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Plavix, Effient, Aspirin and Stents (2009 archive)
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Archived Postings from 2009 on This Page (177): • My father was on Plavix for a week and had a
rash back in october. He was put on Ticlid and after one month he has
now persistent diarrhea (duration of the diarrhea: 25 days now). Is there
any other anticoagulant than Plavix or Ticlid ? He is also on Lipitor,
Lopressor, Asaphen and Hytrin. Is there any interactions between these
drugs that could cause a persistent diarrhea ? Thanks for your answers. • For those having difficulty affording Plavix
or other prescriptions, try googling and ordering through Canada pharmacies.
My local pharmacy charged me about $150 for a 30 day supply of Plavix.
I got a 90 day supply (90 tablets) of Plavix generic (clopidogrel) for
less than $40 including shipping with a 2 week delivery time. Just look
for reputable licensed pharmacies in Canada and compare prices between
them. Ask for their delivery time. I was initially concerned but the
drug is typically shipped directly from a worldwide pharmaceutical company
overseas and not some hole in the wall. Also remember the licensed pharmacy
in Canada is vouching for the product and source. Usually they have an
800# so you can talk to them about any concerns. There are so many Canada
pharmacies advertising you can be very choosy and select the best one
for you in terms of price and service. • Lori -- sounds like your mother has a complex
situation with a number of clinical issues. We are very sorry to hear
that she had a second heart attack because "the stents were the
wrong size". One of our missions here at Angioplasty.Org is to help
make the procedure better -- and there are various tools that exist to
help with sizing stents correctly -- we hope these are adopted more widely
(see our Intravascular
Imaging Center). As for your mother's reactions, you might want to
check out our Forum Topic on Allergic
Reactions After Drug Eluting Stent (DES). Not saying this is the
problem, but it's worth a read. • My mother had a heart attack in Feb. 2009, 2
stents were implanted. One week later she had a second heart attack because
the stents were the wrong size. 2 more stents were implanted. She felt
good except some back pain. In june 2009 she started having burning,
itching, numbness from head to toe. She had been to the emergency room
9 times for these symptoms and has been to an internist,allergist, cardiologist,
neurologist, psychiatrist, and primary care doctor. Every doctor says
the same thing, that there is nothing wrong with her that they can find.
She was taking Plavix which her doctor took her off of twice with no
relief from the symptoms. She has had an MRI, several EKG's, ENG (nerve
test, upper and lower), stress test, complete blood work, and heart cath
procedure. Every test has come back normal. She was told her vitamin
B-12 was a little low, other than that nothing is wrong. She is 61 years
old, has diabetes, high cholesterol and high BP. Her symptoms are getting
worse by the day. Her teeth and gums are numb, she feels like electrical
shocks are going through her body, her legs and arms are numb, her private
area is numb. Please help if you can. I will do anything for her. • John from Australia -- this site doesn't dispense "medical
advice". However, anything people can do to reduce their cholesterol,
etc. is a good thing. As for "natural blood thinners", we would
not recommend replacing prescription meds like Plavix with them, but
as an adjunct for a healthy diet, again, why not, as long as there are
no negative effects. The guidelines in the U.S. for dual antiplatelet
therapy (aspirin plus Plavix) after drug-eluting stent implantation are
for 12 months or more. We always recommend discussing these issues with
your cardiologist. • I had a medicated stent inserted in a coronary
artery after a heart attack in June 2008. I was originally put on plavix,
aspirin, somac, lipitor, bicor.Initially it was ok but after 6 months
the side effects started to kick in. After trial and error I'm now on
Plavix, aspirin and somac. I also take 3000mg Flax seed oil as a cholesterol
control plus it is good for the digestive tract. I've stopped butter,
cream, bacon etc. I also take Coenzyme Q10 (150g) which really increased
my energy levels immediately. I'm considering dropping the plavix and
aspirin and somac as it's been 18 months now. I'm interested in what
this site has to say about natural blood thinners as the author obviously
is very sensitive in this area. http://www.ctds.info/natthinners.html • Tel (hi!) and L.H. -- the optimal duration of
DAPT (dual antiplatelet therapy) after drug-eluting stenting is THE question
these days in the cardiology community. Interestingly, there are several
trials just beginning, two of which are exclusively testing whether the
Endeavor stent may not require a year of these meds. We'll be reporting
on these in the next couple of months. • to LH Like you I had an Endeavour stent, mine
done in Jan2007, Was on Plavix until earlier this year, when I weaned
myself off it by withdrawing over 2 months. Gradually reducing dosage
until pointless. Have not had one now for 3 months. Don't seem to come
out in bruises like I used to when on it, but I still take Warfarin,
as I have Atrial Fibrillation. Still take 75mg Aspirin. • Greetings all. Just checking in. In Sept/04
had mild MI at the ripe old age of 42. I worked out every day in the
gym and was taking all the proper vitamins and watched my diet. My cholesterol
#'s weren't bad either. Since then (2004) I have been taking Plavix 75,
Aspirin. 81, Toprol 25, Procardia 30, Cozaar 100 and Crestor 10. Sometimes
I feel like I'm personally supporting the pharmaceutical industry, but
I'm thankful to be alive. This Sept. it was FIVE years! Thank you Burt
for all you do. Enjoy life folks while you have it, it makes all the
hard work that all the people involved in treating CAD worth while! • One stent in 2007 due to 99% blockage of left
cor. artery. Placed on plavix 75 & asa 325 as well as bp meds.. I'm 65
now. always was hot natured. For past year and ,esp. since start of winter
(ga.)USA I feel like i'm freezing in my face and nose.it happens inside
even with my thermostat on like 74 today. It even hurts sometimes. For
example this morning I was painting (artist), just moving around (u would
think opposite) i started getting colder in my face and nose. After about
30 min.. I got so uncomfortable from coldness I had to stop. I sat down
on my sofa, wrapped up and put a ski mask type thing over my head , nose,
etc. I turned my therm. up, took my temp. 97.3 orally. (i'm a retired
nurse) ha ha/!! It has been 30 min. my face is still cold ,esp. my nose,
but more bearable. I going to my cardiologist ASAP....Have you heard
anyone being this extremely cold? I stopped the asa about a yr. ago due
to acute stomach pain. I've done good since my stent (unless something
is hiding). I would love to stop the plavix. I hate this coldness. Summer
when shopping in just cool store with ac the same thing happens. Any
info will be greatly appreciated. • Thank you for your prompt reply. It's very upsetting
to be prescribed medication which has unpredictable results when trying
to get off. Being a very healthy person prior to my tear (pulling together
a trampoline the LAD dissected, not a bad diet) I'm now extremely anxious
due to this unpredictability. Now Drs want me to take add'l meds to relieve
these symptoms. Hopefully, a year from now I'm still around and nothing
went wrong with ending the Plavix! • L. H. -- see the post
below about the Medtronic Endeavor stent and duration of Plavix/aspirin.
