Stents - loading dose of clopidogral and asprin

[Rainbowinsidethemind]

Hello

I'm going to be having 3 stents inserted into my arteries in a couple of weeks time.  My specialist (who will be carrying out the procedure) has asked me to take 600mg of clopigdogrel and 600mg of asprin the night before the procedure, and I'm a bit worried about doing this.

Is it normal practice?

I currently take 75mg of clopidogrel every day.  I can't take asprin, because I've suffered with stomach ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining in the past, and even now, I regularly have excess acid.

The specialist said to take lansoprazole (an acid inhibitor) the day before the procedure, but I'm not sure that will be enough.

I've seen lots on Google about taking 600mg clopidogrel or asprin before the procedure, but not both.

Has anyone else been through this procedure and been told to take the same loading dose as me?  Particularly if you've had stomach problems before.

If so, was it ok?

Thanks very much for reading.

[Rainbowinsidethemind]

Hi

I'm not so much worried about a sore stomach, more gastrointestinal bleeding, which would be difficult to control with 1200mg of blood thinning stuff inside me.  I've had stomach ulcers in the past, and my stomach lining isn't great.  My doctor told me to stay away from NSAIDs altogether due to the risk of internal bleeding.

600mg of clopidogrel doesn't worry me so much on its own, it's just adding 600mg of aspirin on top that's scaring me.  

Also, from what I've read, 600mg of clopidogrel before the procedure increases the risk of severe bleeding after the procedure, so adding aspirin will increase that risk further.

From the replies, it seems that it's unusual to be given both, so I will speak to the specialist about my concerns.

Thank you all for your replies

[Flycaster305]

I forgot to post that I have a history or stomach problems and have GERD surgery, but a sore stomach trumps a stroke or a heart attack in my opinion, and as long as the surgeon knows your history of stomach problems, I'll bet he/she can buffer the effects of aspirin if it affects you greatly.  

[Flycaster305]

Same as Ed, I've eight stents and always was given a handful of Clopidogrel (Plavix) during the prep time before the surgery, and a couple of aspirins.  They want the blood as thin as possible during the procedure to reduce the risk of stroke or arterial obstructions, obviously.  I'd not be concerned and take the medication as asked.
Best wishes with the procedure, keep us informed.  

[ed34]

In ALL the procedures I've had, I only took 600mg of Clopidogrel.  8 of the little pink blighters.  

[Rainbowinsidethemind]

Hi, and thanks for responding.  

My specialist is asking me to take 600mg of asprin as well as 600mg of clopidogrel.  Did you only have to take the clopidogrel?

It sounds too much to take 600mg of each.

[ed34]

I've lost count how many procedures I've had, but each has required the 600mg of clopidogrel. I too had problems with aspirin, so just stick with clopidogrel each day. I take 30mg of Lansoprazole each morning too. No stomach issues anymore. Clopidogrel has quite a short half life, so it will soon reduce back down in your body. I believe the half life is around 8 hours. So after 24 hours you will basically be back down to your usual level of 75mg.