I a stent fitted in January2024. I was prescribed clopidogrel for one year. Can I stop taking it after the 12 months. Also been on aspirin and lansoprazole and this year having lots of gastrointestinal issues and increasing fatigue which I didn't have previously.
What do others do when the 12 months is up.
Don't know if just coincidence but want to cease medication to see if things improve or it's another issue. Thanks
It appears common practice to be prescribed two anti platelets after a heart attack and continue for 12 months, then drop one. In my case I dropped the clopidigrel and continued with aspirin. And I did not notice anything at the time I stopped the clopidogrel. Your notes from the cardio team will show your plan, but if you are unclear either talk to them if you are still under their care, or if you have been discharged talk to your GP. But if you are struggling with gastro issues which could be medication based talk to your GP as there are a number of options available including changing to gastro resistant aspirin, or prescribing a PPI such as lansoprazole, or discuss with a pharmacist.
It's normal to stop one of the tablets after 12 months. Your GP should do that. They usually keep you on aspirin. It's nice not to look like a boxer all the time. Speak to your GP but don't just stop the clopidogrel in case there are other reasons for you to be on it. No ill effects when you do stop it.
I feel your pain. I've had terrible stomach pains for the last seven months since my heart attack. My doctor says it's the aspirin, but I can't stop taking it and just have clopidogrel until next June! I've recently had another heart scan, which shows some improvement in my heart function, but I still get breathless and fatigued if I do too much. Now been referred to gastroenterology. Never been so ill - until I started taking all these meds.
I had problems with clopidogrel and aspirin. I stopped the clopidogrel after 6 months which did help me a little.
Speak with your GP about stopping one. It is also worth talking about potentially stopping the lansoprazole at the same time as that could be worsening your low B12 issues alongside other nutrients.
You'll almost certainly feel better on less medication but don't make changes without consulting your GP. For me, after stopping clopidogrel I started to improve several weeks later (it wasn't instant).
I haven't had a heart attack only one stent fitted. I have moderate aortic stenosis which is cardiologist not concerned about.
Getting GP is no easy feat these days.
Hi there carer. I had a heart attack in Singapore years ago and the cardiologist prescribed clopidogrel as part of my medications( advised to take for 2 years). Once I got back to UK, the cardiologist said in UK normally it is 1 year, but he wasn't concerned and told me to complete the 2 year course. I take enteric coated (to help protect the stomach), aspirin 75mg daily too.
P.S, I had a stent fitted too.
stopped mine with no problems. All is well 3 years later. Sticking with the aspirin.
what date did you have your stent fitted ? Mine was January 9th . Have been told by gp that they will automatically stop mu clopidogrel when the year is up
If you are in Uk there should be a date on your prescription/medication box of when your clopidogrel is prescribed up to . That’s when you take the lady tablet. Usually 12 months. If it’s not there you need to go back to your consultant/pharmacist or GP to confirm.
I was put on clopidogrel alongside my edoxoban after my stent. I was told to stop the clopidogrel after 12 months, but like you, didn't really know what to do when the 12 months were up. I ended up in A&E for another unrelated cardiac issue just before the 12 month deadline so asked the cardiologist who said to just stop it. Asking my GP is pointless as she won't make any decisions but passses everything back to the hosp which usually means a 3 month delay before she gets back to me. So at 12 months I stopped the clopidogrel and simply remained on the edoxoban (which for some reason then got changed to apixiban). I've had no problems at all, just a lot less bruising!
I had stents in May 2024 and have been told that as aspirin affects my intestinal tract that I would have to continue with Clopidogrel for the rest of my life due to the drug eluting stent I have, therefore I would contact the GP for clarification.
I came off clopidol completely and had no problem.
I stopped the Aspirin, as it was the cause of my acid reflux and remained on the clopidogrel for life. Aspirin is very hard on the stomach, and recent research shows it can interfere with absorption of vital vitamins and minerals.
I was on it for 12 years with Aspirin with no issues. Now off it with no withdrawals.Was 12 years because I can't take a beta blocker due to low heart rate.
My late mother was prescribed Clopidoggerel for life after she started getting angina. She lived at least another 40 years and I didn't realise why she bruised so easily and terribly. Now I know!
Speak to your GP and or Cardio. I stopped my Ticagrelor 1 year after but its under medical supervision...Don't do this on your own. I had no problems, just stopped taking it after gp said to. No side effects or anything. Speak to gp
I too had a stent Jan 2024. Snap! I was only asked to do Clopidogrel for 6 months. I remain on low dose aspirin of course. However I asked to stop lansoprazole as I was no longer on dual platelet therapy. Having said that, I believe some GPs prescribe PPIs even if you're only on aspirin. It's just my opinion, but I prefer to minimise my meds as far as I feel able. Not easy to navigate these issues!
hi there , great news you at the one year mark and can stop one of the anticoagulants . I too, I am on both low-dose aspirin and clopidogrel in the past. I have had gastrointestinal issues with aspirin, but for some reason it is not bothering me currently. I my clopidogrel in April. My understanding is that if you’re having gastrointestinal problems, the aspirin should be discontinued and you would continue on with the clopidogrel, as it is easier on the stomach. You would need to be on one or the other . .
Definitely ring y our GP and chase it up. One or other should be stopped. Are you taking anything to protect yourstomach like a PPI or famotidine? Do you know which tablet is causing the pain? I had clopidogrel stopped but still suffered from the aspirin so I now take a gastro resistant aspirin that doesn't dissolve until it gets into the intestines..
Thanks for all your comments. I completed an online form for GP surgery and had a response. Can stop Clopidogrel after one year. I've been on Lansoprazole as advised by pharmacist but as I have low B12 I may stop that as well.
As I am being referred for gastrointestinal issues and loosing weight I may consider buying the coated asprin to protect my stomach and
see if things improve as has low quality of life at moment.
I’m on Clopidogrel too after a heart attack and stent procedure done in June of this year I would make an appointment to see your family physician and get his advice before stopping this drug.He may send you back to your Cardiologist or make the decision himself Either way you will need a follow up after stopping this drug to be sure that there are no more dude effects Good luck with this Have a good Christmas
I had terrible gastric problems while on Lansoprazole and dispersible aspirin. I asked me GP if I could stop the Lansoprazole, and change the aspirin to the coated ones. My gastric problems soon cleared up.
Stopping clopidogrel safely—abruptly or gradual cessation? 
Clopidogrel
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