Continued Effient

[Ron1969]

I would like another opinion on staying on effient for 18months instead of the normal 12.  My cardiologist said the studies show that it could help me in the long run staying on effient passed the 12 months. If I can afford the cost he recommends it.  I had a drug coated stent in the LAD 11 months ago.  I ended up with an embilical hernia from being inactive and thenover lifting during my recovery. I need corrective surgery when I can stop the effient. (its not an emergency yet)  I went through the cardiac rehab and was looking forward to getting off some of the meds.  I am all for the long run but I worry about fatal bleeding and liver damage.

[Ron1969]

That is the normal in the US also. I was just recently told that the latest studies show a slight improvement for extending it to 18months. I seem to be very sensitive to medictions so I'm always trying to remove them when I can but I want to what is best for my health.
Thank you
  

[ed34]

The usual rules for plavix in the UK is 12 months. Europe seems to follow the belief that there is no evidence to suggest benefits after 12 months.

[Ron1969]

I was told with Effient I wouldnt have to stay on it for life like the Plavix.  I was looking at the risks and fatal bleed charts and it increases the risk the longer I am on it. My liver enzymes are slightly elevated so I would like to remove anymore stress on my liver if its not needed.  Also the surgeon wont touch my hernia surgery until I can stop taking it. Do you know when you can stop taking it or is it something you just have to keep taking?

[ed34]

Hi Ron
           Any Doctor can run a simple blood test to check your clotting factor and determine if Effient or any other anticoagulant is causing too much thinning. There does seem to be some compelling evidence to suggest that taking the medication for longer results in better long term results. I take Plavix every day now, I've replaced my Aspirin with it. After nearly 2 years, my Liver is fine and my clotting factor is just above normal. If I cut myself shaving, it takes a while longer to clot, but if it keeps my stents clear, I can put up with that. I'm on 75mg a day and have been told the risk for bleeds is very small.