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Current Postings on This Page (77):
• I had 3 medicated stents 5/08 now getting ready
to go off. I have had itchy red bumps on my private area since taking plavix.
Could this be the problem?
Guess
I will soon know.
Ted, Tennessee, USA, May 25, 2009
• hi all Had second stent (DES) fitted in Jan 2007.
Stayed on normal dose of Plavix until earlier this year when I started
a planned reduction. Now taking half tab per day. At the same time as
all this I also have Atrial Fibrillation (10 years) and so am on the normal
Warfarin. Again as is normal after I had the first stent I was also put
on 75mg Aspirin daily. Being on Warfarin, do we know if it is necessary
to be on Aspirin as well, as I do seem to have lots of digestion issues
which have not yet been addressed. I am seeing a general Surgery doc
shortly
and want to talk to him about this whole issue of tablets.
Tel, United Kingdom, May 18, 2009
• I had a heart attack in November 2007 and was
placed on plavix and aspirin. I have had trouble with intermittent chest
pains and tremors in my chest and shoulders. In February 2009 I had to
discontinue the plavix and aspirin for 5 days in order to get a colonoscopy.
During the 5 days , the tremors and chest pain stopped. When I started
back on the plavix, the tremors started up again. My cardiologist insisted
that I stay on the plavix for 2 years after the heart attack.
James C., Tuscumbia, Alabama, USA, May 15, 2009
• Hey gang I had a heart attack on of days Friday
the 13th of March. Two stents put in and a lot of side effects from the
medication. I have been on a quest for information ever since. I am currently
reviewing Dr.Ignarro's book on Nitric oxide called NO. It is well worth
the time to read it and will really educate you as to how to get your heart
healthy and functioning at peak performance. I checked the Nobel Peace
prize site and this guy is legit. Get back to me with your information
and critiques of his findings.
Jim McMaster, Salt Lake, Utah, USA, May 5, 2009
• Am trying to communicate with NanaBanaCornflake,
Houston, Texas,USA, posting on April 16, 2009. In 12/2009 had two
failed attempts to place a stent in my RCA to remedy the narrowing of
a "Taxus Express2" stent placed 3/2005. Would like to compare notes on
narrowing "Taxus" stents to anticipate potential future symptoms.
Easy, Massachusetts, USA, May 2, 2009
• This is for Mike
who lost his taste. I have never been on plavix or heart meds, but
I have been on other type meds...none related to heart or blood pressure.
BUT I lost my sense of smell AND taste. I went to the ENT , had MRI'S
etc...all the tests to see if something could be causing it. After a
year and a half I went back again to the ENT to see if maybe THEN he
could find something to figure out why I lost my smeller and taster.
He found nothing and he told me he had never seen anyone who had lost
their smell and taste for so long ever regain it. I was so bummed. Its
terrible not to smell and taste. No one can really relate to it cause
it seems so rare. Well one day after two years of no smell and taste
i went for a walk and I smelled fresh cut grass. I almost cried... I
was so happy. after that, little by little I began to smell and taste
again. Coffee is about the only thing that still smells a bit weird.
So hang in there...i bet it will eventually come back.. One day you will
smell something and it will be awesome.
Melinda B, Birmingham, Alabama, USA, April 17, 2009
• I am now 67 years
YOUNG and have 5 DES stents. 4 Cypher and One Taxus. The TAXUS DES closed
on me last year and I had a Balloon angioplasty inserted. The Cardio Interventionalist
said Plavix would not of helped keep this open nor aspirin as this TAXUS
stent was notorious for doing this. (BUMMER) The other DES stents are wide
open. I have been on Plavix now for 5 years and take TWO 81mg of aspirin
daily. I am ready to wean myself off this stuff. I will continue the baby
aspirins but I believe all the wheezing I do and especially at night may
well be the result of the Plavix. Plus coughing my fool head off. Plavix
people were of no help to me. In fact I did not like her attitude. I needed
to talk to them. I have suffered for 4 years with torn ligaments in both
knees and walk like a 90 year old. No one will do surgery unless I am off
Plavix for 8 days. Interventionalist said NO! Well, I have no life as it
is. I will have to take my chances on re-bound. Now, this is my decision.
No one is telling me to do this BUT ME!.....My Son in Law had one Bare
Metal stent in 2000. He took Plavix for one year and said No more. It has
now been 8 years now and no incidents. he is doing great! My sister had
2 bare metal stents in 2001. She was on Plavix 17 months. She suffered
Steven Johnson syndrome and Low Blood count so her husband weaned her off
that med. This was 7 years ago and she is much better but CBCount is still
a tad low from this. Then me with 5 DES. Not a happy camper. I also feel
Plavix is responsible for my ongoing GERD/REFLUX. I have to take Nexium
daily. I may e-mail the Cardio to see how much he will tell me this time.
Maybe he has some updated info.
