Patients should remember that antiplatelets can control many conditions, but cannot cure them. Even if all their symptoms are relieved, patients should continue to take their medication exactly as directed and to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with their physician.

Patients taking antiplatelets or other anticoagulants may need to undergo regular blood tests to monitor their medication dosage. These tests usually require the patient to visit a hospital, physician’s office or laboratory on a monthly, bimonthly or weekly basis.

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of patients have been shown to have some type of platelet resistance. Preliminary evidence suggests that these people may be at higher risk of subsequent clotting events such as heart attack or stroke.  It is not currently clear if a higher dose of antiplatelets can overcome these problems.

Regular use of some antiplatelets can add a significant amount of sodium to the diet. Patients adhering to a low-sodium diet may need to make further dietary adjustments when taking antiplatelets.