As for going off Plavix, there have been some observational studies
that there is an increased incidence of problems in the period right
after stopping, but these have not been tested in a clinical trial.
Some doctors advise gradually lowering the dose or frequency for a
couple weeks, just to play it safe -- again not proven. This is a very
complex issue and there are many many factors involved in dosing, duration
and cessation of Plavix. • In April 2009 my dad had an endoscopy. results=
chronic gastritis and H. pylori bacteria. He has had H. pylori bacteria
once before. For some reason his family doctor did not treat the chronic
gastritis. However the H. pylori was treated with the 2 week antibiotic
and the PPI.4 months ago my dad went into emerg for unstable angina.
they did an angiogram and put in 4 stents. Because of my father's slightly
anemic condition the interventional cardiologist gave him the regular
stents and 2 months of plavix.HIs NEW family doctor put him on pantaloc,
a PPI, because of his slight anemic condition and due to the report chronic
gastritis from that endoscopy. I am very concerned. she said the only
PPI that won't affect Plavix is Pantaloc. My father could only be on
Plavix for 2 mths, according to the interv. cardiologist because he is
slightly anemic.My concern is that the family physician should not have
put him on Pantaloc for those two months he was on plavix. i am concerned
that the plavix would not have had full effect. I am concerned that the
chronic gastritis was from H. pylori and if that was treated in April..wouldn't
it be gone? Did plavix have full effect? • At 49 years old, had 2 bare metal stents in
LAD 5/07, due to a tear (not heart attack). Due to scar tissue had DES
stent/Endeavor (balloon) implanted 12/15/08. Put on Plavix/aspirin. Advised
Plavix for one year. As the anniversary date is near, how do I get off
the Plavix? Based upon what I've read I'm afraid to stop cold turkey.
What methods are suggested? Will increase from 81 to 325 aspirin when
done. • Joz -- could be any number of things. Did he
start taking an ACE inhibitor after stenting. This class of blood pressure
medications can sometimes cause coughing as a side effect -- there are
alternative BP meds. Another possibility is that he has developed gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD) which can be treated with other meds, such as Proton
Pump Inhibitors. Discuss this issue with your cardiologist. • My husband who is 48 years old has a stent and
is taking a lot of tablets. This happened in July 2009. After a month
of taking this medication he has developed a cough which is most irritable
because it happens mostly when he lies down. Can you tell me what might
be causing this please? Thanks • Leona and John -- how
long to take Plavix is the big question in this field. Current recommendations
for drug-eluting stents are for at least a year. It was originally 6
months but after the late stent thrombosis scare a few years ago, practice
was changed. The truth, however, is that no one knows exactly. There
are currently several clinical trials that may answer these questions
(it's the subject of two upcoming interviews on Angioplasty.Org with
Dr. Fausto Feres of Brazil and Dr. Eric Topol at Scripps in California).
Some data show that different patients may do best with different durations.
Also all stents are not the same. The Medtronic Endeavor stent seems
to show complete healing at 6 months or less, but this is the subject
of the above-mentioned trials. Bare metal stents heal sooner and so recommendations
for them are 4-6 weeks of Plavix. Certain clinical situations also may
suggest longer use -- bifurcation lesions (the two diagonal branchs)
being one of them. Our suggestion is to discuss this issue with your
interventional cardiologist specifically (not just the family physician)
-- the interventionalist is best suited to judge the various factors
in each individual patient's situation. • I had two Xience stents inserted into the LAD
in Feb. 2009. My physician told me that I can be taken off Plavix after
12 months and take a 325 mg enteric coated aspirin. I feel a little jittery
about this although I trust my physician. The reason for the stent placement
was a break off of plaque which closed the LAD in two areas 95% and 70%
and the stents are almost piggy-back. I also had two diagonal arteries
angioplastied at the same time.If anyone has additional information for
me please e-mail me. I have talked this over with my physician. As an
aside I had two surgeries while on Plavix and had very little problems
with each surgery, so surgery can be done if really necessary. I am a
70 yr. old caucasian female. Thank you. • I have been taking plavix for over one year.