NanaBananaCornflake, Houston, Texas, USA, April 16, 2009
• Bob -- all studies have shown that with drug-eluting
stents, stopping Plavix/aspirin therapy too soon increases the risk of
stent thrombosis. We strongly recommend discussing this issue with your
cardiologist. Maybe he/she can adjust your meds. After all, the reason
to get stents is to improve the patient's quality of life, not the opposite.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 16, 2009
• I had 2 stents five months ago and also have irregular
heart, which occurred after I started taking blood pressure pills. They
have me taking Diovan for blood pressure, 325 mg aspirin, plavix 75 mg,
Simvastatin 20 mg, and warfarin 2.5 mg 3days and 5 mg 4 days weekly. My
INR is between 2-3, but having difficulty taking all these meds. Think
I'm getting more meds than I need, because of reactions such as weight
gain, upset stomach, shortness of breath and lack of energy. Thinking of
dropping most of these meds and just taking 1800 - 2000 mg of fish oil.
Any suggestions?
Bob, Denver, Colorado, USA, April 15, 2009
• I'm interested in finding out if EDTA (oral chelation)
will interfere with plavix, Can any one answer that, if so how? I been
on Plavix for a couple years and had a stent put in for pain in my legs.
I also have high blood pressure low dose (zestoretic 10/25) I only take
that as needed. I keep close tabs on my pressure.
Emily, New Caney, Texas, USA, April 13, 2009
• Mary -- the current guidelines recommend Plavix
and aspirin (a.k.a. DAPT or Dual AntiPlatelet Therapy) for 6-12 months
or longer, post DES, assuming there are no complications. Bleeding is definitely
one of these complications, and something for all to be aware of. We would
only stress to you and our readers that the issue of continuing with Plavix
and aspirin is a very important one, because stopping Plavix too soon increases
the risk of stent thrombosis. We strongly recommend discussing this issue
with your cardiologist.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 9, 2009
• Hello,I had two D.E.S. put in one year ago. Like
most people, I am on 75 of Plavix and 81mg. of asprin. As I write my friend
is in the i.c.u. fighting for his life from a g.i. bleed caused by the
combo of Plavix and aspirin. I have read everything that comes out on Plavix
and I have decided that I am taking myself off it but I will do a taper
over several months. I have worked cardiac med surg. for a number of years
so I am well aware of all sides to the questions and fears. I am not telling
anyone to taper nor am I saying that anyone should stop period. I am making
my own choice for my own body. Besides the two stents I am otherwise extremely
healthy and walk daily as well as following a good diet. Out of four siblings,
the doctors were shocked at the blockages because of my overall health.
Mary, Virginia, USA, April 6, 2009
• My 83 yr old father recently had a small MI, with
stent placement in heart then several weeks later leg -peripheral stent.
developed VT after that,which resolved on lidocaine gtt and mexilitine
po. was started on plavix and asa after stents. went into afib, started
back on coumadin. cardioverted out of afib, but next day experienced increased
shortness of breath. Now on ventilator in ICU. bronchoscopy showed lung
hemorrhage from plavix,coumadin and asa. Hopefully he will wean off respirator
soon. Drugs can be good, but not in his case. They said it is a rare occurrence.
His INR was in therapeutic range. wonder why they don't check bleeding
times, or platelet counts in people on combo rx. Just wonder how may people
hemorrhage in the lungs from plavix, and the long term outcomes. No real
antidote for treatment in critical situations.
Sandra, Massachusetts, USA, April 5, 2009
• Lesly and others -- you need to find out what
type of stent was placed. Guidelines are that DAPT (dual antiplatelet therapy,
which is Plavix and aspirin) should be continued for 4-6 weeks for bare
metal stents and 6-12 months or longer for drug-eluting stents. Premature
cessation of antiplatelet therapy is associated with increased risk of
thrombosis (clotting). There are possible alternatives to Plavix, such
as Ticlid. But every patient's situation is different, which is why nothing
you read on this or any other site should be a substitute for a medical
professional's opinion. Talk to your cardiologist -- if you are not getting
the right information, go for a second opinion.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 5, 2009
• I have a unique case. I had a stent placed in
my celiac artery (no heart disease) due to compression of the artery by
a ligament. The ligament was cut, the stent placed and I was put on plavix
for 90 days. Cut to 2 years later, the artery restenosed (75%) I had an
angiogram and a second stent placed. I am trying to find out if it was
bare metal or des. All my research shows that plavix does not prevent restenosis,
just clotting. The artery involved in my case does not go to my heart,
but to my intestines. This time around I am having terrible side effects
from the plavix-severe stomach and back pain. I am planning on stopping
the plavix (my dr. is an idiot as far as I am concerned and insists I stay
on the plavix, possibly indefinitely although I can not get any real reason
from her) but I can't seem to get any information on my particular type
of situation. Anyone out there have a similar situation or insight? Thanks.
