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).

DAPT is used to prevent blood clots that could cause a heart attack or stroke. You may take these medicines if you had a heart attack, a stroke, a coronary bypass surgery, or a stent placed in an artery.

DAPT is prescribed as two pills. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. You might take DAPT for as short as 3 weeks or as long as 12 months or more. How long may depend on why you're taking the medicines, your risk of heart attack, your risk of bleeding, and your feelings about taking DAPT.