Can plavix cause nose ulcerations and ringing in the ears? • 2008 I had minor chest pain followed by stress
tests, doc decided I needed 4 stents. Had that done at age 69, now 70,
still taking Plavix (75) and aspirin (325) daily. Health fine, weight
155, but here's the problem. On a long trip, have 12 pills left and 24
days left till I get back where my pills are waiting for me. Can I take
half dosage for 24 days? Just cut pills in half? (After all, I have been
taking for more than a year already anyhow). Thanks. • Margaret G. -- stents themselves don't have
Plavix in or on them -- Plavix is a blood thinner which should be be
taken by all stent patients after implantation to keep blood from forming
a clot inside the stent. If your husband is allergic to Plavix, there
are alternatives, such a Ticlid and now prasugrel, which was just approved
by the FDA. • My husband's Dr recommended that my husband
have stents because of lack of blood flow to his lower leg. I told him
he could not take plavix because he is allergic. He told there would
be no plavix used. He lied and gave him a plavix stent and told me to
have him take plavix which I refused. My husband sets around like a zombie
and is very weak, has a lung infection that we can't get rid of because
of the plavix in his system. I think I have a law suit on my hands with
all the stress of dealing with my husband's affliction. I now have to
wait on him hand and foot. I hate Dr.s • I am Taking 150 mg Plavix-Ecosprin daily along
with other medicine.pl advis 150mg plavix per day is Okconstiption & gui8diness
occuring recently.before the operation i don't have any problems like
guideness,constiption etc shall I continue 2X75mg plavix dailyiunderwent
2 angiplast in aug2009. • I take Plavix and 81mg Aspirin daily . I also
take Prograf and Prednisone as anti-rejection medication, Lipitor, Novasc,Atenolol
and Cozaar. I also take one pill, 40mg of Nexium.Is any interaction between
them, or at least between Plavix and Nexium. I understand that my cardiologist
wants me to continue Plavix, although I had angioplasty a year and four
months ago. • Jan -- sorry your cardiologist's office is not returning your calls. This reaction is certainly not unknown. We've heard of some people getting relief with prednisone -- perhaps an allergist or immunologist could be of help. There are other drugs available: ticlopidine (which has other side effects) and prasugrel -- recently approved, but more bleeding complications. Speaking of which, Debbie from Texas -- discuss this
with your cardiologist. Since you are 3 years out from the Taxus stent,
and it's a good guess that you are having bleeding complications (black
stool, rectal bleeding, bleeding ulcer, etc.) it might be a good idea
to stop the Plavix -- but this is not medical advice -- talk to your
cardiologist. • Had a heart attack 1-24-06 I was 48 years old,
female. Am now 52. I have COPD, anxiety, depression, GERD, 2 Surgeries
for vaginal cancer. Did have TAXUS Stent in 2006 after heart attack.
I take Prevacid, Plavix, 81mg aspirin,Simvastatin, Metoprolol, Captopril,
Premarin, Effexor XR,Xanax, Hydrochlorthiazide, Spiriva everyday since
2006. Ihave stomach pain, rectal bleeding, black stools, joint pain,
dizziness, weakness, tiredness, depression, anxiety and have been told
by family doctor that I have a bleeding ulcer. Am I in trouble from all
the medications that I amon currently? What should I do? Am going for
colonoscopy on 09-04-09. I am very scared and depressed. bleeding ulcerand
Diverticulitis. • Question for those who have hives or skin rashes
after stent, or as a result of taking Plavix: Does it go away after a
while? I began having a skin rash about 25 days after stenting (last
weekend), on my chest and around the neck, which itches a little, and
is irritating when I wear a bra. I've tried to call cardiologist twice,
but calls have not been returned. I know this is minimal compared to
some side effects. I have used Benadryl caplets(made me too sleepy) and
cream, and today started using aloe plant directly on area. Does anyone
have other suggestions? Mainly, I want to know if this is something my
body will adjust to and eventually go away? Thanks to anyone who can
answer. • After heart attack i got a bare metal stent
in LAD. I took Plavix and Aspirin. 17 months later the stent was blocked
by my own tissue - heart attack again and DES stent again in LAD. No
complains and 1 year after the last event and taking Plavix and Aspirin
can I stop taking them? Every doctor here will say: continue the reception,
for an accident insurance. • Stout in India -- Aspirin is used to treat coronary
artery disease because it helps keep the platelets in the blood from
clotting, very important especially after stenting. Both Plavix and aspirin
do this. A side effect, as you can imagine, is a higher risk of bleeding.
So these meds must be monitored and balanced by a medical doctor (along
with any other meds you may be taking). One thing, from your original
post, you say you had a stroke and had two stents implanted. Were these
coronary stents? Stroke is sometimes described as "a heart attack
of the brain", but the treatment for stroke does not involve stenting
the coronaries, rather opening up the carotid artery in the neck, either
through surgery or stenting. • Reference to my
post dated Aug.25,'09, I found a relation between colon cancer
and Aspirin dose. from internet, some say Aspirin is good for heart
(prevents strokes) but not for digestive system causing gastric troubles
and colon cancer. The colon cancer has symptoms on abnormal bowel movement
and gas generation. Do you feel the medicines prescribed in heart disease
have such side effects? Kindly analyze, as I am an engineer and not
physician. • Jim -- that's an excellent question and a situation we've not read a study on. Plavix does have beneficial properties other than preventing stent thrombosis. What does your cardiologist say? And Stout in India -- not sure what your other meds
are (they may be causing the constipation. We again recommend all patients
to discuss these issues with their doctor. And make sure to report any
over-the-counter or herbal remedies you are using. Somethings their effects
are as strong as prescription meds. Any readers have some insight regarding
Stout's complaint? • In April, I had two drug eluting stents put
in the diagonal artery, but in August was re-cathed and they found that
the two stents were totally occluded. However two collateral arteries
have been created, and are providing some flow to this area of the heart.
