New Blood Thinner May Be Better
New Blood Thinner May Be Better
According to recent studies, an investigational drug called ticagrelor
(Brilinta) may be more effective than the blood-thinner clopidogrel
(Plavix) in treating acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This is a condition
that leads to a sudden decrease in blood flow to the heart, such as during
a heart attack. An analysis was conducted among 13,408 individuals
scheduled for cardiac stents who had received either Brilinta or Plavix.
After 12 months, those who took Brilinta had a significant 16% risk reduction
in heart attacks and strokes. Also, the risk of bleeding for individuals
who took Brilinta was no more common than for Plavix. Brilinta is
not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Current ACS guidelines recommend that individuals who receive cardiac
stents should take 2 blood-thinners that may be aspirin plus a prescription
medication like Plavix or prasugrel (Effient). The length of time
a person must take blood-thinners depends on the type of stent being
used. Generally, drug-releasing stents require the use of blood-thinners
for 12 months.