For Al and everyone

[Missy]

I went with my husband today for his first checkup since his stent implant. He is on Plavix and I asked the nurse about this in relation to coumadin; like do you have to do blood tests for clot time. She said that Plavix was the best blood thinner there is and would do the 110 % of what coumadin would do. Especially for stent and implants. No testing either. I asked why not use it for mechanical valves and afib and she said just doc preference or something.
Now I know there is a reason that we are all still on coumadin for valves and it is probably because it is better for what we have. But is plavix really that good and could it be used for valves or is it exclusive to stents? What is the deal or does anyone know. Does this nurse know what she is talking about and is my husband on the best med for stent? I realize that stents are out of our field but thought you or someone might have some information. She said just enough to make me more curious.
Thanks.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Missy-

Coumadin is not a blood thinner, it is an anticoagulant. From what I understand Plavix makes the blood less sticky, so clots are less likely to form.

When my husband was having multiple TIAs, he was on Coumadin and Plavix.

So Plavix is not a substitute for Coumadin.

He is no longer on Plavix.

 

[Ross]

Nancy is 100% right on the money! Plavix only keeps platelets from sticking together.

I have about one more week of Plavix left and I don't take it anymore. They've had me on Plavix, Coumadin, and aspirin since surgery 17 months ago. Talk about not wanting a clot to form, sheesh. I've been on every Doctor I have about taking all three and finally my Cardio put an end to the whole ordeal.