Lesly M., California, USA, April 5, 2009
• I had a medicated stent 10/08 with 60% blockage,
01/09 after returning to cardiologist several time another angiogram performs
there it was determined I was 80 to 95% blocked,I had quadruple bypass
01/29/09 prior to that I was on Plavix for 3 months, I have diabetes which
was under control with an A1C of 6.4 and now my blood glucose levels uncontrollable
A1C is 8.0, GP has put me on insulin and the insulin is not working. Could
the plavix cause the insulin to not get into the cell. I will be going
to an Endocrinologist very soon. Any responses will be greatly appreciated.
Kelly M, Naytahwaush, Minnesota, USA, April 5, 2009
• I am getting ready to stop Plavix after having
a bare metal stent placed a little over a year ago. In addition to tapering
off of Plavix I have been tested to be sure my aspirin dose is actually
working. I heard a cardiologist recently say that it is important to have
your aspirin response tested before you stop Plavix. One of the reasons
people have heart attacks, strokes or die is because aspirin doesn't work
in them or they are taking the wrong dose. It is probably between 10% to
20% of the population. My doctor used a test called AspirinWorks to test
me.
Gordon E, Wichita, Kansas, USA, March 26, 2009
• I had a stent put in 2 years ago. How long can
I go without taking plavix?
Fred Rupeter, Biloxi, Mississippi, USA, March 24, 2009
• Is it safe to go off Plavix after having a drug
coated stent 18 months ago?
Peggy, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, March 13, 2009
• I am a 49 year old female who had two medicated
stents placed in my RCA. I was put on plavix 325mg aspirin lowered to 81
because of severe bruising. I also was on ranexa which caused bloody urine
and am on metoprolol 12.5 twice a day. I have had steady declining mental
functions, feeling like i am in a fog, inability to concentrate, identify
items at times and memory loss.The Doctor tried an antidepressant Lexapro
and I could barely move and yet it felt like i was racing. I had told him
I wasn't capable of being depressed because I could not hold a thought
long enough to even think I was depressed. Now after reading this and http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20839&name=PLAVIX starting
to think I had some kind of brain tumor I can attribute my mental problems
to plavix I am sure of it. Why don't the doctors listen to us? This decreased
thought function and severe lack of energy leaves me in a suspended state
each and every day. I am alone and I barely can function. There has to
be another way. Don't they know we know ourselves more than anyone?
Sandi P., Connecticut, USA, March 12, 2009
• Apr. 07 4 stents implanted, 3 DES. On Plavix for
18 months, then decided to take same every second day 4 months ago. Today's
Dr. Visit said, "stop Plavix". I will so, and do hope that someone, eventually
will help all others in a dilemma re: Plavix!!
Fred Bircham, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, March 12, 2009
• Mike--Stent-Dec.5-08-Circumflex-90%-I
am 44yrs.I have had trouble with dizziness and *LOSS OF TASTE.* Could be
worse,but it really sucks to lose your taste. Anyone else had this problem.
I guess I have to take this med. for at least a year or I could keel over
and die..From what I have been reading it is scary to try to get off of
this med.WOW! miracle drug ha!Guess I'm lucky?Not so sure..If anyone knows
how to regain taste please send an e-mail. I really do feel for everybody
with these awful side effects.
Mike, Oklahoma, USA, March 12, 2009
• My husband just had 2 DES placed in RCA 2 weeks
ago Put him on Plavix, baby aspirin, etc. all the usual drugs. After 1
week developed rash/hives type symptoms, Dr said he's probably reacting
to Plavix so he had him start taking Ticlid plus Plavix for 5 days and
then stop taking Plavix all together. Put him on a steroid regimen too.
After 2 days rash was all but gone but now developed large bumps/itching
again. Can you develop allergies to foods you were never allergic to before
taking these drugs?? Seems it happens when he eats bananas. Any ideas???
Jacki, Derby, Kansas, USA, March 11, 2009
• I had stenting done about 2 years back for one
artery... and was on Plavix for around 4 months. Can I take any medicine
apart from Aspirin
Arun, Pune, India, March 10, 2009
• Update to my
Feb 2007 report on my 2 des (stents) fitted to r/h coronary artery
(100 % blocked) , I was placed on plavix, 40mg simvastatin, 75mg aspirin,
- 3 months later the statin was stopped, 8 months later the plavix was
stopped, - I currently take - 75 mg aspirin and 10 mg statin, that is
all - no problems other than itchy skin on legs - cholesterol is 4.2
- sugars are ok.
Dave W., England, March 6, 2009
• I have been on plavix for 6 years. been off 10
days for surgery . Last week I had 2 more stents and was put on plavix
with aspirin I have a bad allergic reaction to aspirin and have been warned
by my old deceased physician. Now I found that they gave me aspirin the
day of the stents and when I got home I now have some bad reactions I stopped
the aspirin. Has anyone had a problem with plavix and aspirin.
Sue R., Missouri, USA, March 4, 2009
• This is Donna who
husband has 16 stents, no he has never taken Avandia, just Plavix. He takes
three different cholesterol pills, plus others. He takes 1 isosorbide dinitrate
three times a day. Which is a form of nitroglycerin, he use to wear a large
patch everyday, but they started giving him this kind. He don't get the
headaches that often now.
