Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulcers, Heart Attack, Stroke

Studies have found that Plavix side effects could increase the risk of serious and potentially fatal injuries for some users, according to allegations raised in lawsuits filed by individuals nationwide against Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer.

Please note that the lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are no longer taking on new cases involving Plavix. The content on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Although the drug manufacturers advertised that Plavix is better than Aspirin, reports suggest that it may be no more effective for some users, and could actually be more dangerous. As a result of the alleged failure to warn about the potential side effects of Plavix, product liability cases have been filed by individuals nationwide.

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are no longer reviewing new cases or investigating potential Plavix side effect lawsuits. Information provided on this website is for informational purposes, outlining allegations and claims raised by former users of Plavix.

INFORMATION ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS OF PLAVIX

Plavix (generic: clopidogrel bisulfate) is a blood thinner which prevents the formation of blood platelets that could result in clotting.  It is prescribed for heart attack prevention, stroke reduction and as an anticlotting agent.

The manufacturers promoted Plavix as a safer alternative to aspirin which reduces the risk of gastrointestinal problems. However, some studies indicate that Plavix provides no benefits over aspirin and actually increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and gastrointestinal bleeding for some users.

▸ INFORMATION: Plavix Studies

Some experts question whether individuals with gastrointestinal complications, high blood pressure or high chloresterol ever would have been given Plavix if proper warnings had been provided. 

Some people who required blood clot prevention may have been advised to use low doses of aspirin combined with drugs that treat stomach ulcers (such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec or Protonix), if doctors had been aware about the true risk of Plavix side effects.

Those who have already been prescribed Plavix, a doctor should be consulted before the medication is stopped, or it could result in serious harm or death.

▸ Plavix Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Ulcers

For individuals with healed ulcers, or those who are prone to gastrointestinal problems, the risk of bleeding ulcers may be 12 times higher with Plavix compared to aspirin and a heart burn pill, according to some studies. 

Plavix was previously promoted and sold as a safer alternative to aspirin for individuals with Peptic Ulcer Disease or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding.  However, a February 2005 study in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that Plavix actually impairs the healing of ulcers and increases the risk of recurrent bleeding.

Plavix has also been shown to increase the risk of internal bleeding or gastrointestinal hemorrhaging for users. The manufacturers failed to adequately warn of this potential complication which could be potentially fatal. The signs and symptoms of internal bleeding including vomiting blood, black stools, passing blood, increased pulse rate, low blood pressure, confusion, disorientation or sleepiness. Treatment of GI bleeds may involve hospitalization, often in the intensive care unit. If a substantial amount of blood is lost, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

▸ Plavix Heart Attacks and Strokes

In a desire to increase profits, the manufacturers allegedly pushed uses for Plavix which were not FDA approved, according to lawsuits filed. These Plavix off-label uses significantly increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes, even though the medication was prescribed to reduce the risk of such events.

For individuals with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, Plavix may doubles the risk of heart attacks, strokes and bleeding.  In many cases Plavix is prescribed by doctors for atherosclerosis, following angioplasty and after use of drug-coated stents to reduce the risk of clotting.  A study issued in March 2006 found that Plavix offered no significant benefit over aspirin, and actually increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and bleeding for these users.

PLAVIX LAWSUITS

Failure of the manufacturers to warn users of the Plavix side effects may have resulted in thousands of unnecessary injuries.  Lawsuits were previously pursued nationwide to seek compensation. However, new claims are no longer being pursued by Saiontz & Kirk, P.A.