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Stroke

Plavix for stroke prevention

08/21/2006

Question:

My mother had a Left MCA CVA about a year and a half ago, at which time she was put on 75mg of plavix. She had continued on this since then. She stopped taking baby ASA secondary to minor nose bleeds. Should plavix therapy be indefinite in secondary stroke prevention?

Answer:

Some form of "anti-platelet" therapy is recommended indefinitely for prevention of recurrent strokes, provided that there are no bleeding complications.  Anti-platelet drugs currently available include aspirin, Plavix, and Aggrenox.  At the moment, based on best available evidence, we do not recommend ASA and Plavix together as there seems to be no significant stroke reduction with the combination but there is an increased risk for bleeding complications.  It is best to discuss all medication questions with the physician who knows your mother best.

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Response by:

Brett Kissela, MD Brett Kissela, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Director, Neurology Residency Program
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati