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Is Plavix Better Than Aspirin?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Both aspirin and Plavix inhibit platelet aggregation though by different mechanisms. In terms of comparisons Plavix is just as good as Aspirin, in fact some studies suggest it to be slightly better (but really an almost insignificant difference). So no worries about it being given instead of Aspirin.
However after stenting it is common practice to prescribe both Aspirin and Clopidogrel (Plavix). They are usually prescribed both for at least 30 days (up to a year), afterwards it is continued with only the one. So I am a little surprised he is taking only 1 antiplatelet drug.
Perhaps the doctors given his age have concluded that he is at a higher risk for hemorrhagic complications (more likely by using both drugs together).
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Both aspirin and Plavix inhibit platelet aggregation though by different mechanisms. In terms of comparisons Plavix is just as good as Aspirin, in fact some studies suggest it to be slightly better (but really an almost insignificant difference). So no worries about it being given instead of Aspirin.
However after stenting it is common practice to prescribe both Aspirin and Clopidogrel (Plavix). They are usually prescribed both for at least 30 days (up to a year), afterwards it is continued with only the one. So I am a little surprised he is taking only 1 antiplatelet drug.
Perhaps the doctors given his age have concluded that he is at a higher risk for hemorrhagic complications (more likely by using both drugs together).
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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