Are Plavix/blood thinners needed 3 years after azygos stent?

[LeenieSD]

IR who performed venoplasty 3 yrs ago put a stent in my azygos and recommended I take Plavix forever. I can no longer take Plavix or aspirin, and I won't take Coumadin as an alternative. Is there any reason I can't be off all RX drugs at this point? I've never had blood clots or any other blood related problem, and I eat a heart-healthy diet.

[NHE]

That might be a good question for Dr. Sclafani. What does your regular PCP suggest?

[CureOrBust]

I have NO medical training, but I always thought Plavix is not a drug to toy with. Speak to your original IR and also get a second opinion. Plavix was recently picked up by the "current affairs" programs here in Australia (they are far from a medical source). I always thought Plavix was a short term medication. It may also be prudent to get some information directly from the makers if you have been told to be on this medication long term, they should have some knowledge of others across the population of users.

[NHE]

What does your regular PCP suggest?

If they can't help, ask for a referral.

By the way, you may want to read the prescribing information for Plavix.

http://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_plavix.pdf

[Cece]

This is definitely a question for the original IR or a new one and I hope you were able to find someone with the medical knowledge to advise.