Donna Sherron, Smithfield, North Carolina, USA, March 4, 2009
• I am a 50 year old female who had a heart attack
at home last Thurs. Feb 26 on Fri 27. I had an angioplasty for a clot on
a blocked artery and a stent inserted. Home on Sunday taking aspirin, 75mg
Plavix, 20mg Lipitor and 1 Blood Pressure tablet. I am so nervous and have
a dullness still in my left arm. Can anybody reassure me I am terrified.
Bernie, Ireland, March 4, 2009
• I am 37 years old and have had three blood clots
so far -- 2 while on Coumadin. My doctor then prescribed 75 mg of Plavix
and 81 mg of aspirin daily. I have been taking the Plavix-aspirin regimen
for about 1 year. My doctor told me that he believes I need to be on this
regimen for life. I'm super concerned now that I have read about long-term
effects, re-bound effects and other complications. Can anyone point me
to literature that might help me make an informed decision about perhaps
taking half the dose.
Michael , Costa Rica, March 4, 2009
• My husband had both
metal and coated which was they way they did all of his stents. Dr's told
us he would be on Plavix rest of his life. He needs a knee operation, but
Dr's won't do it because he can not come off the Plavix.
Donna Sherron, Smithfield, North Carolina, USA, March 3, 2009
• I'm trying to Reach Donna,
the woman who's Husband has had 16 stents! Does your husband take Avandia!?
I've had 4 stents, I blocked up every 6 months like clock work! I did everything
I was supposed to do during this time too! Please, if he's taking Avandia,
it's the Avandia. I stopped taking it one month after my last stent surgery,
and it's been 1.8 years without anymore blockage! Anyone that started taking
Avandia, and was healthy before, then started having heart attacks or blockage
3 to 9 months later, please stop the Avandia, and go to glucotrol! Please
ask your MD don't take my word for this! My MD thank god had suspected
that it was the Avandia! This saved my life!
Waylen, Medford, Oregon, USA, March 3, 2009
• Withdrawing from Plavix......possible side effects
Being part way through my withdrawal programme I have noticed a strange
symptom, which I am not sure could be attributed to slowly coming off plavix.
I find that after a walk, in normal conditions, my feet both start to `hurt`,
and feel as if they are cold, but on stopping and unshoeing, my toes particularly,
feel uncomfortable as if they are cold, but are actually warm, but tender.
This stays for about 2 hours. Anyone else had anything similar after stopping
Plavix??
Tel, United Kingdom, March 1, 2009
• After stopping Plavix, my four coronaries became
severely blocked, just 60 days after. Two were 100% and the other two 95%.
I had to have open heart surgery with four bypasses. After 3 months, I
suspected that it was Plavix that caused it. Now, after a year, I took
a CTA Cardiac scan to have a look at my heart. Guess what? My native arteries
are fully open and the bypasses dead. I was told that I was probably misdiagnosed;
that the blockages could probably have been flushed out. I am still after
BMS for not warning physicians or patients about being careful stopping
Plavix, but slowly weaning off. How many other are out there with the same
dilemma as me?
Miya, Los Angeles, California, USA, February 27, 2009
• Chris H. -- read the blog entry titled, "Plavix,
Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix -- Do I Hear a Nexium?" about the
current statements on PPIs and Plavix. Also the "Plavix
Safety Update" which links to the latest document from the professional
societies. As for Ticlid (ticlopidine) it fell out of use when Plavix
came around, because it tended to have more adverse reactions. However,
several cardiologists we have spoken to have switched patients to Ticlid
when they were having difficulty with Plavix -- and they did fine. In
Japan, Plavix is not reimbursed, so everyone there is on Ticlid.
These are definitely issues to discuss specifically with your cardiologist
and in no should you take anything you read here (or elsewhere on the
Net) as a substitute for his/her advice.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 28, 2009
• I'm a 49 year old male that had an MI Jan 2009,
had a single DES placed in my LAD (don't recall being given an option)
and have been on 75 mg Plavix + 81 mg Aspirin for only 6 miserable weeks
now. Actually, at first I was also taking lopressor & zocor, but Cardiologist
stopped them (separately, a couple weeks apart) because I was complaining
about how miserable I am. I was very active before the MI, but since, I
am always tired & weak, always sick to my stomach, many times I have chest
pressure and back pain & burning in my stomach. When I tried to get my
Prilosec refilled, my regular MD would not refill it based on a Nov '08
report about PPIs interfering with Plavix. My Cardiologist had actually
given me a bunch of Nexium samples on my first visit after the Stent...guess
he doesn't believe that report or care. Anyway, for about two weeks now
I'm only on 81 mg Aspirin and 75 mg Plavix and I still feel really lifeless
and sick to my stomach all the time. I've never had an issue with aspirin,
so I'm about 100% sure the Plavix is to blame for my misery. I'm supposed
to take Plavix for no less than 1 year...I'm going to die from malnourishment,
lack of physical activity and depression first. My bad days far outnumber
the good & I haven't had a single day that was all good. Cardio says he'll
only take me off Plavix IF the GI Doc tells him to. I'm seeing the GI Doc
this week, but don't expect him to make that call, PLUS, after everything
I've read, I'm scared to death to stop Plavix unless I'm given an alternative
drug, but Ticlid seems like the only alternative and sounds even worse.
