Risk of heart attack or death increased during weeks after stopping Plavix

February 8th, 2008 by Harvey Kirk | PERMALINK

New research indicates that heart patients who are given Plavix after receiving a stent or having a heart attack, could have an increased risk of death or a new heart attack within 90 days after they stop taking the drug. The information new could alter the way doctors prescribe Plavix to millions of people.

>>INFORMATION: Plavix Side Effects

The study was published in this week’s edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers evaluated data from 3,137 individuals who were prescribed Plavix at VA Hospitals between 2003 and 2005. They found that the rate of heart attacks and deaths suffered during the first three months after stopping Plavix was nearly twice as high as later periods.

Plavix, known generically as clopidogrel, is an antiplatelet medication which is prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The Plavix heart attack problems are being referred to as a “rebound effect”, which is a term used to describe the tendency of some medications to cause a return of the symptoms which are being treated when the drug is stopped, sometimes even more severe than before.

The researchers have suggested that doctors may need to re-evaluate the way they treat individuals who are taking Plavix. It may be necessary for individuals to stay on the drug longer so that they can come off of it graduallly, to stay on the medication indefinitely or to possibly add other medications as Plavix is reduced so that they can reduce the potential risk of a heart attack or death after stopping Plavix.

PLAVIX RISKS

Since 2006, the lawyers at Saontz & Kirk, P.A. have been reviewing potential Plavix lawsuits for users who suffered from Plavix side effects. Although Plavix is often prescribed to reduce the risk of a blood clots, prior studies have suggested that off-label use in patients with no prior history of a heart attack or stroke could nearly double the risk of a heart attack, stroke, intestinal bleeding or death when compared to use of Aspirin alone to prevent clots. In addition, the combined use of Aspirin and Plavix could increase the risk of recurring stomach bleeds for individuals with a prior healed ulcer or lead to the potential risk of a rare and potentially fatal blood disorder known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

If you, a friend or family member suffered a Plavix problems which could be related to the use of the blood thinner, request a free claim evaluation.

Posted in Defective Products, News & Alerts, Plavix

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33 Responses to:

“Risk of heart attack or death increased during weeks after stopping Plavix”

  1. Tiffany R Says:
    February 18th, 2008 at 12:10 pm

    My dad takes this medication and I am very angry at the Plavix company for this.

  2. Sigistardust Says:
    April 9th, 2008 at 6:31 pm

    I had an angioplastic with 2 stens, and received Plavix since Mar.04/08.
    I like to get off Plavix and now reading the New research about Plavix side effects, I am very distraught about it, since I wanted to get off Plavix NOW.
    Question: since I take it only for 4 weeks now, can I gradually reduce the pill say, by 1/2 a pill a day for a while and get off then?
    Does any one know?
    I also been giving ASA (aspirin ) shouldnt this be an alternative for Plavix?.

    What a bummer to deal with .

    April 09th/2008

  3. Austin Kirk Says:
    April 13th, 2008 at 6:53 pm

    Sigistardust,

    You should consult with your doctor about any potential changes to your medications, and should not stop any medication, especially a blood thinner, without the supervision and care of your physician.

  4. PAT B. Says:
    July 31st, 2008 at 10:14 pm

    MY HUSBAND HAS A TOTAL OF 6 STENTS,3 DES,HAD 3 HEART CATHS IN 14 MONTHS,ONLY 45 YRS.OLD.WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT STENTS AND NOW PLAVIX,DR. SAYS HE WILL BE ON PLAVIX FOR A WHILE,QUESTION IS, IS IT JUST FOR AWHILE, OR FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE?AND WHAT IS ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS? I JUST READ ABOUT LEG CRAMPS HE SAYS HIS LEGS HURT ALL THE TIME, COULD IT REALLY BE FROM PLAVIX? HE ALSO IS TAKING ASPIRIN EVERYDAY.

