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What Are The Long Term Side Effects Of Aspirin, Atorvastatin And Prasugrel?

Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2016

Question: Hi there,

I am a 43-year-old adult, who has had two stents fitted into two coronary arteries this time last year. I have been taking Aspirin, Atorvastatin and Prasugrel for the last 12 months. I will be coming off the Prasugrel next month, as I have only been prescribed it for one year after the stents have been fitted. I have had no angina attacks, or adverse affects to any of the drugs I have been taking over the last 12 months, so I'm quite happy. However, I am only 43 years old, and I have been told I will be taking the Atorvastatin and aspirin for the rest of my life. So, as you can understand, I do need to understand the long-term side-effects of these drugs. I have two questions:

1. Is it wise to come off the Prasugrel only 12 months after the stents have been fitted?

2. I have been told by two independent friends who are not in medicine, that it might be wise to take the product CoQ10 all the time I'm taking statins, as this will reduce the risk of any possible future issues relating to the statins in the long term. Is this true?

Many thanks.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

1. Taking Prasugel and Aspirin for one year after stenting procedure is the best strategy because this prevent stent reclosure and have a positive effect on your health.

Since you are free from chest pain one year after stenting procedure the wisest thing to do is to quit taking Prasugel and to continue with aspirin for the rest of your life.

This will prevent from major complications especially major gastrointestinal bleedings which are very common if you take combined therapy (Prasugrel and aspirin).

2. Statins (atorvastatin) is a cornerstone medications in your case by stabilising cholesterol and other bad lipids which are one of the major causes of atherosclerosis and stent blockage.

However atorvastatin has some side effects especially it may cause liver damage. Since CoQ 10 is effective in protecting liver from damage and has a stabilising effect on atherosclerosis you should take it regularly.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
p.s: If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (3 minutes later)

Thanks Doctor! Great advice. What dose of CoQ10 woukd be advisable for someone with my condition?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

If you were my patient I would recommend to start with 100 mg of CoQ10 one times per day.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (23 minutes later)

Thanks. Final follow-up question. Am also taking Omeprazole fir indigestion and have been for one year. Does that affect your decision and also, are there any long-term side effects of Omeprazole for someone in my position? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Omeprasole doesn't affect my decision about cardiac therapy.

Omeprasole prolonged use may cause bone osteoporosis and you shouldn't take it without doctor prescription.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar