Risk of heart attack or death increased during weeks after stopping Plavix
[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.
This archived post is for informational purposes.[/alert]
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.
68 Comments • Add Your Comments
Tiffany R says:
My dad takes this medication and I am very angry at the Plavix company for this.
Posted on February 18, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Sigistardust says:
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
Posted on April 9, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Austin Kirk says:
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.
Posted on April 13, 2008 at 6:53 pm
PAT B. says:
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.
Posted on July 31, 2008 at 10:14 pm
mary says:
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.
Posted on August 27, 2008 at 5:12 pm
walt says:
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
Posted on November 8, 2008 at 12:16 am
gary h. says:
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
Posted on November 12, 2008 at 3:50 pm
sal says:
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.
Posted on November 13, 2008 at 11:58 am
gary h. says:
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!!!
Posted on November 14, 2008 at 1:43 am
gary h. says:
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.
Posted on December 9, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Michael says:
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.
Posted on December 17, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Shawnee says:
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.
Posted on January 23, 2009 at 12:59 am
Joseph says:
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.
Posted on January 27, 2009 at 12:57 am
Debbie says:
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,
Posted on January 31, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Sandra says:
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.
Posted on February 13, 2009 at 10:53 pm
howard says:
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?
Posted on February 27, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Elaine says:
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.
Posted on March 6, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Pete says:
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.
Posted on April 16, 2009 at 9:09 pm
CARL says:
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.
Posted on April 22, 2009 at 1:56 pm
jim r says:
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
Posted on April 28, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Robert says:
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.
Posted on May 1, 2009 at 3:14 pm
pat says:
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
Posted on May 13, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Carmen says:
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?
Posted on May 13, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Tana says:
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.
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Bobbie says:
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.
Posted on July 6, 2009 at 11:14 am
Larry says:
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
Posted on July 18, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Connie says:
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?
Posted on July 18, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Vincent says:
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?
Posted on July 30, 2009 at 9:47 am
william says:
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
Posted on August 3, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Hubert says:
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…
Posted on August 4, 2009 at 8:39 am
william says:
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
Posted on August 4, 2009 at 11:18 am
Gary says:
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.
Posted on August 5, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Cindy says:
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.
Posted on September 29, 2009 at 4:00 pm
MKC says:
My dad was on Plavix and 325 mg of aspirin for about 2-3 years. During October he woke up one morning and had a lof blood in his urine. His doctor took him off of Plavix and Aspirin completely. In the meantime w took him to a Urologist who ordered a contrast CT scan and blood test. He was scheduled to have his bladder checked in January. However, he suddenly passed away on December 7th 2009. I totally blame the doctor for allowing him to go without anything at all and anyone else who was aware of these types of problems associated with this drug. The bleeding only occurred once and she never put him back on Plavix and or aspirin, not even a reduced amount. He did not complain of getting tired or sick. One day he was fine and the next day we found him on the floor of his apartment.
Posted on December 22, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Gregory says:
I read most of the above cases with plavix and its side effects, but no one has mentioned what action to take to help these peopl or me, I suffer bleeding (weak) intestal walls, which I never had that problem before, now since taking plavix (6-5-10 after two stents placed in my heart) I am losing blood, in 26 days I was in the hospital three times and the last time they gave me 4 pints of blood, the heavy breathing and severe pain in my legs disappeared, help
Posted on July 13, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Ryan says:
I had a heart attack in LAD with 99perc. blockage 2yrs ago at the age of 33. Got a stent. Have been on plavix and 81mg aspirin since. They had me taking an antacid but I switched to zypan ( a natural enzyme from health food stores) after I found that antacid causes arthritis and impairs body’s ability to absorb nutrients. I feel much better on zypan. My free plavix (from bmspaf.org) has run out and I’ve been wanting to get off the plavix merry go round anyway. At first doc said I could get off in 2 yrs now he says no. Considering I’ve totally changed my lifestyle since heart attack- no more smoking or drinking booze, lost 30lbs, started nutritional supplements, I think it’s time to get off plavix but my wife is scared. Do not be too worried about this fellow heart patients- Matt. 6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Posted on July 26, 2010 at 10:33 am
Rose says:
My husband was put on Plavix in May 2009 after bypass surgery. I read about side affects and did not like what I saw when he would bump his arm or leg (severe bruising and bleeding under the skin). We found an MD who is also a nutritionist, and he suggested Nattokinase. I researched Nattokinase and found this as a good alternative to Plavix. According to the MD Plavix works on one portion of the platelets to keep them from clotting while Nattokinase works on another portion but both do the same thing – makes the platelets slick so they won’t clot as easy. Here is what is said about Nattokinase: “Nattokinase enhances the body’s natural ability to fight blood clots, and has an advantage over blood thinners because it has a prolonged effect without side effects.” Not sure if I am allowed to post web sites here, and if not sorry for posting, but I believe this information needs to be given to those taking Plavix. I’m not saying this is a cure-all or a replacement for everyone, but according to the MD we talked to, he is very impressed with the results from years of reports on Nattokinase. Here is the website and you can also do a search and get more information. http://www.smart-publications.com/heart_attacks/nattokinase.php
This MD/nutritionist also stated that my husband’s cholesterol was too low and to get off Crestor. Cholesterol being too low interfered with brain functions. To achieve proper cholesterol control, the complete picture needs to be viewed – HDL, LDL, triglycerides, etc. Any of the cholesterol group that is too high can cause heart attacks or strokes even if the cholesterol number is good.