  5. mary Says:
    August 27th, 2008 at 5:12 pm

    I just had my 6th stent a month ago and its the first medicated one. After 3 wks on Plavix and aspirin I had 7 side effects at one time and was extremely ill. I stopped immediately. Now I refuse to take a blood thinner and I have been warned its a bad choice but my body will not tolerate this type of drug. I never had so much pain and complications with the regular stents.

  6. walt Says:
    November 8th, 2008 at 12:16 am

    Ive been on plavix now for 7 months ,and was told i will be on this drug for 1 year, but the way I see the info here I dont have much of a choice now . I guess Im on this till death I hate the drug never wanted to take it and was to costly for me also, and now I guess im dead either way and at a profit to the drug company they need to put these people in jail for life for playin with my life. I should have been told that I could die if I stop takin this crap

  7. gary h. Says:
    November 12th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

    I have been taking plavix for over 14 months with no problems except the cost. I had a mini stroke 15 months ago, from a 100% blocked corated artery, I had no stent put in. Can someone tell me if I slowly get off this drug, and take asprin in place of it, will I make it a few more years, Im 68 years old. I think jail is to good for these drug makers, they should be horse wipped, and then force fed there own drug, forget it, just put a bullet in their brain. old gary

  8. sal Says:
    November 13th, 2008 at 11:58 am

    I had stent placement 4 months ago. started plavix. as i sat with my morning coffee i take my daily dose of plavix. I had been watching msmbc… I noticed a warning on my drug that i had just taken WOW what a bad day i had. I just call my pharm and ask whats up with this. his reply WE HAD NOT HEARD ANY KIND OF WARNING….. that makes i feel alot better …YOU THINK.. whats is going on? when ya have a heart atttack ya sure don’t want another one. Im one not so happy fellow.. I needed more stress in my life. that what gave i the heart attack in the first place.

  9. gary h. Says:
    November 14th, 2008 at 1:43 am

    hello sal, is the news you saw on msnbc about the antacid warning? Because thats the one I saw a few mornings ago while having my coffee, but I never seen anything else about it on the tv since, is the media screwing around with us or has the real story been covered up. Im to old and mean to be screwed around with, I got to get a lawyer, Ive put it off way to long, hope I can find one before I just drop dead of anger!!!

  10. gary h. Says:
    December 9th, 2008 at 11:32 pm

    well Ive been taken off plavix last week, I will be sitting here waiting to see what happens, If I die of another stroke or a heart attack, I will make sure my wife lets you all know if I do. gary h.

  11. Michael Says:
    December 17th, 2008 at 3:20 pm

    On June 14th 2008,
    I had a heart attack, after immediate surgery by Dr were he placed a stent. I was placed on various drugs to prevent this from happening again, (I.E. Aspirin, Plavix and so on) in September I had another heart attach prior to my cardio class, the nurse sent me to my heart Dr. office at which time he ran an EKG with the results being (ab normal) he then placed me in the hospital were they ran various test and a stress test. After the out come of the testing he decided at that time to place another stent in my heart. My heart Dr. then came and saw me in the hospital and stated the operation was a success and stated I would be sent home the next day or so. I have since started bleeding from my Rectum. i am currently awaiting for more results from this. This drug company needs to steep up and see what they are doing to the people. i’m currently off the asprin until further notice from my family Dr do to the bleeding. I want to stop the plavix but i am affriad to do so at this time.

  12. Shawnee Says:
    January 23rd, 2009 at 12:59 am

    I have been on Plavix for the last 15 years. I have never had any problems with taking it other than the cost of it. I had a blood clot to the brain is the reason the doctor put me on it. I had to have a simple knee surgery and had to stop taking plavix for 3 days before the surgery. After the first day my body felt tired and sluggish. I figured my blood must be getting thicker. By the end of the 3rd day of not using it I felt really tired. I have often wondered if I should be taking it or just a simple asprin.

    If I don’t need to take it I really need to come off of it as I am one effected by the economy and lost my job which means losing my insurance.