I don't want to die, but can't keep living like this.
Chris H., Palm Bay, Florida, USA, February 22, 2009
• I dissected the LAD 2 years ago and had 2 bare
metal stents emplaced. I was put on coreg cr and aspirin. In Dec 08, the
Dr told me one of the stents had scar tissue and emplaced a DES/Balloon
and put me on plavix, aspirin, coreg, nexium. I now have extreme dry mouth.
I can barely eat anything as it feels like it's stuck. The Dr thinks it's
from anxiety and prescribed xanax .25, which makes me calmer, but doesn't
take away the dry mouth. Can it be the drugs and if so, what can be done?
I'm not doing well. Need help asap.
LF, New York, USA, February 19, 2009
• Ian -- check out our reply on Feb 10th re: Plavix
rebound effect. Hope others will respond, but if you are having bleeding
symptom, definitely check with your cardiologist. You should check with
him/her anyway re: stopping Plavix -- stopping any med, but especially
Plavix, is not something patients should do on their own -- even though
the Endeavor has a good safety record re: late stent thrombosis.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 19, 2009
• Hello, has anybody had any experience of kidney
pain, head aches, nausea, loss of concentration and extreme lethargy whilst
taking Plavix ? I had three drug eluding [eluting] stents fitted four years
ago and two Endeavour stents in March of 08. Medication is 75 mg Plavix,
75 mg aspirin, 2.5 mg Bisoporol, 10 mg statin. I have had muscle cramps
from the statins, hence the low dose and also cannot tolerate ace inhibitors.
Other side effects that appear to be the result of Plavix are nose bleeds,
bruising and blood in semen. Was about to stop the Plavix until reading
about the rebound effect, may now cut the dose in half. What is the forums
opinion on this ? Thanks for your feed back.
Ian, United Kingdom, February 19, 2009
• Barbara -- check out the related topic on "Plavix
and Surgery" as well. You'll see that recommendations from all
major medical societies is to discuss issue this with your cardiologist
and possibly to have your cardiologist and surgeon talk to each other
as well.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 18, 2009
• Has anyone stopped taking their Plavix and aspirin
for a short period of time? I need to have some surgery and want to know
how dangerous it would be to be off these medications for about 10 days.
I have 3 stents and have been on Plavix and aspirin for 2 years.
Barbara L., Los Angeles, California, USA, February 18, 2009
• To Byron hi, I had last DES fitted in Dec 2006.
Have taken Plavix and 75mg Enteric coated aspirin since. Cardio has suggested
I stop Plavix, so I have started a slow withdrawal regime of my own. First
month 1 tab one day, half the next.(done) Second month I have gone to I
tab one day then 2 days on half. (doing) Next month I will go to half tab
per day. Fourth month I will go to half tab every other day. Fifth month
I trust i will have courage to stop altogether. As everyone says this is
not coming from the Cardio, but she knows I belong to this forum and am
savvy about the possibles problem and is happy that I take this route,
but it was not her idea.
tel, United Kingdom, February 18, 2009
• Byron N. -- check out the related topic on "Financial
Assistance for Plavix" as well.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 17, 2009
• Has anyone stopped Plavix and taken just aspirin?
If Plavix was stopped, what dosage of aspirin was used? I take both Plavix
and 325 Aspirin, and have had 9 stents placed 3 years ago, and find Plavix
much too expensive.
Byron N., San Diego, California, USA, February 17, 2009
• Recently had surgery, carotid artery left side.
I was healthy 67 yr old. I was given Plavix (75mg) and (80mg) baby aspirin,
1 wk after being at home I broke out in hives lip and tongue swollen, and
at one point throat was closing. Since, I have been to an allergy doctor,
on antihistamines and prednisone. Have had break out since, can't eat tomato
products, citrus, or nuts. could before, help what’s wrong?
Julie, Mississippi, USA, February 16, 2009
• Donna -- when did your husband get his latest
stents and what type were they -- current guidelines recommend 6-12 months
for Plavix after drug-eluting stents, significantly less for bare metal.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 16, 2009
• Hello, my husband
has 16 stents in his heart now, on Dec. 4 1997 he had 8 in his RCA, he
also now has 1 in the Left (LAD), 1 in Circumflex (Circ) and then had 2
placed on the end of the 8 and then 4 place inside the eight. Dr's said
he was not a candidate for open heart. He has been on Plavix from the beginning
and 325 mg aspirin along with other meds. He was a working roofer and now
has torn his meniscus cup and Drs will not operate because he can not come
off of Plavix. Since this now, can he get disability on social security?
