Plavix Drug Information: Medical Uses, Possible Side Effects, Drug Interactions and Other Warnings
Plavix (or known as clopidogel bisulfate) has been proven to help protect against over 100 million people worldwide to protect against future stroke or heart attack, especially among PAD Patients. Nevertheless, in March 2010, FDA has added a boxed warning to the label for anti-blood clotting drug Plavix. Learn about the medical drug uses, possible side effects, drug interactions and other warnings and precautions to help avoid any unexpected health risk that may be caused by using Plavix as the blood thinner.
Marketed under the trade name of Plavix in 75mg oral tablets, clopidogrel bisulfate has been shown its remarkable effectiveness in 4 large clinical studies with 81,000 patients.
Since Plavix was launched in 1998, it has become the top selling medication particularly with its marked effectiveness in helping more than 100 million people worldwide to protect against future stroke or heart attack. Many clinical studies have documented Plavix’s crucial role in keeping the platelets in the blood from sticking together and forming clots, which is a direct result of most strokes and heart attacks.
Medical Uses of Plavix
As a platelet aggregation inhibitor, Plavix is effective in preventing platelets from collecting, thereby reducing/preventing another stroke, heart attack, clot-related events such as heart-related chest pain. Plavix is always prescribed by the doctors for those who have been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D, a medical condition refers to a poor circulation in the legs) since they’re at a potential risk of a stroke or a heart attack.
Besides that, Plavix is also used to treat Non-Q wave Heart attack, Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Unpredictable Severe Constricting Chest Pain, or Acute Syndrome of the heart.
Despite of Plavix effectiveness in preventing blood-clotting, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put a boxed warning to the label of anti-blood clotting drug Plavix by March 2010. This measure was taken by FDA to help alert those who are a “poor metabolizers” carrying a variant CYP2C19 gene that obstructs the enzyme to convert Plavix into its active form. FDA also wants doctors to discuss Plavix alternatives with patients. This in turn will cut off the health risk in certain individuals who’re taking Plavix or those who’re planning to be in Plavix medication.
Possible Side Effects
If you’ve encountered any of these side effects with Plavix, please stop using Plavix and seek for a medical attention immediately. Also, tell your doctor in details about any abnormal, discomfort or troublesome side effects which may occur (not listed here) during the period of taking Plavix prescribed by your doctor.
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Sharif Ishnin | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
Excellent info. I rather practice a healthy lifestyle than take this drug. There’s plenty of strings attached to it. I think it’s good for those who don’t have a choice.
Jenny Heart | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
I agree with Sharif. Only if you have no other choice. Very informative and very interesting Chan. Well done!
Jenny Heart | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
Much food for thought here. Well written!
Christine Ramsay | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
You have to be so careful with the drugs you take. It has taken nearly two years to find a suitable blood pressure treatment for me because of side effects. A very thorough and well written article.
Christine
PR Mace | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
Excellent article with outstanding research. I am a cardiac nurse and I give this drug quite a bit. As with all medications sometimes you have to think about the risk and the benefits.
giftarist | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
This is a very interesting article and excellently done. Great job!
CA Johnson | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
This is a very informative article about Plavix. You really do have to do your research before you take something that may not interact with your other prescriptions.
Judy Sheldon | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
Chan, we need to always look into medications before taking them and discuss all herbals and otcs with our doctor.
Thanks for a wonderful article.
Authoress Terry E. Lyle | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
Great article.
Goodselfme | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
You have done another great service to anyone who reads your well researched articles. thank you
Eunice Tan | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
I learn from you. Thanks for the article.
deep blue | Apr 10, 2010 | Reply
Another great write, my friend. Drugs seem to be just a host of relief that could trigger a chain reaction of infinite possibilities. But when we were trying to make haste, we take them just like a cup of coffee which saves us from the hard work. A solution in a tablet.
Mr Ghaz | Apr 10, 2010 | Reply
great!! interesting indeed. This is so good. very useful infos on drugs..thanks
Melody SJAL | Apr 10, 2010 | Reply
A very well-researched and concisely presented, Chan. Great post.
LoveDoctor | Apr 10, 2010 | Reply
Excellent article and informative post. As with any medication, there are always possible side effects. I guess if patients need to take the medication they should do strictly follow their doctors recommendations.
valli | Apr 12, 2010 | Reply
Well-presented and informative read about the side effects of Plavix.
BC Doan | Apr 13, 2010 | Reply
Side effects are what I’m always concerning with when it comes to take prescribed medicine. Great article Chan.
K Kristie | Apr 14, 2010 | Reply
That was a very comprehensive write-up. Good job!
papaleng | Apr 14, 2010 | Reply
A well-researched article with plenty of informative facts embedded..
kalil | Nov 28, 2010 | Reply
hi i want more details about this drug
by kalil