  13. Joseph Says:
    January 27th, 2009 at 12:57 am

    My father died of a heart attack on January 16, 2009 while taking Plavix. He has been taking this drug for a couple of years, and I believe that it killed him.

    Pharmaceutical companies, such as Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi Aventis, who knowing sell medications which kill the people who are taking it should be criminally prosecuted!

    I’m mad as hell, and I’m looking for legal advice concerning this medication and how it may have caused my father’s death.

  14. Debbie Says:
    January 31st, 2009 at 8:54 pm

    I had a heart attack at age 52, 2 years ago, had 2 Stents (DES) placed, have been on Plavix and aspirin ever since. I feel trapped and scared. My doctor says you can’t wean yourself off Plavix. you just stop or you don’t. and she says don’t stop,

  15. Sandra Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 10:53 pm

    My husband passed away on Jan 13,2009. He had a triple bypass in 03,2006, and a stent (DES) in one of the bypasses in 12/07. He stopped taking his Plavix 1 year of the stent. The cardiologist said it was not proven to be beneficial after 1 year. He suffed a heart attack 4 days after stopping the Plavix.

  16. howard Says:
    February 27th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    i had a heart attack in june 2002 at the age of 38. I had 2 stents put in and was placed on plavix immediately. I had ro real side effects that I knew of except when i cut myself shaving it took an hour or so to stop the bleeding. Last month I stopped taking plavix because it is out of my budget as times get tougher, but i did replace it with aspirin. Since coming off plavix I have been EXTREMELY fatigued, and have no energy whatsoever. Anyone else experience this? I am afraid of having another heart attack, perhaps i am over analyzing this but Im my thinking if your blood is no longer thinned than how does that affect the blood supply to your brain? Could it affect oxygen supply in ragrds to feeling tired?

  17. Elaine Says:
    March 6th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    Had a heart attack October 2008. Have been on Plavix and aspirin since that date. lots of stomach pain so dr. said to take plavix every other day.I want to get off of plavix, but dr. said no.

  18. Pete Says:
    April 16th, 2009 at 9:09 pm

    I have had two stents now. My first was an MI in Nov 07 and my second one was Mar 09 on the right side. I kept complaining to my doctor about the sweliing in my hands and arms as well as my neck and stomach. They said it was not related. In Mar 09 I had another MI and was rushed to the hospital where my left stent was totally blocked and my right side had severe blockage as well. I went through two procedures to repair them and had the stent placed on the right side. I was released with a packet for heart failure. My doctor never discussed this with me and when I asked him in the office visit after the surgery he looked in my file and then checked me again and said that I had occassional heart failure. I tale Plavix and have now for 1 1/2 years as well as aspirin. In Jan 09 he reduced the aspirin dosage from 325 to 81. I feel fatigued with small amounts of exertion and do tire easily. I also have a hard time eating regularly as my stomach seems distented most of the time.

  19. CARL Says:
    April 22nd, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    I had 5way bypass 2002 Dec.2008 i had to have 2 stents and was told I needed 2 more Jan. 2009 1 more was put in and was told they could not put in the other one because it was to risky I was put on Plavix when I got the first 2 stents and have been on them since plus aspirin I was told to stop taken my Previced by my Dr. and the Phar. where I buy my meds. They said it could kill me.I would like to know why the FDA is going to regulate Tobacco products but will let pharmaceutical comp.make and sell pills to kill you even knowing it to be true.

  20. jim r Says:
    April 28th, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    if there is little difference between plavex and asprin why cant you just switch back to a 325mg of asprin for 2 cents a pop. i had a stent instaled in my cordid artery i have never had a heart atack yet the doctor put me on plavex when they say plavex was not desind for stents i am returning to a 325mg of asprin which i have been taking 1 a day for 13 years with no problems

  21. Robert Says:
    May 1st, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    My mom had a couple of heart attackst in the last few years. About a year and a half ago they put some stents in and put her on Plavix. About six months ago her cardiologist said she was doing good and took her off the plavix. 3 weeks ago she had to have a triple bypass with 2 of her stints 100 percent blocked and another artery 80 percent. There were 2 others partialy blocked but nothing they couldn’t treat with medicine they said. Now after the surgery they want to put her back on Plavix for a couple of months and after reading everything here I don’t think she should.

