Stopping clopidogrel

[Comfycousin1]

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

[Wonky_heart]

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.

[Comfycousin1 in reply to Wonky_heart]

Thank you

[Lowerfield_no_more]

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.

[Comfycousin1 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

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.

[Ageingfast]

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

[Comfycousin1 in reply to Ageingfast]

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.

[Happyrosie]

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

[Comfycousin1 in reply to Happyrosie]

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.