Aspirin and Antiplatelets for Coronary Artery Disease

Taking blood thinners safely

Antiplatelet medicine increases the risk of bleeding. This risk of bleeding is higher in some people.

Do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor. Make sure you take this medicine, especially if you have a stent. Antiplatelet medicine lowers the risk that blood will clot in the stent and cause a heart attack.

Before any surgery or medical or dental procedure, be sure your doctor or dentist knows that you take an antiplatelet. You might need to stop taking your medicine for a short time beforehand.

Be sure your doctors know all of the medicines that you take. This includes prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.

For other tips on taking this medicine safely, see:

Reference Reference Blood Thinners Other Than Warfarin: Taking Them Safely

If you have a high risk of bleeding from taking an antiplatelet, your doctor may suggest you take a Reference proton pump inhibitor or a Reference histamine H2 acid reducer. This medicine may help prevent bleeding in your stomach. If you are taking both aspirin and an antiplatelet, talk with your doctor about how you can lower your risk of bleeding.

Testing for clopidogrel

Your doctor may do tests, such as a Reference platelet Opens New Window test, to check on your blood clotting to make sure clopidogrel is working for you.^{Reference 3}

A Reference genetic test might be used to see if you have genes that let your body use clopidogrel. But experts aren't yet sure whether genetic changes keep clopidogrel from preventing a heart attack or stroke.

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Reference Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

For information about taking daily aspirin, see the topic Reference Low-Dose Aspirin Therapy.

Advice for women

If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.

Checkups

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments. And call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.