Coumadin vs. PLavix

I noted a question about the new drug Plavix. I am a mitral valve replacment patient that takes Coumadin daily. Is it possable to use Plavix in place of Coumadin for this purpose?

Your comments would be appreciated.

Thank you
Gina

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

No, plavix cannot be substituted for coumadin.  Plavix is an antiplatelet drug similar to aspirin.  Coumadin is a antithrombin drug similar to heparin.

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.

If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

[paulj3650]

A related discussion, Coumadin and Plavix was started.