My husband saw his cardiologist today and the cardiologist was very UPSET!!!!!!! Did a SCARE tactic on him so now not sure he will not go back to taking Plavix and Crestor. 🙁
Posted on August 12, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Vicki says:
My husband has been on Plavix for 16 months now after having a stent placement in April last year. He has been having problems we never thought were related to the drug. Now that I have done some research on Plavix and can connect his bleeding, leg pain, mental confusion, etc. with the Plavix, and the complications that can occur if he stops taking the very expensive drug we can no longer afford, I am scared to death for him to stop taking Plavix.
Posted on August 13, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Corina says:
I had a PFO…(hole in my heart) repaired 3 months ago. I was on Plavix 75 mg. and Aspirin 325 mg. for three months. Today is day 3 that I have been off the plavix. I don’t feel very well. Very tired and tingling in my hands and feet.
Now after reading this I am scared. I am 43 years old and have been in good health.. At first my legs ached, but that is gone now. Just tired and wondering if this will go away, or if something is going to happen.
Posted on August 29, 2010 at 4:46 pm
bill says:
i am on plavix .i was taking a natural supplemp called aloevera for my stomack it helped a lot. has any one taken it while on plavix
Posted on October 24, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Maile says:
My father-n-law has been on it for about a year & a half…He tells me he hates it..I feels like he’s always having a heart attack..This past sunday it was so bad we took him , lucky it wasn’t but was told it’s just a side effect….He can’t get off cause he will die, yet if he stay’s on he will always suffer….What kinds of people is making these drugs..I thought medication was to heal..not kill…or make someone suffer for death!
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Mike says:
I am 50 and suffered a stroke two weeks ago. I am on Plavics and was told I would need it the rest of my life. After reading all these concerns on this drug, what are the alternatives? I have had no side effects that I am aware of. I do have headaches every day.
Posted on November 17, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Erica says:
I was given Plavix after a heart attack. I took it for abut a year and a half. Then a year later I had a stroke and I have chronic bleeding ulcers. I was only 33 years old at the time with three young kidsand I have to sayI am so angry because not only did it affect me but it affected my children alsobecause they had to adjust their young lives to my disability and that’s hard for me to swallow. Needless to say I AM FURIOUS!!!!!!
Posted on November 26, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Paul says:
I had six strokes back to back(2 major and 4 minor). Approx. 2 months
before I had the strokes, I was perscribed plavix and another drug to
treat high blood pressure,apparently it did not work as my blood pressure was 210 over 200 when I was taken to the emgency room.
I do not know if plavix is the cause,but we will find out in the future,
but as of right now,you cant convince me its a good drug.
I was given plavix to help treat high blood pressure,and I am living
proof it does not work,by the way, I was 42yo when I had my strokes
I will be 48 this year.
Posted on March 27, 2011 at 11:01 pm
marie says:
my sister had triple bypass thy put her on plavix for the past 6 yeasrs with asprin 7 weeks ago took her in hospital pressure 188 thy did eco found blood clott on left side of heart in back thy disolved it then heart droped other eco found blood was not flowing right had to go thrrow groin and put a wire rher to close opening thy just took her off plavix after 6 years
Posted on August 21, 2011 at 12:29 am
Rich says:
Wow, so many of you are truly uninformed about Plavix. I’ve been on it since 2005 when I had a DES inserted. Plavix was prescribed to prevent and restenosis, or clogging within the stent. THAT’S WHY PLAVIX IS PRESCRIBED. If you want to be angry and blame someone, redirect your anger at the stent manufacturers. Plavix is helping you prevent (hopefully) issues with your stent procedures, etc. FYI, Plavix is not prescribed for high blood pressure. I would suggest you have a long talk with your doctor to become educated on these matters instead of relying on the opinions of others.
