Q: I am 44 years old and had a 3 graft coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 8 years back. I am hypercholestrolaemic and I control it with statins. I walk every day at least for half an hour and I do not have any problem. I am 162 cm tall and weigh 52 kg. Last year I had ulcers in the mouth and 5 months back severe stomach pain. After endoscopy it was diagnosed that there were inflamation patches in stomach like in mouth. The doctors opined that it was due to prolonged usage of Ecosprin 150 mg for 8 years. When I consulted my cardiologist he asked me to stop Ecosprin and gave 1 tab of Clopidogrel per day in its place. I also take one Noklot/day. But I read that aspirin is a must dose for post CABG patients. Does clopidogrel give the same effect as ecosprin? Are there any case histories of side effects of aspirin like the one I had?

A:Clopidogrel is equally effective to aspirin and has fewer gastric side effects. A person without unstable angina does not require a combination. Aspirin in a dose of 50 mgs is also equally effective and cheaper. In this dose it is better tolerated. It can be re-instituted.