We are lost as of what to do. Do you know anyone else that has had this
many stents?
Donna S., North Carolina, USA, February 15, 2009
• Wayne and Christine --
current antiplatelet protocols for stent patients are 75mg of Plavix plus
aspirin (sometimes baby aspirin of 81mg or standard 325mg -- both are considered "low-dose).
As for the Plavix "rebound" effect, it is only observational
and has not been "proven" and there is no scientific evidence
that tapering off would prevent it. (We don't know of any aspirin rebound
effect.) That being said, the observational data of the Plavix reb ound
effect definitely are cause for concern -- the reason there is no clinical
proof is that the effect was first
described only a year ago, and it takes time (and money) to run these
trials to get "proof". Another issue is the whole area of resistance
in some patients to Plavix and/or aspirin. There are recent studies involving
genetic markers for this resistance and also to see if increasing dosage
can overcome resistance. There are no real clear answers yet, and the future
of medicine is that these therapies are going to be need to be tailored
more to the individual patient. We don't/can't medical advice and for these
answers you need to consult your cardiologist. But one question we would
ask would be, if you are not having adverse effects from the current dosages
(bleeding, etc.) and you have been doing well, what would be the reason
to change the dose?
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 10, 2009
• I have a question regarding the dose of aspirin.
In March of 2007, almost 2 yrs ago, my 85 year old dad had a drug coated
Taxus Express2 stent placed in his LAD to treat an 80% blockage. This was
not due to an MI. He had a cath performed to investigate chest pain that
he was having and when they found the blockage, in went the stent. Prior
to the procedure he was on a number of drugs to control BP, cholesterol,
and a baby aspirin. In the hospital they upped his aspirin to 325 and of
course added Plavix 75. Now almost 2 years later when accompanying him
to his PCP for a checkup, the doctor said that he could really be taking
just a baby aspirin. In my paranoia from all I am reading about late stent
thrombosis and going off the drugs for any reason as well as the rebound
effect of going off Plavix, I made my dad wait to see his local cardiologist
to ask the aspirin question. That Dr also said that he could be on a baby
aspirin. I am wondering is there a danger of reducing aspirin if you have
been taking a higher dose for years??? Is there also a "rebound effect" with
aspirin? And what really are the guidelines as to the aspirin dosage??
I would love to reduce his risk of bleeding, but I am afraid to increase
his risk of a clot!! Any information would be very appreciated.
Christine, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA, February 10, 2009
• The reason I am taking plavix is because my Doctor
put me on it during a procedure to check the blood flow in my leg which
has 3 stints [stents] in it, it was to prevent a clot, then a month later
I had a mild TIA, then an MRI and I'm scheduled to have another MRI in
April to compare with the first, I also am wondering if the procedure mentioned
above had anything to do with my TIA?
Wayne, Cedartown, Georgia, USA, February 10, 2009
• Wayne -- why were you prescribed Plavix? Did you
get a stent? Both aspirin and Plavix (clopidogrel) are antiplatelet meds,
but they act differently to keep blood from clotting so, for stent patients,
they are alway prescribed together.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 9, 2009
• I am simply wanting to know if there is a problem
with taking Plavix and a 325 aspirin at the same time, and is there any
extra benefit to taking Plavix over Aspirin ? I have been taking 325 Aspirin
for 12 years, no problem, and now am taking Plavix 75mg. I had a mild TIA
a month ago?
Wayne Kines, Cedartown, Georgia, USA, February 8, 2009
• NEXIUM, ETC. ALERT
(repeated from January 28) -- a number of postings mention being
on Nexium or a similar drug (called a Proton Pump Inhibitor, or PPI)
to stop stomach upsets, etc. If you are taking this type of drug, check
out the Editor's blog discussions of this past week about new findings
and the FDA alert (here and here)
about Plavix and PPI drugs, such as Nexium, Prevacid, etc.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 7, 2009
• m.b. My mother had a stint (her 4th) in Dec. In
Jan. she had two strokes (TIA's) with her right side affected. Yesterday
her right leg was severely swollen and had turned a deep purple with blisters.
She is also on Nexium as well as Plavix. We took her to the dr. and are
waiting for the blood tests. Is this a side effect?
HMB, Tennessee, USA, February 6, 2009
• HI all, I have now been on Plavix coming up for
3 years. Is there yet any advice on stopping or reducing the dose. Luckily
in the UK my Plavix is free but that is no reason to keep taking it if
I don't need to. I do know that I am increasingly experiencing strange
side effects, dry lips, dry skin, a strange allergy to aftershave (it causes
a hives effect). Any ideas anyone?...My Doctor ..GP..says it is just a
side effect of age!!! I am also taking Bisoprolol, baby aspirin, Simvastatin,
hytrin and valsartan. Yep, I rattle when I walk!!
John, Daventry, United Kingdom, February 6, 2009
• Hello. I had two stents put in August 08 and
was put on plavix (75mg) and aspirin (325) daily. Within the first few
weeks I started to have problems with confusion and short term memory loss.