My question is since the stents are totally occluded, do I still need
to take Plavix? • I am 56 years old,
had a stroke due to two 99% blockages and was treated by two non-medicated
stents in March 2008. I am now otherwise well and use regular medicines
such as 1 tablet Noklot 150 plus(150mg Aspirin + 75mg Clopidogrel),1
tablet for cholesterol and 1 tablet for BP control. These medicines are
used at a stretch under physician's advice and periodic checkups. I never
had any constipation before but now I have regular constipation problem
with gastric trouble after I started these medicines. Let me advice how
to get rid of this side effects. • Paula -- read our
article on PPI meds (Prevacid is one) and Plavix. On a completely
different notes, is your mom taking any other OTC meds. One of the
main complications of Plavix and aspirin is bleeding. Has your cardiologist
discussed this? The very low blood pressure and passing out are not
normal side-effects. What is her blood count? • I need help and not sure where to turn. Mom
had heart attack 1 week prior. She had a stint [stent, ed.], was put
on Plavix (75mg) and Aspirin (325mg) and then Pravastatin at night. She
also takes Neurontin and Lorazepam due to previous nerve damage and several
vitamins. She is passing out after taking the Plavix and Aspirin (BP
80/50) and the doctor said to drink more water. I think she's on too
much aspirin. Her stomach also acts up so sometimes so she takes Previcid
in the morning before anything else. A strange side effect is her ear
and nose close up at odd times and now there is ringing in the ear after
her morning pills. The doctor just said post nasal drip gets worse with
the elderly. I think she's taking too much medication and she may end
up with a GI bleed or fall from a blackout. Can anyone give some advice? • Val -- Plavix is indicated for several clinical
conditions -- in fact in a very technical sense, its use after stenting
was NOT an original indication approved by the FDA drug panel. The DAPT
and other studies are being done on patients who have received DES, so
that would tend towards older patients. Sounds like your son's case is
pretty specific and not the norm -- so study results may or may not be
that applicable to his situation. We would ask these questions of your
cardiologist. • Thank you for the information about Plavix that
my now 19 year old son went on when his 2 drug eluding [eluting, ed.]
stents were put in 3 (not 4 as I mistakenly said) years ago. As a healthy
19 year old who did not and does not have heart disease (his docs can't
explain why his arteries collapsed during catheter ablation for SVT)and
is not at risk for another heart attack for 30 or 40 years, the risk
of another event is nil, right? As for the studies on long term use of
Plavix, are they being done across all age groups, or just on older people
that already had "clogged arteries"? What are some of the other concerns
that his cardiologist may have for keeping him on plavix for life? • Val -- there are several studies being done
right now, trying to determine the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet
therapy (DAPT, Plavix and aspirin) after drug-eluting stent implantation.
Recommended by most is one year -- with many docs saying "for life",
as has your son's. Most cardiologists would say there's no problem with
Plavix for life, unless there are bleeding complications, which your
son is having. But this is a very tricky and very difficult situation,
one that perplexes the top people in the field. No one wants to say,
okay go off it -- only to have an event occur. Yes, the stents should
be covered by now -- of course there may be other reasons for your cardio's
recommendation. • My then 16 year old son had 2 drug-eluting stents
put in his left main when his arteries collapsed for no apparent reason
during a catheter ablation for SVT in 2005. He's been on Plavix and 81mg
aspirin for 4 years. Aren't the stents grown over by now and he can come
off the Plavix? Besides the high cost of the drug, we've had numerous
trips to the ER and ENT to find a solution to his reoccurring nosebleeds.
Why does his dr insist he stay on Plavix for life? • To: Nancy,
Poughkeepsie, New York,On Plavix over 4 months; no vision issues.
Discovered yesterday that I'd neglected to take Plavix for almost one
week (don't ask; long story), Cardio Dr said to take 4 (300MG) to ramp
back up immediately. Shortly after -- I noticed a couple pronounced
eye 'floaters' in one eye (i.e., spots caused by disturbance to fluid
in the eye). Also note occasional light flashes as I orbit my eyes
around (almost like a detached retina). It's calmed a bit today, but
'floaters' are still there. Checked BP and it was/has been normal throughout.
Not sure if there's a connection -- but seemed to occur right after
heavy Plavix dosing. • I have been on Plavix for 14 months due to a
TIA. For much of that time I have had severe muscle pain/cramps in my
back at night, which goes with movement upon waking. In the last 2 months
I have developed shoulder joint pains as well for seemingly no reason,
and getting worse. My shoulders feel like some posts sound. I have also
had very severe foot pain / tenderness upon hitting the floor (gently)
in the morning, and which gets better over time with movement. As a nutritionist,
I have tried 3 - 4 magnesium citrate lately to relax the muscles and
it has helped my back and my sleeping is somewhat better and less restless.
I know that many drugs create nutritional deficiencies that if addressed
would reduce or eliminate their side effects. Does Plavix create Magnesium
or any other nutrient deficiency? • I received a second coronary stent October 22,
2008 and was put on Plavix and 160 milligrams of aspirin. I discontinued
the aspirin in January 2009 due to severe heartburn and chest pressure,
which subsided right away once I stopped taking the aspirin. I was also
experiencing profuse rectal bleeding after bowel movement which required
trips to the ER to stop it, so I stopped taking Plavix in March 2009
and have had no adverse effect from discontinuing the drug 7 months sooner
than doctor recommended and have had no more recurrences of rectal bleeding. • I have been on Plavix and aspirin since Nov.
2006. My cardiologist wants me to stay on Plavix, my primary physician
tells me to stop and just continue the 81 mg. aspirin. What shall I do?? • in france they rec. taking off plavix after
20 months after taxus stents but increase cardio aspirin to 160 from
100 mg to compensate from dual to single therapy. BTW they use powdered
soluble sachets as say better than tablet aspirin any agree/disagree
and any risk in rebound? tks • Elizabeth
R. in Georgetown, Ky. I had an Angioplasty and a drug eluding [eluting]
stent put in 8 days ago. My Cardiologist had me start taking 75mg Plavix
in addition to the 325mg Aspirin I was already taking daily. He warned
me to never stop taking either drug, or there would be a very high
possibility of having a heart attack. I grew up in Georgetown. My Dad
pastored Georgetown Baptist Church for over 25 years. My three older
siblings graduated from Georgetown College. I hope this helps you.
