How long does a person take Plavix after a heart stent?
On One Hand: Typical Plavix DosingAccording to Medicine Net, the healing process after a stent is placed in an artery is approximately three weeks. This requires patients to use an anticoagulant such as Plavix for about four weeks, or until a protective tissue coating has grown over the metal surface of the stent.On the Other: Recent Plavix DosingMedicine Net also states new stents are medicated to prevent scar tissue from growing. This slows the healing process after the surgery and, as such, Plavix is prescribed for three to six months. However, a study then showed a large number of patients have heart attacks after stopping Plavix use too soon, and now doctors (as of March 2010) are prescribing Plavix for a period of 12 months.Bottom LineThe amount of time Plavix is taken after a stent surgery (angioplasty) depends entirely on the type of stent placed in the artery of the patient. For typical steel mesh, the dosing period is as short as four weeks. However, with new medicated stents