The memory loss for example forgetting peoples names, loss of thought during
a conversation, etc. Anyone having any memory problems or is this my imagination.
Dr. just ignores problem.
Mark, Texas, USA, February 3, 2009
• I had a kidney transplant 13 years ago and had
DES a month ago. Now taking the following meds: prednisone, plavix, aspirin,
nexium, neoral, lopressor and lipitor. Are these combinations good for
my health. Lately also I am experiencing mild angina, is this normal for
a new DES patient?
JY, Saudi Arabia, February 1, 2009
• I had a stroke four years ago, and consequently
started taking Plavix. I never had a good day on them, not one...four years
later and I have decided/ given the go ahead to take Aspirin instead, been
on this for a week now but been feeling very sick at night, keeps me awake,
but I am fine during the day now which is a miracle!! Is this a normal
reaction to taking a new drug after being on another one for so long? Just
a little worried, any insight would be appreciated.
Angela, France, January 29, 2009
• ALERT!!! --
ALL patients on Plavix -- check out the Editor's blog discussions (here and here)
about Plavix and PPI drugs, such as Nexium, Prevacid, etc.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 28, 2009
• A.D. -- read through the Forum
Topic on Plavix and Surgery -- the best advice is that your two physicians
should be talking to each other about the relative risks and making a
joint decision. That's not our opinion. That's the recommendation from
the major medical professional organizations (ACC, College of Surgeons,
etc.) --
Mar from Kentucky -- we don't know of any research showing
these drugs raise cholesterol. Imdur can cause some cholesterol tests to
read falsely low.
Sue from Wisconsin -- is your husband on any other heart
meds? Beta blockers are known to cause cold extremeties -- it's not a listed
side-effect of clopidogrel, but we have heard from patients who have similar
complaints. If this is of concern, call your cardiologist -- maybe check
blood count, if there's a concern.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 27, 2009
• Possible TIA. Over the weekend I `blacked out`
for a split second, and was left feeling dizzy and disorientated. History
of 2 stents (1 DES in Jan 2007) had been on Plavix ever since. Cardio finally
convinced me to wean myself off it which I had started to do about 2 weeks
ago, going down to half a pill/whole pill every other day. Not yest sure
if this had anything to do with what my Doc thinks could have been a TIA,
but hopefully CT scan due tomorrow will find out what happened.
Tel, United Kingdom, January 26, 2009
• I had a Drug eluding [eluting] stent placed into
my coronary artery in June of 2008. I am in need of a Hip replacement.
My cardiologist says that it is ok to go off Plavix six months after stent
insertion . My orthopedic surgeon says I should wait another six months.
Who should i listen to.
A.D., California, USA, January 25, 2009
• Can Plavix or Imdur cause the rise in cholesterol?
Mar, Kentucky, USA, January 24, 2009
• My husband had a stent placed about a month ago
and is now taking Plavix. He notices that his hands and feet get cold very
easily. Is this a side effect of Plavix?
Sue M., Wisconsin, USA, January 23, 2009
• Sally L. (and Tim from California)-- all guidelines strongly state
that Plavix (clopidogrel) and aspirin are to be taken for at least a month
(for bare metal stents) and 6 months to a year or longer (for drug-eluting
stents). The proper length of time is one of the major discussions among
the interventional cardiology profession.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 23, 2009
• My husband had a heart attack on Jan. 2nd, 2009.
He had three stents placed and was out of the hospital three days later.
Two days after discharge he returned to the hospital with a major heart
attack. He was on life support for three days (ventilator and balloon pump).
Now he is diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The first time he was
discharged the doctors/pharmacy forgot to give us the Plavix. Is this negligence?
What are current treatments for congestive heart failure besides a low
salt diet with lasix?
Sally L., Washington, USA, January 22, 2009
• Hello, I had a stent placed in LDA [LAD] in 1995,
Norvasc, lipitor, 325 aspirin a day. Thirteen years later Jan 13, another
stent in LDA a little south of the first. Dr. added Plavix for one year
and continue all meds. I know it's only been a few days, everything seems
ok. Plavix being new to me should I have anything to worry about? I did
fine for thirteen years with out it. Also, when tapering off of any med.
I would think it be best to do it slowly, couldn't hurt, but cold turkey
might.
Tim, California, USA, January 17, 2009
• Hi, I really need help. My father just had one
stent placed in Oct 2008. He had a 85% blockage. He did well and was discharged
from the hospital. He was put on the normal plavix and 81mg aspirin. He
since has not gotten any better, he has had chest pain on and off, lost
his appetite and has chest pain when he eats. He went to cardiologist twice
since and they said his cardiac enzymes, EKG are all good. All they did
was discontinue his zocor- saying that may have some side effects. He is
also very frustrated cause his arm/ hands/ feet are going numb and having
odd temp problems. He also can't tolerate any nicotine at all (which I
know he was told to stop chewing tobacco but he tried to put a tiny bit
and he had to call 911 cause he was having a stroke! Any ideas??? I'm afraid
he is having some rare problem that they are overlooking and something
is going to happen to him.
