How long is the time release on a Drug Eluting Stent

[arnieg]

I have a drug eluting stent implanted in 2006. I have now been on Plavix and aspirin for over three years. The cardiologist says I will be on it for "life". If the use of Plavix and aspirin can be eliminated after 2 to 4 months of the implantation of a bare metal stent, why can't Plavix and aspirin be eliminated after a year? At what point does the drug eluting process stop so that the drug eluting stent becaomes the same as a bare metal stent?

[Cleveland Clinic]

We are learning more and more about drug eluting stents and are finding out that these stents may not always "mature", ie become coated with native lining, thereby, predisposing them to stent thrombosis, a life-threatening condition.  I would stay on the plavix and the ASA as long as possible.  not only do they prevent stent thrombosis, they actually increase your longevity.  The manufacturer's recs are that 6 to 12 months of ASA and plavix, followed by indefinite therapy with ASA is enough, but most cardiologist disagree with that.  

[Cleveland Clinic]

There are two reasons, the first is that drug eluting stents don't get the same endothelial coating as bare metal stents and are more susceptible to clotting becauase of that.  The other reason, is that in the trials that were done with drug eluting stents, it was noted, on follow up that patients who stopped palvix, even after more than 12 months, still had a higher risk of stent thrombosis.  

[guddoohira]

i agreed with cblmn7 & echotech .
the pain (if it is pain & not muscular twitches) is not because of stent . you should inform this to your cardiologist & he will take care of it.

arnieg ;
i got a drug eluted stent in May-2009 (promus) , following a heart attack .
& i am only 36 , so this was some wake up call..!!
anways..today morning i had my follow-up meeting with my cardio & he also mentioned that i will need to take plavix & ASA for at least 1 year . Before that he does not reccomends to stop my meds even for a dental teeth cleaning session for 4-5 days.

[cblmn7]

the stent isn't the reason for your pain i still had chest pain and found out one of the stents didnt hold you should tell your dr you are still having pain

[freddy160]

A related discussion, chest pain after stent was started.

[cn65]

Thank you everyone for the comments.  They have been very helpful.  I did speak to my dr. in reference to the chest pain and how I have been feeling lately being on Ticlid.  And she told me to take some Xanax and either I make a choice between taking the Plavix or Ticlid.  I told her that the Plavix was out of the question and I would deal with the side effects of the Ticlid.  She is telling me that there is really no other medicine out there because of me being so sensitive to give to me.  This has become a really frustrating process and I know it can only get better from here.  She wants me to have some blood work done again.

[Madge270]

Since I've had serious shock reactions to almost every antibiotic out there, I'm wondering what kind of antibiotic (if any) is used for the drug eluting stents.

[arnieg]

My question remains:

1. For a bare metal stent, Plavix is not prescribed for life.

2. For a drug eluting stent, Plavix is prescribed for life.

If after 2 - 4 months (or whatever the time is), a drug eluting stent no longer "elutes" any medication, why is it not then treated the same as a bare metal stent as far as the time for using Plavix is concerned?

[EchoTech]

I am not a doctor, but I will share my experience.  

the short answer is no, normally you shouldn't be feeling chest pain.  I would tell your heart doctor about this as soon as possible.

[cn65]

I just received a drug eluting stent last month and having a hard time adjusting to all the meds.  I was on Plavix and was told I would be on that for 1 year.  I ended up being allergic to the Plavix and the dr. switched me to Ticlid.  Which I will be on for 1 year, so they say.  And aspirin too.  Is it true that you can still have chest pains with this type of stent?

[cblmn7]

i feel your pain i have had 7 stents since 2006 and have taken plavix since the firsy stent in 2006 good thing its only a 20.00 copay because that stuff is expensive i was told to take it for life