Effient is used with aspirin by patients with heart disease (recent heart attack, unstable angina) who undergo a certain heart procedure (angioplasty). This medication helps to prevent other serious heart/blood vessel problems (such as heart attacks, strokes, blood clots in stents). It works by blocking platelets from sticking together and prevents them from forming harmful blood clots. This "anti-platelet" effect helps to keep blood flowing smoothly in your body.