Barbie, Somerset, Pennsylvania, USA, January 16, 2009
• Kerstin -- when did you stop taking Plavix and
when did this incident happen? The "rebound" effect, if it is
in fact real, has been observed within the first 90 days after cessation
of Plavix, and mostly in the first 30.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 14, 2009
• I had a bare metal stent placed in me in August
07. One blockage, otherwise very healthy. Doctor told me to take Plavix
for 30 days. I never used medicine before, as I had never been sick. I
felt fine after the stent and returned to swimming (54 yrs old). On November
28, I felt something painful in my heart. My husband took me to ER. They
could not detect anything so I was released in the morning. Pain consisted
and after a few tests, the doctor decided to re-stent me. That's when they
saw that all four coronary arteries were totally blocked (2 were 100% blocked,
the others were 95% blocked). Rushed into open heart surgery with 4 bypasses.
No doctor could understand this. They said it was a miracle that I have
lived through this, without having a fatal heart attack. It took me 6 months
of research to find out about the "rebound effect" after stopping taking
Plavix. I have since then "educated" many doctors who didn't had a clue
about this, including my own cardiologist . My life is forever changed.
Had there been a warning on the prescription, I would surely not have stopped
taking Plavix, but slowly tapering off.
Kerstin M., Cypress, California, USA, January 13, 2009
• Since 1996 I have been taking a 325 mg aspirin
per day and 1 folic acid per day, all because of poor circulation in my
legs. 1 year ago I had three stints [stents] put in my left leg and 2 months
ago My Doctor did a dye test and opened up one of those stints while he
was doing the test, he put me on plavix 5 days before this and am currently
still doing the 75 plavix and the 325 aspirin, A few days ago my right
arm went totally limp ? like a wet noodle, what should I do?
Wayne K., Georgia, January 12, 2009
• Clay -
I am interested in any responses you may get. My mother has been on Plavix
for about a month and just lost her sense of taste. She is very depressed
and is very thin as it is.
Chris, Birmingham, Alabama, USA, January 11, 2009
• David -- check out our related topic, "Financial
Assistance for Plavix and Other Prescription Drugs" -- and if
you have gotten a drug-eluting stent in the past year, don't stop taking
it -- in fact don't change any meds without consulting your cardiologist
first.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 9, 2009
• I CAN NO LONGER AFFORD PLAVIX AT $145.00 A BOTTLE
IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH STOPPING TAKING IT OR A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE
DAVID, Minnesota, USA, January 7, 2009
• Jona -- You asked a complicated question -- here's
a complicated answer: (1) the tests for Plavix resistance are not absolutely
accurate; (2) two years out is farther than the guidelines, but your cardiologist
has a lot of company, since no one really know how long to take Plavix;
(3) there is some observational data suggesting the possibility of a
Plavix rebound effect in the 90 days after stopping -- tapering off
has been suggested, but there is no data to show it works; (4) there is
a new
technology called OCT which DOES show if stent struts are covered or
not -- it's not yet approved by FDA for clinical use in the U.S. -- and
it is invasive (done in a cath lab, during an angiogram).
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 7, 2009
• Pardon another complicated "do I stop Plavix" story.
I'm 50yo physician. Had 1 Taxus stent placed 2yrs ago for isolated lesion
(prox LAD) complicated by immediate (in recovery room) stent thrombosis.
Taken right back to cath lab for clot removal & restenting. Now doing very
well heart-wise on aspirin & Plavix (exercise nut-no angina) but have had
2 serious nose bleeds over past 2 yrs each requiring hospitalization & embolization
(like cath for placing material to clog the bleeding nose vessels- but
with risk of stroke). Odd thing is the vascular lab ran testing which found
I am partially RESISTANT to Plavix. ENT wants Plavix stopped, but cardiologist
reluctant due to earlier stent thrombosis. Am staying on Plavix for now,
but what to do longer term?? How close are we to a scan which might show
if my stent is re-epithelialized (fully healed to platelets would not stick
to it).
Jona, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, January 4, 2009
• P. -- we are so sorry for your loss. It's impossible
to say from a distance -- stroke can be caused by many things. Plavix and
aspirin are blood-thinners and have a side-effect of increased bleeding.
But Plavix is also known to prevent certain type of stroke.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, January 4, 2009
• My husband had two stents (one medicated and one
not) plus a defibrillator put in in 11/08 due to two blockages and a heart
attack in lower left part of heart. His heart beat was irregular thus the
defibrillator. Put on lots of medication including 75mg plavix and 325mg
ecotrin. Everything was fine until last week he suffered hemorrhage stroke
and died. Was the combo too much? Should he have been on lower dose of
ecotrin or taken off plavix? He was given good reports and he felt good.
He was only 63 yrs. old.
P., Florida, USA, January 3, 2009
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