Plavix post cardiac stent insertion

Dear Ask The Doctor: How long after having a stent implanted do i have to keep taking plavix?

Dear Mike:This depends on the type of stent inserted as there are different varieties of stent, for example bare-metal stent or drug eluding stent. The general recommendations are Plavix administration for a 12 month period, post stent insertion. This is particularly important for a drug coated stent to reduce the risk of the stent furring up or clotting. I would discuss this with your cardiologist, especially the specific guidelines with reference to the type of stent inserted.