I'll be praying for you and husband. Please email me if I can be of
further assistance. • I read the abstract in Circulation (Oct 2008;
118: S_815) and am alarmed by your data. You claim that stent patients
with no preceding CV events taking PPIs with clopidogrel showed a 32.5%
incidence of a major CV event within one year vs. 21.2% of patients not
taking PPIs (adjusted OR 1.79, CI 1.62–1.97). Is that really so - 21%
incidence of major CV event after stenting in the first year even without
PPI's? That sounds worse than no intervention at all! • Thanks for the note. I am writing a paper for
the Annals of Internal Medicine. Is there a citable version of your data? • Elizabeth R. -- if the stent was a drug-eluting
stent, current guidelines recommend at least one year of dual antiplatelet
therapy of Plavix (clopidogrel) and aspirin. This is to prevent blood
clotting inside the stent, also called "stent thrombosis".
This is a very serious condition and could result in a heart attack.
Not sure which other meds you refer to, but check out our Forum Topic
on Financial
Assistance for some help (we hope). • My husband
had a stent put in 4 months ago due to a blocked artery. His medical
insurance was cancelled 11 days prior to the heart attack. The company
just could not afford their portion any longer (economy). Anyhow, these
MEDS ARE EXPENSIVE, does anyone have any experiences with coming off
of the meds? Should he stay on them regardless. If he comes off, what
symptoms should we be alarmed with? • TVR -- the most recent data for the Medco Study
was presented at the Annual SCAI Meeting, as per our article "Heartburn
Drugs Increase Cardiac Events for Stent Patients by 50%" and
the related stories in the article's sidebar. The earlier data from this
study was published in
Circulation last fall. The SCAI presentation has not yet been published
in a peer-reviewed journal, but it probably will be soon. • Someone posted a note on the effect of PPIs
on plavix bioconversion (the Medco study). Has this been published in
a peer-reviewed journal? I tried to look it up on PubMed but could not
find it. Thanks! • I have been taking
Plavix for one month. My eyes and vision are not the same as before.
Has anyone had an problems like this? • David -- check out our topic, "Financial
Assistance for Plavix and Other Prescription Drugs". Several
posts have links to help people who cannot afford medications. Also,
contact your state or county -- they may have a prescription assistance
plan. Hope this helps. • I need to find where I can get free plavix 75mg.
tablets. I had a stent put in on April 1, 2005. Recently I was laid off
and had other medical problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol
and sickle cell anemia. Also my needs include toprol 100mg and norvasc
10 mg tablets. Any help that I can get would be greatly appreciated. • coating splitting on Clopidogrel tablets ,but
presumed ok until one split completely into two halves .As had been feeling
rough during the two weeks carried on taking them, saw chemist who checked
tablets and replaced. I've been taking new ok tablets for four days,
but I'm so tired and my mouth and throat are sore with a few ulcers,
I also have a dull persistent pain to the right of my breast bone. Could
this be connected? The chemist said the coating was giving way too soon
but advised I didn't need to see the doc. • I had a stent put in about 4 weeks ago. #weeks
after the stent I started with Joint pain and also numbness in my finger.
I wanted this stent to have that quality of life with my wife Paula again.
This is not what I signed up for. I can not sleep right at night the
pain is so high. I need something to control it. You are not crazy P
Clancy from NY. This drug can change your life or turn it the other
way. I went back to see the Doc. he did take a lot of blood test. I will
let you know.... • James J. -- Read our article, "Heartburn
Drugs Increase Cardiac Events for Stent Patients by 50%" and
the related stories in the right-hand sidebar -- and you'll see that
you're not the only one confused about this issue. There have been
conflicting results but, as your inhibition test showed, there is an
interaction with PPIs that reduces the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel
(Plavix). You're also correct that a German study showed no inhibition
with pantoprazole (Protonix) but the Medco study in our above article
showed that Protonix in fact had the most inhibition! Your cardiologist's
observation is correct that this seems to vary from person to person. • I am taking 40mg of Protonix 2 times per day
and 75mg of Plavix 1 time per day. Approximately two months ago an inhibition
blood test was performed in order to see if the Protonix was ruining
the effect of the Plavix. The result was 37% inhibition. On the results,
it states "Therapeutic levels of Plavix are associated with higher %
inhibition demonstrating the expected antiplatelet effect of Plavix." The
reference ranges are unclear on the results. My question is: Am I receiving
a therapeutic level of Plavix when taking the Protonix? My concerns:
I have read several articles claiming proton pump inhibitors, Protonix
being one, can ruin the effect of Plavix. However, I did read one article
that said Protonix was an exception to affecting Plavix. Then I overheard
a cardiologist state it was a case by case matter, and only blood testing
could determine if a proton pump inhibitor was reducing the effect of
Plavix below a therapeutic level in a person's body. • Hello everyone, I am one of those poor souls
who acquired one of the so called " rare side effects " called TTP, I
had stents placed in my legs due to poor circulation, my doctor prescribed
Plavix, upon the first week of taking this medicine my body started to
react , numbness in my fingers, dizziness, stomach pain, headache, joint
pain uncontrollable hand and finger jerking, confusion and my speech
was effect on the 13th day of taking this medication my head felt like
it was twisting off my neck, I called an ambulance,upon arrival to the
hospital I began to convulse and slipped into a coma " I WAS DYING " My
platelet levels had dropped and I began to build antibodies in my blood.The
doctors immediately diagnosed me with TTP, they began a plasma exchange
on me, I woke up three days later in ICU and placed on steroids, this
medicine almost killed me, be very careful when taking this or any medicine....god
bless. • P.
Clancy, New York, USA.......I have been on Plavix for 3 months
an have extreme pain in my shoulders, wrist and knees it moves around.
Plus numbness in my hands am trying to find others that have this so
I can show the doctor I am not alone. • Extreme traveling joint pain from using Plavix.
