What is dual antiplatelet therapy?

Platelets are cells in the blood that stick together to form blood clots. Antiplatelets are medicines that make it harder for platelets to form clots. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) means that you take two antiplatelet medicines. Each one works in different ways. One of them is aspirin. You will also take another one. Examples include clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), or ticagrelor (Brilinta).

Your doctor will prescribe DAPT as two pills. One is aspirin and the other is another antiplatelet medicine. These medicines can cause serious bleeding problems. So follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

How long people take DAPT depends on why it's prescribed. For example, people who:

• Have had a heart attack or bypass surgery may take DAPT for at least 1 year.
• Have a drug-eluting stent may take DAPT for at least 6 months.
• Have a bare-metal stent may take DAPT for at least 1 month.
• Had a stroke may take DAPT for 3 weeks.

You and your doctor may work together to decide how long you will take DAPT. It may depend on why you are taking it, your risk of heart attack, your risk of bleeding, and your feelings about taking DAPT. If you have a high risk for bleeding, your doctor may shorten the time you take these medicines.

After you finish DAPT, you will likely continue to take one of the medicines.