Plavix Linked to Serious Side Effects
Plavix (generic: clopidogrel bisulfate) is an antiplatelet (anticoagulant, anti-clotting) agent that is marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi-Aventis. Plavix is used in patients with atherosclerosis, acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI), and after placement of coronary stents. For patients who have had heart attack, stroke or poor leg circulation, or have recently had angioplasty, an anti-clotting drug such as Plavix is often prescribed.
Originally approved in November, 1997, Plavix has become one of the top selling drugs in the U.S. In December 2006, a study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that blood clots are 4-5 times more likely to occur with drug eluting coronary heart stents than with the older bare metal stents. As a result, prescriptions for anti-platelet drugs such as Plavix are on the rise; physicians are now prescribing the drugs for up to six months following the angioplasty surgery where either a Johnson & Johnson Cypher stent or a Boston Scientific Taxus stent is implanted.
Plavix Side Effects: Ulcers, Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Plavix is linked with serious gastrointestinal problems including gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. In 2005, a study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine which found that Plavix patients have over 12 times as many ulcers as patients who take aspirin plus a heartburn pill. Plavix is widely believed by cardiologists to be safer on the stomach. Some health care providers feel that aspirin plus a heartburn pill is safer and has the added benefit of being much less expensive than Plavix.
Plavix Ulcer Victims Have Legal Rights
- Did you or a family member take Plavix / clopidogrel bisulfate and suffer from gastrointestinal side effects such as peptic ulcers or bleeding?
- If so, you have legal rights. Please contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today for a FREE legal consultation about your potential Plavix case.
- Our defective drug lawyers take Plavix cases on contingency, meaning that there will be NO legal fees unless we win compensation on your behalf.
- Call 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) to speak with our defective drug team today, or fill out our online Plavix case form.
Topic Quick Look
What are the risks?
Heart Attack - Plavix has been found to nearly double the risk of a first heart attack in patients with high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Stroke - Plavix has been found to nearly double the risk of stroke in patients with high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Preemption and the FDA