  22. pat Says:
    May 13th, 2009 at 8:20 pm

    recently had my 2nd mi first one in 95 with no stents this time 3 ive always just taken a baby asprin now im on plavix and adult asprin and a bata blocker my normal blood pressure is 90/60 i dont get it im scared to question my doc

  23. Carmen Says:
    May 13th, 2009 at 10:46 pm

    My dad had his first heart attack in Oct of 1997. He had and angioplasty and stent placed at that time. In the Spring of 2007, his cardiologist discovered some new plaque build-up and dad had a second stent placed in July of 2007. After his second stent surgery, dad kept asking me about the Plavix that they put him on. He didn’t want to take it and I know he felt like his life was being threatened somehow. For ten years after the first stent he only took aspirin and his normal blood pressure meds, now they were pushing the Plavix on him and he was not happy about it. I was taking Pharmacology at that time and dad called me in August to ask about the Plavix and tell me that it concerned him.

    I looked up the side-effects that were known at the time and advised him to make sure that he was either on a lowered dose of aspirin or not to take aspirin in conjunction with the Plavix. Dad took the medicine from late July til September of 2007.

    On Monday, October the 1st, 2007, my dad had a heart attack and died in the driveway of my parents home. We had an autopsy done on dad because, as I said, he felt that his life was in danger either from an acid spill at work two weeks before his death or from “something”. He told us that if he died, he wanted us to have an autopsy performed, so we did.

    The autopsy showed that Dad had a 90 % blockage at both ends of both the original 1997 stent and the new stent that had only been placed two months prior to his death. It also showed that dad had necrosis of tissue in his liver and pancreas as well as pus in both kidneys. A blood test done by his GP one week prior to his death showed that dad had abnormally high levels on his white blood cell count and his blood sugar was also flagged as high.

    I suspect that my dad stopped taking the Plavix and had a “rebound” effect that may have lead to his final heart attack. He was 58 and had been diagnosed with Cardiac Disease, of course. I still can’t get over his calling me about the Plavix in August of ‘07. It wasn’t like dad to be so shaken up over something and I have wondered about the results of his autopsy and why it appears his pancreas was failing and he had cell death occurring in other organs and pus in his kidneys. If the Plavix had nothing to do with it, then I sincerely apologize, but Yes, I would like someone to explain it to me! What happened to my dad? We thought he was doing better after the second stent. Why did he drop dead one day when I choose to stay late at work because of an appointment earlier in the day and my mother was watching my kids? Why did he lay in the driveway for up to 35 minutes and no one saw him or stopped to call an ambulance and my mother found him? Why were they calling V-fib in the ambulance and why did his eyelids twitch when the ER people let us go see his body after they pronounced him?

  24. Tana Says:
    June 26th, 2009 at 8:52 pm

    My dad is taking Plavix. He is miserable on it. He didnt have a MI, he had two stents and was told at that time he would only have to take it a year but after the one year was up the doctor told him he would have to take it for life. It affects him terribly and he has never been the same since the stents and the Plavix. He only had some chest burning but went to the ER and the next thing you know they are doing a cardiac cath and saying he has partial blockage and needs stents. He had a cardiac cath again after a year and his doctor told him everything looked great – no more blockage at all but he had to stay on the Plavix. He’s a WWII veteran and Korean Veteran who has seen his share of danger and I thought he was gonna cry shen she told him that. Its that bad and his Cardiologist is so busy putting in stents all the time that she rarely sees people in her office and its like pulling teeth to get him an appointment to even beg her to reconsider. I want to sue the drugmaker and the doctor. My Dad wants to come off Plavix but is afraid because of all the hipe about having a heart attack and no one can prescribe a replacmeent with less side effects. i USED TO THINK PEOPLE THAT SUED DRUG COMPANIES WERE CRAZY UNTIL I HAD A FAMILY MEMBER WHO GO CAUGHT UP IN THIS PRESCRIPTION CON GAME CALLED PLAVIX.

