2007-02-27 13:50:44 · 5 answers · asked by shadydog 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Please don't do it without asking your doc. I've seen many people coming into the ER cause they didn't take their Plavix. I've seen that medicine work in so many people!! And Lipitor (or the like) has also been shown to reduce the chance of second heart attacks. So, ask your doc. He may work with you.
2007-02-27 14:37:15 · answer #1 · answered by nickname 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the type of surgery you had. I'm going to assume that you had coronary artery disease. There are different recommendations if you had a heart valve replaced.
Studies have been mixed when it comes to Plavix. Most show that 9 months of therapy achieves the maximum benefit. However, your specific condition and other circumstances may dictate that you continue plavix. I know several patients (including my 30 year old husband) who will require long-term plavix treatment. If your heart disease is unstable in any way, then you may be at risk for developing a clot. I'd stay on it if your cardiologist recommends it.
As for lipitor. If you have high cholesterol (or did), or if you have coronary artery disease or diabetes, then you will (and should) be on it for life. The benefit outweighs the risk in a huge way. There are TONS of studies and official recommendations that state this.
But, most of all, talk seriously with your cardiologist. I understand the frustration with taking so many pills. My hubby has a genetic condition that has caused him to have high cholesterol and heart attacks before age 30. He will take 10-15 pills per day for the rest of his life. His cardiologist is great in the fact that he explains the rationale for his meds and listens to his patient's concerns. (It also helps that he has married an expert).
The good news is that one of the other answers are wrong: neither of these meds causes erectile or sexual dysfunction. Good luck. Sorry for the "bad" news on the lipitor. However, there is a good chance that you could be free of the plavix one day.
2007-02-27 23:39:34 · answer #2 · answered by SA16 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will end up having another heart attack. Lipitor gets rid of the excess fluids , that your body does not need. Plavix keeps your arteries opened up.
2007-02-27 21:56:02 · answer #3 · answered by LINDA D. 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I can understand why u might want to get off them. My dad wants to too. He says they make your **** limp. I just take aspirin.
2007-02-27 22:12:20 · answer #4 · answered by Marcus 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
blood clot and high cholesterol!
2007-02-27 21:54:48 · answer #5 · answered by JNS 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