Plavix

Is there other mediciation that I could take besides PLAVIX ??
I am 67yom, and wanted to know more about taking Plavix (s/p stent x1). when was it introduce for usage ?, and How long can one take it with out hurting other parts of body?...My Dr seems to think that I'm to old to know anybetter (just from him always changing the subject or answering the phone just when I need an answer). Plavix is so exs
pensive for me...on some days, my choose is food,and or medician.


This discussion is related to Long Term Plavix Side Effects?.

[kenkeith]

It is generally agreed by the medical community that plavix and aspirin therapy for about a year post drug eluded stent implant.  Then aspirin continuously.  The dual therapy related to DES is recommended because the DES implant have a higher restenesis (clots) risk for about a year compared to the bare metal stents.  Dual therapy (plavix) increases the risk of major bleeding.

The CURE study provides the evidence.

[Flycaster305]

I hope I can shed some light on this for you from my personal experience, it was a concern of mine as well.  I'm also 67 years old but try to stay young physically and mentally.  When I started getting blockages, they came regular intervals over a three year period, and have eight of them, along with several heart attacks.  As a result, I took Plavix for four years, along with 81mg of aspirin. I didn't like taking Plavix because of the bruising side effect, but felt it was the best thing to do.  I always worried about a car wreck, unexpected surgery, etc.  
I had a stomach ache one morning, and in a few hours I was in agony, and was diagnosed after a ambulance ride with a double bowel obstruction.  It required surgery, and certainly my Plavix usage was a huge concern because of it by the surgeon.  However, because they knew about it they took precautions which I don't quite understand, the operative report includes notes about additional platlets, some bleeding, and I was in the hospital for over a week.  I did have low blood pressure problems following the surgery but that was because of my weakened heart, not because of bleeding.  
I'm off of Plavix now, it's been over a year since I had a drug-eluding stent.  I'm a little nervous, I fear heart artery blockages more than I fear any side effects, frankly, but I'm continuing to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.
My advice would be to fear a heart blockage and take the Plavix more than I'd fear a Plavix side effect.  They can be managed.  Heart attacks are a very big deal, believe me, they trump side effect fears.  Best wishes.

[Flycaster305]

I forgot to mention, try contacting the drug manufacturer and see if you can get a price break on the drugs.  It works sometimes.  Also, you are probably a medicare patient, hopefully you aren't in the black hole.  I wish the facilitators of this site would make a discussion group that centers on just this topic.  Bottom line, discuss with your doctor your economic concerns.  If he doesn't listen, fire him and find on that will listen.  Please keep us informed.

[jam1112]

Check with your city hospital. They sometimes give discounts at the hosptial pharmacy.
Also, many places. Like Walgreens,CVS, Hyvee's and Kmart. Just to mention a few.
Offer prescription relief for people that can not afford the medication. These are a $1.

Have your pharmacy do the work for you and help you in contacting the right people for the help you need. They can be of help. When asked. Remember the sweaky wheel gets the grease. Keep up asking for help in getting your medication discounted.

Hang in there,
                         James