Has anyone else had this? Have only been on it 3 months first few weeks
were fine. Now it's hard to walk or move my arms will see doctor in 3
weeks. • to nurse "E" from Mobile -- thank
you for your post. Your recommendations are right on and very important
for all readers! • I have been a Cath Lab nurse for the past 25
years and have seen it all. The most important thing I learned was the
major importance of Plavix and ASA therapy post stenting. Patients returning
to the Cath Lab with recurring chest pain after stent placement about
85-95% had discontinued their plavix. So many returned that I made Plavix
importance foremost in my pre and post procedure teaching. If money was
the issue I made sure that the Physician ordered a social service consult
in order to get Plavix assistance for them. The drug company will usually
assist patient's with either free or reduced cost Plavix. In 2006 I had
a heart attack, received a drug eluting stent and left on Plavix and
ASA 325mg regime. I am such a Plavix advocate when my Cardiologist told
me I could come off Plavix and reduce my ASA to 81mg I told him if it
was alright with him I would leave both as they were. He agreed with
me but said it would not be a problem unless I had problems. So, far
with the annoyance of bruising I have been great. I would recommend to
everyone to stay on your Cardiologist's recommendations even to the point
that no one but your Cardiologist take you off of the meds. If you do
need surgery or any other procedure have your doctor call your Cardiologist
for permission. Remember, Social Service Consult if needed and only your
Cardiologist should stop your Plavix or ASA. Questions or allergy call
Cardiologist. Your doctor works for you. • forum,
no we haven't -- They are now giving us the run around on finding
allergist (non seem to know how to check him). I have given the dr
print outs of the melisa.org and they are trying to get him into a
cardio at a mayo clinic. I don't understand why this is taking so long
draw blood send it to melisa. • Standard recommendations for antiplatelet meds
after placement of a drug-eluting stent (the Taxus is one) is at least
one year of Plavix -- and aspirin for life. However, many cardiologists
feel Plavix can be helpful if given longer, if there are no bleeding
complications or other adverse reactions. (Plavix helps keep blood from
clotting inside the stent, something which can cause a heart attack.)
Modern medications have been shown to be very helpful in the treatment
of coronary artery disease. Possibly the meds can be adjusted. But the
decision to stop or alter any medication should definitely be done in
consultation with your cardiologist. • My 82 yr old wife had two Taxus stents placed
in June, 2008 because of sudden 100% blockage of her LAD. She is currently
on 75mg Plavix, 40 mg Diovan, 40mg Simvastatin and 50 mg Carvedilol.
She hates pills (she wasn't taking any prior to the heart attack) and
would like to stop taking them if possible. Are there any guidelines
or ongoing studies about how long you need to take Plavix or any of her
drugs? • I HAVE BEEN ON
PLAVIX FOR A YEAR AND A HALF TERRIBLE ACHE IN SHOULDERS AND NECK AND
BACK PAIN BUT WHEN I ASKED THEY SAID I DON'T THINK IT'S FROM THAT. IT
MAKES ME SICK WHEN I GET THIS. ANYONE OUT THERE IN THE SAME BOAT? • Amanda -- have you determined
whether or not your father is allergic to nickel or stainless steel (which
contains nickel). ALL Stents, DES or bare metal, contain nickel and the
official FDA-mandated Directions For Use (DFU) included with each stent
specifically warns that stents should not be implanted in persons with
a known hypersensitivity to any of the components. • Hello all I do feel for each of you I am a 33
yr old not a problem it is my father-in-law he has had problems since
Oct 2006 he had DES placed put on plavix and aspirin by Dec 2006 they
were doing bypass to remove the stent he was allergic. We found the problem
not the DR. No Dr had ever heard of someone being allergic to a stent.
He then developed some more problems blood pressure would suddenly drop
causing him to pass out or faint some times 3 times a day. Dr. don't
know again what it could be. He tried to wean off plavix chest hurt so
bad he started them again. Dr's put a pacemaker in. no help he still
pass out 3 times or more a day some days no probs. He just had cath done
Dr told us he thought it was the med on stent he was allergic to and
told us with no options he was putting in a bare metal stent. pro was
done on fri sent home on sat and guess what he is in allergic reaction
again looking at second bypass to cut stent out. still dr.'s haven't
heard of this the same dr.'s I have been researching and some of u my
want to check this site out melisa.org most of ur problems could be the
metal in the stents themselves and not med. GOOD LUCK! • Hi, folks, having had a heart attack in 1999..and
had an angioplasty.....i take the following medication, ASPRIN.75MG....ATENOLOL.100MG...NICORANDL.30MG.[twice
a day]RAMIPIL.10mg...MONOMAX XL 120mg...."CLOPIDOGREL.75mg.".....BEZAFIBRATE.400mg...SIMVASTATIN.40mg...LANSOPRAZOLE.15mg....I
GET MOST OF THE SIDE EFFECTS...COLD,RASH,SWELLINGS...AND NOW I HAVE TROUBLE
WITH MY KNEES [joints]....i have been on PLAVIX for about 6 years ????
