Why are clopidogrel and aspirin given together in stroke patients?
Combination antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin may reduce the rate of recurrent stroke during the first 3 months after a minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A trial of combination antiplatelet therapy in a Chinese population has shown a reduction in the risk of recurrent stroke.
How long should you be on Plavix after a stroke?
In some cases, aspirin and clopidogrel are used together for the first 21 to 90 days after an ischemic stroke.
Can you still have a stroke while on Plavix?
The anti-blood clot regimen that adds the drug clopidogrel (Plavix) to aspirin treatment is unlikely to prevent recurrent strokes and may increase the risk of bleeding and death in patients with subcortical stroke according to late-breaking research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke …
Is Plavix better than aspirin for stroke prevention?
Conclusions. Clopidogrel was as effective as aspirin for prevention of recurrent stroke in real‐world practice. However, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the clopidogrel than in the aspirin group.
Is it OK to take Plavix and aspirin together?
Aspirin combined with clopidogrel has been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events in patients at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as in those with acute coronary syndrome.
Should you take aspirin and Plavix at the same time?
Aspirin and Plavix are more effective when taken together, but it increases the risk of bleeding.
Is clopidogrel lifelong after stroke?
Currently, the uses of aspirin, clopidogrel, or aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole are valid alternatives for stroke or transient ischemic attack patients. To maximize the beneficial effects of these agents, the treatment should be initiated as early as possible and continue on a lifelong basis.
What drug is given immediately after a stroke?
This use of “clot-busting” medicine is known as thrombolysis. Alteplase is most effective if started as soon as possible after the stroke occurs – and certainly within 4.5 hours.
Do I have to take Plavix for the rest of my life?
Current guidelines say to take Plavix and aspirin every day for a month after getting a bare-metal stent and daily for at least a year after getting a drug-coated stent to prevent blood clots from forming inside a stent. Called late stent thrombosis, such clots can cause a heart attack or cardiac arrest.
Can I take aspirin and Plavix together?
Why is clopidogrel preferred over aspirin?
Clopidogrel reduced the annual risk of such a vascular event from 5.83 to 5.32% in comparison with aspirin, corresponding to a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 8.7%. The 95% confidence interval just kept clear of the neutral value and ranged from 0.3 to 16.5%.
How much aspirin can I take with Plavix?
Given that the existing body of evidence supports the comparable efficacy and, particularly, superior safety of lower versus higher doses of aspirin, aspirin 81 mg should be the dose used in combination with clopidogrel.
Why do doctors prescribe Plavix and aspirin together?
The combination of Plavix and aspirin is called dual antiplatelet therapy. This is because both drugs work to stop your platelets from sticking together and forming dangerous clots. Several studies have shown a benefit to using these drugs together rather than taking either of the drugs alone.
How long should you stay on Plavix?
The standard recommendation is typically at least 12 months of Plavix. But the study found that six months of treatment was enough to prevent rare but deadly complications, says researcher Marco Valgimigli, MD, of the University Hospital of Ferrara, in Italy.
How likely is a second stroke?
Even after surviving a stroke, you’re not out of the woods, since having one makes it a lot more likely that you’ll have another. In fact, of the 795,000 Americans who will have a first stroke this year, 23 percent will suffer a second stroke. What can stroke patients do to avoid a recurrence?
What are the signs of a slight stroke?
They include any one or combination of the following:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden trouble speaking or understanding.
- Confusion.
- Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes.
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or sudden trouble walking.
How long should you stay on Plavix after a stent?
The data “suggest that all patients with drug-eluting stents should continue to take [Plavix] for at least 12 months after [stent implantation], and possibly indefinitely,” Eisenstein and colleagues conclude.
What is a natural alternative to Plavix?
Ginger. Ginger is another anti-inflammatory spice that may stop blood clotting. It contains a natural acid called salicylate.
When is the best time to take Plavix and aspirin?
Conclusion: Taking aspirin and clopidogrel at 20:00 was superior to taking the same medications at 8:00 for inhibiting peak platelet aggregation in the morning.
Will I be on clopidogrel for life?
Treatment with clopidogrel is usually for life, unless there are any reported problems. In the UK, medicines must have a licence, also called a Marketing Authorisation (MA), before they are approved for treating patients.
Should you take Plavix and aspirin at the same time?
Aspirin and Plavix are more effective when taken together, but it increases the risk of bleeding. Brand names for aspirin include Bayer and Ecotrin.
Should I take Plavix and aspirin at the same time?
What are the long term side effects of Plavix?
Side effect details
- Allergic reaction. As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Plavix.
- Bruising. You may have bruising while you’re taking Plavix.
- Skin rash. It’s possible to have skin rashes while you’re using Plavix.
- Nosebleeds.
- Headaches.
- Blood in your urine.
- Itching.
- Diarrhea.
What is the average lifespan after a stroke?
A total of 2990 patients (72%) survived their first stroke by >27 days, and 2448 (59%) were still alive 1 year after the stroke; thus, 41% died after 1 year. The risk for death between 4 weeks and 12 months after the first stroke was 18.1% (95% CI, 16.7% to 19.5%).
Will you ever be the same after a stroke?
If you have had a stroke, you can make great progress in regaining your independence. However, some problems may continue: Paralysis (inability to move some parts of the body), weakness, or both on one side of the body. Trouble with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory.