They are stopping my clopidogrel after a year. I won't be able to continue it. Hence my comments.
I received a stent in February 2023 and was told to stop the Clopidogrel earlier this year. I was pretty scared to stop, but like you my cardiologist, regular doctor, and pharmacist said to stop. People on BHF agreed. So with some anxiety, I cut back on it a bit gradually, added low dose aspirin as recommended by my cardiologist, and stayed on Xarelto…my other blood thinner. (I am a blood thinner for life girl because I have thick blood and I had a pulmonary embolism in2019.) I am happy to report that I didn’t have any problems at all. I wish you well!
Thank you. I'm already on aspirin too so should be covered.
I was in them for 10 years because I couldn't take some other pills. But it was decided to stop them with agreement between my GP and cardiologist. Stopped them straight off with no issues.
Thank you
hi . From what I understand , you start on aspirin and clopidogrol and stop one of them after 12 months depending g on your consultants choice . I was told that they both do the same thing but clopidogrel is kinder to your stomach . My consultant stopped the aspirin after 22 months . I had a heart attack 18 months ago just out of the blue … never smoked etc . Had a stent fitted too . How’s your anxiety ?
Sorry 12 months not 22
Sorry I've only just seen this reply. I'm still a bit shaky but I have another month's clopidogrel to see me into the NY.
Stopping clopidogrel 
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