I have been on plavix since my first stent, in 2004. i had four more stents. could having five stents account for why my cardiologist keeps me on plavix? i also take 81mg enteric coated aspirin daily. is this too long/too much? nosebleeds in the past

Don't stop taking!: Stents are vital to keeping your blood vessels mechanically open, but the presence of any foreign structures can also cause cell breakdown and therefore blood clots. Plavix and Aspirin make sure that dangerous blood clots do not form at the sites of the stents. You will need to take these meds for the rest of your life. If you are experiencing frequent nosebleeds or excessive bruising talk to Dr.