  25. Bobbie Says:
    July 6th, 2009 at 11:14 am

    We have a dear friend who had stents put in about 6 weeks ago. He was put on Plavix and this past week had an anyurisy last week and died.

  26. Larry Says:
    July 18th, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    I had a heart attack January 08 and had two angioplasty’s and two stents placed the same day to solve the problem. I was also put on Plavix and a 325 mg asprin and a blood pressure med. I did vary well with no side effects until recently. I returned to my cardiologist with complaints of an occasional fleeting pain in my upper left chest and with pretty regular heart palpatations daily. He did an EKG which was normal. He put me on a Holter monitor for 24 hours, at this time I do not know the results as yet. I’m scheduled for a stress test next week and a echocardiogram the week after. I was totally unware of the problems with Plavix until I happened upon this web site. From what I’ve read so far, it sounds like it’s bad to be on Plavix and worse if you get off of it! I’m 63 and in otherwise good health, but now feel that this damn drug company orchestrated a clever way to keep us all on this drug forever. I’ll update as I learn more about my recent problems

  27. Connie Says:
    July 18th, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    I had a stroke 3/2009 and they put me on Plavix with no aspirin. My second opinion neurologist and doctor told me to go on 325 mg aspirin, but now am scared getting off of Plavix after reading all of this. However, I reallly want to get off of Plavix even if my neurologist said I had to take it for the rest of my life. Can Tana tell me why her Dad was miserable taking Plavix. Tana, can you respond?

  28. Vincent Says:
    July 30th, 2009 at 9:47 am

    I’ve been on Plavix since January,2008. Now my cardiologist said to stop taking Plavix as of July 28,2009. I’m on aspirin,but its only 81mg. Should I be taking a larger dose? Now after reading about all that happens when you stop taking Plavix I’m really concerned about the outcome?

  29. william Says:
    August 3rd, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    i had two medicated stents put in about 6 weeks ago they put me on plavix is it safe to get off of it since its only been 6 weeks

  30. Hubert Says:
    August 4th, 2009 at 8:39 am

    I’ve been on Plavix and aspirin ever since my MI back in March. Now my PSA’s are elevated, so they want me to go off Plavix for a week prior to a biopsy. From reading here, I’m scared shitless about going off Plavix…

  31. william Says:
    August 4th, 2009 at 11:18 am

    i have a daughter had a medicated stenp pun in ..doctors put her on plvix she took it for about 3 to 4 weeks then she read about all the side effects and she stopped tacking it. her doctor got real mad. she takes aspirin this has been a bout a year ago she is doing fine she workes out almost every day

  32. Gary Says:
    August 5th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    I had triple bypass 17 years ago at age 40, 10 years later I started having stints, usually 1 procedure every 18 months, now I have a full metal jacket as they call it, stints from one end to the other. I’ve had two heart attacks in the last three years. I’ve been taking plavix at least 5 years or maybe even longer. I feel lucky that I am still alive. If it helps the blood then I’m for it. Side effects, none that I know of. Guys, be thankful that it can help, if you have to stay on it then so be it. Its better than risking death.

  33. Cindy Says:
    September 29th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    I had brain surgery due to a brain aneurysm. They did coiling and placed a stent below the aneurysm. I was put on Plavix and 325mg aspirin July 16th 2009 and will be stopping the Plavix Oct 1st 2009. I have never taken medication and do not like the affects, fatigue and all my joints hurt. Three weeks ago one of the bursas popped out of my knee cap and believe its due to the Plavix since one of the many side affects is joint pain. Why couldn’t it cause joint damage. I have not felt myself since the surgery and contribute it to the Plavix. Can’t wait to get off of it.

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