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 1:41 pm
dee says:
colon doc told my husband to stop plavix and aspirin; cardio doc never consulted. he had a massive MI the night of the colonoscopy. doc says husband’s fault for not having bypass surgery; they put drug e. stents in him, some six years after recommending bypass (2 second opinions disagreed w/ bypass).
now has severe chf and doc tell him it is his fault.
if you have an MI due to a stent, isn’t it at the stent site? this MI was not.
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Jane says:
I have been on plavix for over three years and the doctor is afraid of my not taking it, but my medicare prescription plan has changed and I no longer can afford it, bristol myers will only help if you don’t have medicare even though they have made millions off from medicare. Now i feel i have death looking down at me, and i’m only 67 I was hoping for a few more years with my two young grand sons one is 9 and on 12. Well maybe it bought me a few more years I don’t know. I just know I hope if i do die it goes fast, and i don’t lay in the hospital a long time, but nothing in life has come easy for me, so don’t suppose death will either.
Posted on January 15, 2012 at 4:52 pm
andrew says:
I have been on plavix now since Jan 2010 and had been taken back to the hospital 6 times they keep telling me its angia being on plavix make its hard for me not to bleed i bleed alot and for a long perdiod of time my doctor is telling me if he stop the drug i will die in 3 months however i have now a new medical program and cant take the drug i need for it to save my life because being on plavix I cant take the other drug it will cause me big prob. or even instead death i cant take anacids either what is this drug plavix they put me on you cant take other drugs with plavix because of the side effects from other drugs with it so being put on plavix is a 100% sure thing of death because you can not take other drugs when you need to to save your life from other medical problem is in the short you are limited on life after being put on plavix your days are now numbered and they should be sued and put in jail after they are put in jail let us put them on plavix and see how long they live being on it and how much they will worry being on this drug since they know what plavix does to you they would hire a very good lawyer to fight being put on plavix since they know plavix will kill you and you cant take other drugs to save your life if someone has more info on how to get off plavix safely let me know
Posted on July 15, 2012 at 8:07 am
Kelly says:
Needing some questions answered if anyone can help would be much appreciated.
Ok my 81 year old grandmother suffered a severe fall on tues, was taken my ambulance, I was first one to get to hospital and i took one look at her and started crying, she looked as if someone had beaten her to death, brusing everywhere and gash to head. So the proceed with ct scan which showed internal bleeding on the brain. 15 years ago she had quad bypass and then a few years ago had to have stents. She has been on plavix for 15 years and asprinin. Cardiologist has refused her stopping plavix for just a colonoscopy. So anyways they tell us at hospital she is not clotting for internal bleed on brain needs to receive platelets and has to stop plavix or don’t receive platelets and she would probably die due to the bleeding, so we choose to receive plates and they explain the high risk of heart attack…UGH! So they are releasing her today and would like to know someones opinion of chances of cardiac arrest.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 12:09 pm
alicia says:
I had two mild heart attacks in June 2011 I had no blocked arteries no stents put in I have been on Plavix , Asprin , cholesterol , and high blood pressure pills and Monday my Dr. is taking me off Plavix after reading all this stories i’m getting nervous I will ask him alot of questions.
Posted on October 26, 2012 at 11:04 pm
cathy says:
I have been on plavix since the beginning of February after I had a stroke and found I had a PFO…hole in my heart which i went on to have surgery for. Now I am getting ready to have shoulder surgery and I have to be off plavix for 7 days before the surgery then not sure when they start it back up. Anyone ever done that? Just wondered how you did going off plavix for a week then going back on after a surgery. I am already 2 days off of plavix……5 more to go before surgery. thanks
Posted on November 16, 2012 at 1:07 am
Elizabeth says:
I had a stent put in 2010.It went great.I felt like a new woman,I was put on effient and bp an statins. I took them few months.It got to expensive to take everything so i stopped and only took bayer asprin 325mg and my diabetes med metformin. Then 2 years later from april to june 2012 i keep having chest pain going back and forth to doc and er and everything was showing i was good. I had went back to er for chest pains again and doc sent me by ambulance to bigger hospital and they keep me and ran tests and seen i had another blockage.It was 75% blocked and they had to put 2 stents in because it was so long.I didnt know they did this my daughter told me leter that night in hos room. I came home not feeling good and having trouble breathing. It got worse over next few days and was rushed back to hospital and it was a sunday and the doc came in and they took me back in surgery to look and seen it was inflamed where they put stents in and causing my heart to have spasms. They got that fixed and sent me home with more meds and i am now taking isosorb. It has been 9 months since this has happend. I feel so sick being all of these meds and i have had to leave work so many times because of this.Im about to lose my job. I had to come off plavix 2 weeks ago i had to have to surgery on my hand so cardio told me to stop.The fisrt few days off of it i felt really weird and was sick at stomach but i got over the feeling.I had surgey on hand and its been 2 weeks now with no plavix but i went back to taking 325mg asprin i can not take both together.I feel so much better without taking the plavix and do not want to go back on it. I know my cardio will have a different say.
