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Use of Plavix, aspirin and codine together

I recently underwent angioplasty. They found 5 blocked arteries and implanted 3 stents. Two of which unblocked two arteries. The third stent was unsuccessful and remains 40% blocked. The other two arteries were too hard for the surgeon to get to so they are still blocked as well., at 50%.

I am taking Plavix 75 mg, Lipitor 80 mg, Aspirin 85 mg, and Ramipiril 2.5 mg. and also have to wear a Nirto patch 2 mg. since having the angioplasty. In addition, I take 15 mg of codine for an unrelated problem with my foot to control pain.

I have been having many side effects and need some expert advice. I have the taste of blood in my mouth most of the time, I have actually spit up blood on one occasion, I have massive headaches that last for hours, my circulation is bad, I am always cold, my skin hurts to touch, I bruise easily, I am depressed all of the time, I have no ambition and so on.

I saw my GP today. He says that I have to either get off the Plavix or the codine becasue my blood is not too thin. I have been taking the codine for 15 years and do not over do it. I only take it when it is absolutely necessary.  I have read a lot about Plavix and I hear that if you take aspirin, you should not take Plavix. I don't know what to do anymore. Please... if anybody has any answers to my questions please get back to me. I feel like a sitting duck and just want my health back. Thank you.
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63984 tn?1385437939
I'm assuming you still have angina symptoms and the nitro patches are used to relieve these symptoms.  One thing to remember, drinking alcohol when using nitro medication will result in headaches.  I have had a number of stents and have two blockages of 60% in small branch arteries that are too small to accept stents, I take a generic form of Imdur which is time-release nitro, and it works better for me than the patches.  
Helpful - 0
592969 tn?1248325405
Small dose aspirin is fine to take with Plavix.  Plavix is good so that you do not develop blood clots especially if you have coated stents.  Some doctors recommend 6 months to a year on Plavix and some recommend for life.  Plavix will help to avoid having heart attacks and strokes.  The blood in your mouth is most likely because of the Plavix along with the bruising. It is the side effects.  The circulation is from your heart medication and heart medication makes you tired.  You need the heart medication and Plavix and it would be risking to stop the Plavix.  Lipitor is good for studies have shown that it has helped reduce cholesterol buildup in the arteries.  The studies showed that 40mg was just as good as 80mg and that 80mg did not help reduce the cholesterol buildup any more than the 40mg.  One question I have, is the nitro patch.  Are you having chest pains?  Nitro is not good for your liver.  I would ask the doctor if there is any other way to relieve pain in your foot than codeine.  Codeine is a good pain medication, but it not good for long term pain as it is not good for the body.  Make sure that you have strict in your eating habits to avoid extra buildup in your arteries.
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