Plavix for life?

[toby45]

Just had a second Angio in 10 mts with some blockage found on the distal side of the stent in the LAD. Cardio says I have to take my cocktail of Plavix, Metoprolol, Lipitor, Niaspan, Asprin for life.

Is that par for the course? Does anyone know if there have been any long term studies done to see what the side effects of these meds are?

I'm taking Dilantin for a seizure disorder which has caused serious lasting side effects. Just don't want to get in the same boat again with these meds. I think I still have a few years ahead of me and want to make them count!

[tg8rd]

My boyfriend just had his second stent in the last month put in and they told him that he would be on Plavix for a year but he would be on Aspirin from now on. I guess it just depends on how bad the blockages are his were 90% blocked both times. After the did the first stent they told us it would only be a month on Plavix but after the last episode they decided that he needed to be on it for a year. He is also taking 2 blood pressure pills, Coreg, and Zocor. So I guess it just depends on your case and your doctor.

[Encephalomalcia]

If you do not want to suffer a heart attack or stroke, you need to take the Plavix and aspirin.  Lipitor is a cholesterol medication that have proven studies showing reducing cholesterol and reducing some cholesterol buildup already there.  The medications are your life line and you need to take them as prescribed by your doctor.  Are you having current side effects from the medications?  If the Metroprolol gives you side effects, there is a medication called "Coreg" which you can ask your doctor about.  Coreg blocks two of the receptors.