Posted on April 9, 2013 at 5:49 pm
joanie says:
First let me say I have four DES, one which had to be restented due to a blood clot. I have been on Plavix 75mg. for 6 yrs, two Plavix the llast two years also with 325mg. aspirin.
I have come accross some blood work from 2006 which alerted me as to why I have so many symtoms and could be the cause of my advanced heart disease. I am positive for the MTHFR compound mutation heterozygous in my DNA. I am appauled that not one Dr. had any concern over this diagnosis. My sister was positive for the “wild” type Factor 5 Leiden R506Q polymorphism. Her disorder has higher risk of thrombosis inherited thrombosis disease. Both MTHFR and Leiden 5 test share some of the same conditions such as thrombosis, not so much heart disease. with Leiden 5 as it is for the MTHFR. There are different variations of the diagnosis for MTHRF
If none of you had this specialized testing (MTHFR compound or otherwise) I would suggest you do, it is responsible for many diagnosis. With the compound heterozygous they are C677T/A1298C
mutations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene by polymerase chain reaction. It is an enzyme that has been mutated and without certain methyline treatement can cause your body to go hairwire. It could affect all organs and cause many other syptoms and illnesses. It would be to your benefit to do some research online. Good luck!
Posted on November 7, 2013 at 9:48 am
Dennis says:
Pharmaceuticals have one common thread………..PROFIT!!
We have a world population exploding at 8 BILLION and still counting………..that’s a lot of business and they don’t care about you personally!! It’s a very scary future with this mind set and leading toward CORPORATE FACISM and world domination. People need to change the way they vote to stop this evil mindset before it’s too late!!
That said, I have a very significant cardiac history. I have had two heart attacks one being the widow maker that only very few survive! The first heart attack was while taking Plavix, the second I was only taking as Aspirin a day regime. Heart attacks are unpredictable and can happen to anyone anytime. People all across the globe have died immediately after being told everything was fine. Medicine is a SCIENCE which means we don’t have all the answers.
What works for me may not work for you! Some folks have allergies to something others don’t, some get illnesses others don’t, and some die from conditions others survive. It’s unknown why therefore no medical professional can state with any accuracy what your outcome will be…………that’s why we call it a SCIENCE!!
I am NOT a doctor but I also would not advise anyone to change their medication without first consulting their healthcare provider…….that’s STUPIDITY beyond imagination!!
We have MD’s and DO’s and probably a few others who all disagree on many platforms regarding your healthcare however, no one knows with certainty who’s right and who’s wrong because it is a SCIENCE!!!!!
All I can say is life isn’t a guarantee and we all start dying the moment we are born! The best we can do is try to make the right decisions and hope for the best. If you think you’re healthcare is compromised then you need to get other opinions from other healthcare providers. That doesn’t guarantee they’ll be right it only gives you information to make an informed decision based on all the facts before you and that is the absolute best you can hope for!!
Posted on February 10, 2014 at 11:38 am
faye says:
Just how many people have died as a result of taking Plavix???
Posted on May 8, 2014 at 10:36 am
mina says:
i had my gallbladder taken out on 04-15-14, first time i had ever had any health problems, Two weeks later i had a stroke, im 47. i have recovered from the stroke, thank God. The dr. put me on plavix, now i am a walking bruise, its awful. Im not taking it anymore, havent for three days now, going to take asprin tomorrow. I believe the gallbladder surgery caused the stroke, now i am sitting here scared of another stroke, any thoughts?
