Advertisements minimize Plavix side effects
[alert type=”general” accent_color=”” background_color=”” border_size=”1px” icon=”fa-asterisk” box_shadow=”yes” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””]UPDATE: Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. is no longer accepting new Plavix cases.
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In recent television advertisements, Plavix side effects are minimized while viewers are led to believe that they must take the drug to avoid a potentially fatal blood clot. Individuals who fear a heart attack are encouraged to seek out the medication from their doctor, even if they do not fit the profile for which the medication was approved by the FDA.
Plavix is a popular blood thinner which has been heavily marketed and advertised to consumers and to physicians. The drug makers promote Plavix for anyone who is at risk for a heart attack or stroke, even though Plavix has only been approved as safe for those who already suffered a heart attack, stroke, had peripheral vascular disease or acute coronary syndrome.
When the FDA approved Plavix, it was estimated by the New York Times that the drug would generate approximately $300 million to $1 billion in annual sales. As a result of excessive promotion and misleading statements, the drug has grown into a blockbuster with over $6 billion in annual sales.
During a recent broadcast of the NBC Nightly News, an extended 75 second commercial for Plavix was aired. Although the advertisement was nearly three times longer than most commercials, Plavix side effects were minimized while the drug makers attempted to scare viewers into thinking they will suffer a heart attack or stroke if they do not take Plavix. The commercial encouraged viewers to visit their doctors right away about Plavix, “because you’re no match for a dangerous clot”.
Despite representations made in advertisements, studies have shown that Plavix is no more effective than aspirin at preventing heart attacks and strokes. In fact, for users with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, Plavix side effects actually increase the risk of a first heart attack or stroke. Other potentially fatal side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, recurring ulcers and a rare blood disorder known as TTP.
>> INFORMATION: Plavix Side Effects
The manufacturers of Plavix want users to believe that they need to take the drug and will need to continue taking it forever. The recent advertisement warned viewers who are already on Plavix that even if they are feeling better, the risk of a dangerous clot never goes away. The message is, “stay protected, stay with Plavix.” These statements are made, even though the safety and effectiveness of long-term Plavix use is debated and has not been sufficiently studied.
Consumers and physicians reasonably rely on the statements and representations of manufacturers regarding safe uses and associated risks when determining whether to take a medication. The FDA has previously issued Plavix warning letters to the drug makers, describing promotional statements as false, misleading and inaccurate.
Many believe that direct-to-consumer advertisements containing misleading statements constitute an unconscionable commercial practice. Sanofi Adventis and Bristol Myers-Squibb, the makers of Plavix, have generated billions of dollars in revenue as a result of their actions. At the same time, many users who should not have taken the medication suffered serious injuries or death.
PLAVIX SIDE EFFECTS LAWSUITS
In many cases, the injuries suffered as a result of Plavix side effects could have been prevented if the makers acted responsibly. Plavix lawsuits are being reviewed by our product liability lawyers nationwide. If you, a friend or family member have suffered an injury after taking Plavix, request a free claim evaluation.
10 Comments • Add Your Comments
paul reiley says:
I am taking plavix at this time and am worried of the side effects. They also have introduced the stents that are medicated. i RECIEVED TWO 5 MONTHS AGO. I now am waiting for knee surgery which my cardio doctor will not let me get she says that I need to be on plavix for a period of one year. “WHAT SHOULD I DO”.
WORRIED PATIENT
Posted on February 6, 2007 at 11:01 pm
steve says:
I have been on plavix for 2 years now and have not had any problems. I had a medciated stent put in in feb 2005, and then another in aug of 2006. They put me on plavix after the first one in feb of 2005. Since aug of 2006 i have felt great. Dr. told me I may have to stay on them rest of my life. I am now 61, I’m doing what dr. saysand hope for best. Steve
Posted on February 20, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Gonzalo Rios says:
I had a medicated stent placed in one of my artieries a week ago. I am now on plavix and one small aspirin that the cardio has advised to take for one year. after the stent placement i was started on medication via intrevenous method and the hosptial doctors discovered a tear in my stomach. I was fed a meal which I vomited for a day along with lots of blood. the cardiologist ordered the stomach exam, tear(s) clamped and i started holding my food. is there an alternative to plavix? keep in the loop. i am still weak, trying to gain strength.
thanks. GRios
Posted on February 27, 2007 at 8:59 pm
L P says:
I was prescribed Plavix after a stroke 2 1/2 yrs ago. I have had lessions appear on my arms, face and lips that have lasted for more than a yr (still there). A small scratch bleeds for a long time. I stopped Plavix (on Dr’s orders) for 5 days before a tooth extraction. My gums are receding and bleed.