my consultant now wants me to stop taking it???....WOULD APPRECIATE ANY
ADVICE....[TIP] i take a finely chopped garlic clove....most days....plus
a comfey leave in salad...it really helps,the building blocks of life.... • Thank you for your responses, it's good to know there are people out there who understand what you're going through. Incredulous as it is, we haven't actually got to speak to my Dad's cardiologist, so I have no idea what kind/brand of stents they used on him. I don't even think that the hospital he is being treated at now have gotten to speak to his cardiologist - the stent procedure was performed at a different hospital. However I am going to the hospital within the next hour to insist that an aspirin alternative is found, as we know that plavix has no adverse side effects for him. Mike - we're lucky that in the UK plavix is free /
only costs approx £6 for a prescription. It's horrendous that your doctor
doesn't care about the side effects. We put him on a high fibre intake
for a few days coupled with eating fruit, drinking fruit juice and lots
of water. It's good that you've been able to remedy that for yourself
without needing drugs. • Miss H - Age 62, similar problems after DES
1 year ago. Found that enteric coated aspirin (doesn't dissolve until
after the stomach) eliminated the stomach pain and bleeding. Massive
doses of fiber (:-) eliminates the constipation - Fiber One for breakfast
and shredded wheat for supper. No need for other drugs. If I could afford
the Plavix, I would be doing well. My doctor doesn't seem to care about
side effects. • Miss H -- what type of stents did your father
get? Drug-eluting or bare metal and what brand, if you know. Bleeding
complications are one of the biggest concerns with dual antiplatelet
therapy (Plavix plus aspirin) -- perhaps your father's cardiologist might
have some input here. • Hi all, so glad I found this site. My Dad is
60 and has been on plavix for 7 years (never caused him a problem)because
he was diagnosed back then with angina. Last summer follow up tests were
requested (slight delay there) and 7 weeks ago he had an angiogram and
told he needed 3 stents in his artery. He gave up smoking immediately
and has been on nicotine patches since. He ended up requiring 4 stents
(was not told why the extra 1 was needed) and was also prescribed aspirin,
lipitor and a beta blocker. At the time he told his consultant he'd had
a stomach ulcer when he was younger and expressed his concern about taking
aspirin. This concern wasn't listened to, and things have been going
downhill since. For the last month he has had problems with bowel movements,
culminating in severe constipation and stomach pain for the past few
weeks. After several trips to the GP it was discovered that he had been
on aspirin all that time without taking a stomach-protecting tablet.
For the past 2 weeks he has also been passing blood when he tries to
go to the toilet. Has been given movicol laxatives, take 13 sachets in
total, has also been given 3 enemas - still NO real relief. After 3 trips
to A&E has finally been admitted to hospital, still nothing is being
done and am now very concerned re post by Mary, Virginia, USA, April
6, 2009 saying that her friend was in icu with damage caused by a gi
bleed from taking both tablets together. Do I take this info with my
to the hospital in the morning? • With so many people taking Plavix how come
the price stays so high we on Social Security can't afford it. I finally
resorted to a Canadian Pharmacy where I got twice the amount of pills
at half the price. I would rather deal with my local pharmacy but each
time I go in they have raised the price again, four times in one year.
Too bad they don't warn us before we ever start on Plavix. • Elizabeth in Providence -- there aren't "terrible
side effects" with Plavix and aspirin. Certainly some people experiences
some allergic reactions, or more seriously, bleeding complications. But
these are life-saving medications. And they have been shown to be very
necessary post-stenting. We do not recommend going off these meds for "natural" substitutes.
We don't know of any natural substitutes with the antiplatelet properties
of Plavix and aspirin combined. We have heard of the book you mention
-- without getting into any details (readers can Google the author themselves)
about the author's medical credentials -- we would point out that in
the past 30 years, mortality from heart attacks has radically decreased
due to the invention of modern therapies and pharmaceuticals. • I guess I'm luckier than most. Oh, like many
of you, I, too, had medicated stents inserted -- five of them on April
1, 2009. I, too, am on 75 mg of Plavix per day as well as a 325 mg Aspirin
and 100 mg of Lopressor. So far, there have been no adverse reactions,
but... I am very concerned about the use of these medications, especially
knowing that there are terrible side effects associated with their use.
After having read, "Is Your Cardiologist Killing You," and reading surfing
the internet for information regarding more "natural" substitutes, I
am ready to take back my life and my health by weaning myself off these
poisons and beginning to use more natural alternatives. • Gary...John
from Maryland recently posted a similar question. Anyone else out
there having this reaction?? • I have been taking plavix 75mg for a year now,
over the past few months I have tinnitus which is annoying the hell out
of me. I also noticed that within 60mins of taking plavix my tinnitus
gets worse. Has anyone else had these symptoms? • My husband had a vascular bypass and two stents
put in almost three months ago. About three weeks after starting plavix,
his eyes swelled shut, his tongue thickened and he had blisters on his
upper thighs. They treated it with Benadryl and prednisone. We thought
everything was better. Then he got an infection and while being treated
with IV antibiotics, he became very confused. They have done a CT scan
to check for a stroke, but the Neurologist asked if he was over his allergy
to Plavix. How do you know? Now I am wondering if it is the plavix. He
gets hungry, but eats very little. He is up in the middle of the night
cleaning. He throws away good stuff, misplaces things, and sometimes
can't remember words. His sense of time is gone. However, he can reason
many things. He made bacon and over-easy eggs successfully, but he prepared
for 4 people instead of the 3 in our family. Can anyone comment on the
possibility of the plavix causing this. • We suggest that posters communicate with each
other via the Forum so that others may benefit from the information.
We also do not post people's email addresses unless specifically requested
to, in order to protect them from SpamBots that troll the Web. • I am just reading all this now. EASY
from Massachusetts commented that he/she is looking for me. How
can we communicate, Easy? • My hand has swollen up and I am having terrible
pain in my knees. Could this be caused by the Plavix? • Jean from Canada -- read over some of the posts
in "Not Feeling Well After Stenting". Similar complaints have
been reported -- this usually subsides as the body adjusts, but if there
is anything worrying you, call your cardiologist for no other reason
than to set your mind at ease. • Stent put in on June 19, 2009 -- on plavix
75mg. Is it normal to have burning in chest area, not all the time, comes
and goes? • I had an Endeavor DES placed in LAD 1 year ago
after 95+% blockage. Lucky to be alive, apparently. 62 years old, take
75mg Plavix, 325mg aspirin, beta blocker and 10mg Lipitor. Have cramps
that I never had before in my feet, numbness in my hands, and some itching
from one of these drugs (which one?). Muscle aches and some skin problems,
both from the statin. My side effects are not anywhere near what some
folk describe on this forum, thankfully. Because it is well tolerated,
I expect to be taking Plavix for a long time. Am considering buying it
online from Canada. Not the generic version made in a 3rd world country,
but brand name Plavix. I can buy it for about 1/2 the price of US Plavix.