Posted on August 5, 2014 at 9:45 pm
gary says:
…my angel was treated in March w/alpine stent…put on aspirin and Plavix and died of a cranial hemorrhage July 24. GOD bless and help her. gva
Posted on August 19, 2015 at 9:20 pm
Debbie says:
Stay on the Plavix I took it for years and started having stomach problems after I moved away from the Houston area where I had very good doctors came to Dallas and without a thought the cardiologist took me off of it nine months to the day I ended up with a foot-long clot in my leg because they have proven that when you stop taking Plavix your blood gets thicker please use caution and lots of thought don’t listen to a doctor that gives you a two minute response please you may be causing yourself more harm than good they can help you get your medication through the pharmaceutical company go to the doctor that spends time testing you and not a two-minute doctor that her jeep through like cattle it almost cost me my life and my leg nine months to the day after I was taking off Plavix with no thought at all I ended up with a foot-long clot a DVT in my left leg and almost died this is serious business and these pharmaceutical companies and these doctors should stand up and quit playing God but peoples lives God bless you sometimes we have to be our best advocate
Posted on September 17, 2015 at 2:19 am
jenny says:
My dad was on Plavix back in 2009. He woke up one day complaining of a headache and the next 24 hours were a nightmare! After playing 18 holes of golf he wasn’t feeling good so he layed down only getting up once or twice to get sick. That evening around 10 my mom heard a thump and my dad was on the ground unconscious. He was air lifted to the hospital and when we got there they said he had bleeding on his brain! They did surgery to relieve the pressure but my dad never did regain consciousness. Less than 48 hours later we had to make the choice to take dad off life support. After he passed away they ruled it subdural hemorrhage and the cause was unknown. The only reason dad survived that first night is his heart defibrillator kept going off which was ultimately keeping his heart from failing.
He was 61.
The hardest part was not having any answers. We opted not to have an autopsy because in life my dad had already been through so much. But he had been on blood thinners a large portion of his life. He had just had a quadruple bipass in November of 2008. Prescription medicine kept my dad alive for so long…but in the end I think they contributed to his death.
Posted on November 7, 2015 at 9:51 pm
Doris says:
oh my I am so upset reading this. and scared? ???who is to blame for this I had a heart attack January 18th. 2016 had stents put in . My cardiologist prescribed this medication to me. I. Have been taking this medicine for 4months iam at high Risk. OMG.Colpidogrel 75 mg.
Posted on May 11, 2016 at 11:28 pm
Linda says:
Oh my gosh. Two weeks ago I had what they have tagged a TIA they have found no evidence. The doctor at the hospital rushed it with the Plavex. I did not take it for the first week, and want off of it now!! I did have a stent and my surgeon NEVER mentioned or gave me this sickening drug. I am going to tell my doctor to lower the dose and get me off. I am also calling an attorney damn hospital Drs.
Posted on May 12, 2016 at 8:56 pm
Kimberly says:
I’m scared to death to stop taking this drug. I’ve been on it more than a year, and my neurologist just told me to stop taking it. I asked if I should ween, he said no just stop taking it, take an aspirin instead. I had a suspected TIA over a year ago, though all that showed was a coagulation problem. I’m so scared, going to get a second opinion from my cardiologist. Wish me luck. If I die, I hope my kids sue the crap out of the pharmaceutical company.
Posted on June 10, 2016 at 11:48 pm
martha says:
my husband had lung cancer. they told him to stop the Plavix 13 days before radiation treatments.He had 4 treatments then on the way to next one, he .died in the car.they rushed him to hospital, he was already gone and the dr at hospital said he had a massive heart attack. he had been on Plavix for11 yrs. funny he had no all those yrs on Plavix now he`s off and dies. this is ridiculous. who`s at fault
Posted on September 28, 2016 at 8:48 am
Sherry says:
My mom was put on planes she’s got corner heart disease her heart Dr put her on it another Dr took her off without talking to him she had a stroke 4 was after she was taken off and passed away
Posted on April 13, 2017 at 11:34 pm
Mary says:
I stopped my plavix after 1 yr of taking it 2 weeks ago and I am fine.No bad side effects SO FAR
Posted on April 23, 2018 at 12:43 pm
stephanie says:
My husband had stent put in 2015 and he was put on plavix then Aug 2017 his heart Dr just stopped it all together I lost my husband in Nov 2017 from blockage in heart can u help me
Posted on November 3, 2018 at 1:45 am
Laura says:
My husband was in hospital for urinary problem the urologist took him off his plavix was off it three day had a severe stroke
Posted on January 8, 2020 at 6:14 pm