I’m afraid of stopping Plavix for fear of another stroke. Although the stroke was small, it affected cranial nerves 3-10. A little more time and my hear would have stopped (cranial nerve 12). I’m a medic, so I knew what was happening right away and asked to be taken to the hospital. During transit, the clot(s) advance through cn 7-10. I could feel the symptoms.
The suspected clot/plack origination site is a vetebral artery that concinues to be occluded. Although there are applroved procedures, nothing is being done to clear that artery, nor about the persistent lessions on my arms and lip, which bleed nearly every day.
I’m in a dilemna about what to do — continue bleeding or stop Plavix.
Posted on March 20, 2007 at 7:46 pm
C D Brown says:
I was prescribed Plavix 6 months ago after having an MI. Also had 2 Taxus stents implanted at the time. I was told that I will have to stay on the Plavix for the rest of my life because my blood clots too fast. Also am on alpha-blocker, beta-blocker, statins, 325 mg. aspirin, and blood pressure medication.
My BP still averages 180/120, am frequently shortwinded, and chest pain even when relaxing. I am only 52 years old! After reading so many warnings on the drug-coated stents, and now Plavix too, I’m wondering…..perhaps I’d be better off without the “practicing doctors” and all their “wonder drugs”!
Posted on April 13, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Marietta Hartnett says:
I had a heart attack in 2002 and I had a regular stent put in and took Plavix for a few months after my heart healed I did not take any meds at all. Recently my doctor told me after doing another heart cath that the old stent has narrowed my artery and I am told that he wants to put a medicated stent in and I have to start Plavix now and 325 mg of aspirin daily and if i don’t I will get a blood clot and die. This procedure is to take place October 23, 2007. He has me on beta-Blockers Lipitor and Coreg. What I do not understand my good cholestorol is 71 and my bad cholestorol is 105. Why the need for all the drugs? After reading this web site has me rethinking this procedure. Any advise?
Posted on October 6, 2007 at 2:14 am
theresa brady says:
my husband has been on plavix for 5 years he has a stent in his left femoral artery and i just brought him home they dianogised him with walderstroms macroglubleminea cancer. i honestly believe the accident and plavix/asprin contribuited to this as now he cant produce red blood cells. he had 8 pints given to him as he has the flu systoms shortness of breath he is active in horse riding and physcial workouts at the gym. eversince he was on the plavix his imune system was also worse he got sick more often. he is 50 years old.
Posted on October 30, 2007 at 8:25 am
carol says:
my husband has heart diseases for 7 year’s and he takes plavix this past week he has bruises for no reason (help) does any one know why i took him to the hospital and they could not help he is 54
Posted on July 15, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Kerstin says:
Had a bare metal stent placed in my heart 8/31/07. All coronary arteries were clear and open. Placed on Plavix for 30 days. 60 days after stopping Plavix, all my coronary arteries were blocked (2 were 100% blocked and the other 2 were 95% blocked). Required open heart surgery with four bypasses. (I am a 56 yrs. female.) When visiting Sweden last year, I was told by several doctors that they do not prescribe Plavix anymore. They call it “snake-oil”.
Never in my life will I ever take Plavix again!
Posted on March 2, 2009 at 2:58 pm
cora says:
In sept.2009,i was rushed to the hospital by ambulance because of intestinal hemorage.I had been taking plavix because my doctor saidm i had minni strokes .the out come was that they took me off the plavix and that they thought that was what caused the hemorage.So do i.and I will not go back on it again.I am honestly scared to take anything now even over the counter scares me.I wouldnt wish what i went through on my worst enemy.what is this drug buisness trying to do to us anyway?Becareful !
Posted on January 11, 2010 at 12:49 pm