Should I be concerned about the quality/safety of Canadian Plavix? • Has anyone experienced
increased ringing in their ears (tinnitus) as a result of taking Plavix
or any other medication? • John -- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
counteract the antiplatelet (blood thinning) properties of aspirin, although
there is a timing issue and a recent study showed that they could be
taken by the same patient if the aspirin was taken first and the ibuprofen
a few hours later. However, there is also the issue of gastric distress
if all these are taken. Plavix and aspirin are required for a year or
more after drug-eluting stents -- but you should discuss this issue with
a cardiologist. He/she may also want to ease you off the Plavix, instead
of stopping cold turkey (see our article about the possibility of a Plavix
rebound effect) • Had heart attacks March of 2005 , VA Doc put
in two Taxus DES`S in upper right coronary artery 98% blockage , went
back in a month later and placed one Taxus DES in lower left coronary
artery. Been on Plavix and 325 aspirin since .No noticeable side effects.
One VA Doc in Orlando wanted me to go it cold turkey my other VA Doc
in Wisconsin says stay on it . I have loads of degenerative bone and
disc disease plus an enormous amount of Arthritis pains all over. I would
like to treat the Arthritis pain with anti-inflammatories but no one
will prescribe because of the Plavix Aspirin. Do I stay in pain or die.
Thanks. John 61 years old. • My internist prescribed plavix 75 mg (generic
which I purchase in Canada) as my carotids were narrowing and had two
episodes of dizziness and balance issues, although the narrowing has
stopped with an aggressive program of crestor (40mg) and zetia (10mg)
along with good diet and pro active fitness program. I seem to tolerate
the plavix OK but now have minor digestion problems and rectal itching.
I am a 69 year old male. • Burt -- check out our topic on Exercise and
see all the marathoners and bicyclists! Medtronic even holds
a race every year for heart patients who have been fitted with pacemakers,
stents, etc. • I had three drug coated stents fitted in January
2007. I took Plavix for 12 months while stopping the aspirin. Then I
started on the aspirin again. I cycle up a steep hill every day, no chest
pain or complications to date. I hope this lasts, my specialist advised
me to continue with plavix and aspirin two years later. Does anyone think
I'm taking a risk? • 68 yrs old, had a medicated stent installed
(100% blockage) two ballooned , 70 and 89% blockage, put on Plavix, however
had an emergency bladder operation seven days later, took a chance ,
they said no choice, bleeding inside the bladder (tumor) then the same
procedure on the Bladder aging 14th May,still on the plavix,and since
I've had terrible shoulder pain..scale of 9 at least,continues daily,
weak use of the shoulder etc, however after a long walk the pain goes
away, strange, that evening during the middle of the night I am awaking
again with severe pain,went to the Emergency room ,spent most of the
Night (waste of time) given a couple tylenol sent home, x-rays shows
nothing, had a cortisone shot etc.....pain continues, could this be for
the use of Plavix? • Hi! I am Kathy in Illinois. I went in for a
cardiac cath, they ended up putting in a medicated stent because I had
90-90% blockage in the main artery in the right side of my heart. I am
on plavix. The doc told me I would be on it the rest of my life. About
3-4 days after the I came home, I started itching. Thinking nothing of
it, thought it was dry skin, or mosquitoes, I went to looking and my
back looked like I had hives. I suspect its the plavix, but unsure. • From Chuck to Barbara
L , I had a heart attack March 12 2008 and had two stents put in
on the 13th. was told that my carotid artery left side needed cleaned
out 80% blocked was told to stop taking Plavix for a week before they
would do the operation. • I just had a coated stent put in 2 weeks ago
and was put on Plavix 75 and zocor 40 and 325 mg aspirin. I had problems
almost from the onset with the zocor, so I stopped it. But, I notice
that after I take the Plavix, I freeze. My body gets very cold all over,
especially my legs. Does anyone else have this issue from the Plavix.
I have no idea how long I have to be on it, but I hate taking meds and
do not want to take this the rest of my life. I was told a year and then
was told forever. How can we find out the truth? • I'm having terrible side effects from Plavix
and would like to try taking Plavix every other day and continue the
aspirin every day. Cannot not stop Plavix per my heart doctor's orders.
I feel so much better even one day without the Plavix, but I do want
to know if it is safe to take this way? Please advise. When I first started
Plavix, I was hospitalized with severe hives. Tried again, no hives just
over all feeling awful. If anyone has done this safely, please let me
know. • In 1991 I got 2 By-pass and in 2007 a stent
. I am taking one Plavix 75 a day and 100 mg. aspirin .How long I have
to continue with Plavix? Thanks • Don and Ann -- Plavix has helped many and isn't "a
killer", but it does carry a well-known complication for bleeding
in certain individuals, as does any blood-thinning medication. • 68yrold male put on Plavix. April 2008. after
3 TIA's.13 mo.later a new Dr.said he should only be on Plavix until he
was stable after TIA's. Has developed bleeding ulcer, just felt so rotten.
stopped Plavix 2 weeks ago and is like a new man! Help get the word out,
Plavix is a killer!!! Dr.s and drug companies are in cohoots! We're not
thru with his Dr.s yet!!!We live in Southern Illinois. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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? • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • I had a stent put in 2 years ago. How long can
I go without taking plavix? • Is it safe to go off Plavix after having a drug
coated stent 18 months ago? • 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? • 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!! • 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. • 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??? • 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 • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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! • 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?? • 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? • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Byron N. -- check out the related topic on "Financial
Assistance for Plavix" as well. • 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. • 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? • 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. • 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? • 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? • 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. • 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 -- 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. • 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? • 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. • 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? • 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!! • 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. • 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? • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Can Plavix or Imdur cause the rise in cholesterol? • 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? • 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. • 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? • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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? • 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. • 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. • I CAN NO LONGER AFFORD PLAVIX AT $145.00 A BOTTLE
IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH STOPPING TAKING IT OR A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE • 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). • 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). • 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. • 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. |
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