Dual antiplatelet therapy after stenting
More than one million men and women in the United States undergo artery-opening angioplasty and stent placement each year as a nonsurgical alternative to open heart surgery. Afterwards, most take the combination of clopidogrel (Plavix) and aspirin (called "dual antiplatelet therapy") to prevent platelets from sticking together and forming a blood clot inside the stent. Some people take aspirin with prasugrel (Effient) or ticagrelor (Brilinta) instead of clopidogrel.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
