Fear of ending Plavix/is it my choice?

   I had a heart stent put in to my left ventricule last March. At that time they said I would take Plavix for one year.
Well now my doctor has just ended my prescription BAM-just like that. No conversation with me about how I feel, no
weening off slowly. So now I'm really afraid of more heart problems (clots) because I'm such a high risk. Was anyone else high risk or very fearful about going off your Plavix?? Should'nt it be a personal choice?

[ed34]

I was on plavix for 18 months for my first stent and it never formed clots, but I believe there have been cases where it has happened. IF clots are going to form, they are usually very quickly as the plavix wears off. You don't have to ween off plavix, you simply stop it. It isn't a medication that affects your metabolism or mental state.
Is it your general Doctor or Cardiologist who has stopped the medication? In the UK we are told we will be on Plavix 2-3 years or even possibly life. It used to be one year.

[Flycaster305]

I was also advised to stop Plavix about three weeks ago, and have no problems.  I was kept on the drug for three years after my last stent because I went through a very, very active CAD period resulting in multiple stents.  I was told I might have to be on it for life, but the fact that I haven't had a blockage since 2007 and my blood is thinned very well with just one 81mg aspirin.  I'm delighted.  There are big risks when one takes Plavix if you need emergency surgery or have an accident involving bleeding.  I experienced an unexpected condition that required immediate surgery two years ago when taking Plavix (double bowel obstruction), and I had to have transfusions during the surgery.

Hopefully, you work out or walk or do some form of exercise.  If you experience an increase in breathlessness or angina when doing exercises that didn't cause breathlessness previously, contact your doctor.  I hope you let us know how you are doing without Plavix.  

[ChatterAlly]

I stopped taking the Plavix by choice and have had no complications from that.  I am still bothered by the heart spasms, but those started years after I stopped taking the Plavix.  I do exercise, take many herbs and natural minerals and stuff to help with my heart.  Walking is the best medicine I think. Take care and thanks for the notes.  Ally

[aheart]

It's probably just natural anxiety when you think something is keeping you alive you don't want to give it up. I'm very physical on my job everyday so I get plenty of exercise and I will continue the aspirin too. Thank you for easing my fears for me.

[Wenders52]

My mother is going in for a stent operation this week and has been given 2x300mg clopidogrel to take before she is admitted, is this the correct dosage ? It seems very high.

[ed34]

Yes, 600mg is the booster dosage and is normal.