Safety Alert: Clopidogrel
Early Communication about Potential Drug Interaction Between PLAVIX and PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS
Medco Health Solutions, a pharmacy benefit provider, recently identified a possible drug interaction between Plavix (clopidogrel) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, or Protonix. In this study, patients taking Plavix together with a proton pump inhibitor had more heart and stroke problems than those who took Plavix alone.
Plavix is most commonly used by patients who have had previous heart or stroke problems, and works by reducing platelet clotting activity ('thinning the blood'). PPIs are commonly used to treat heartburn by reducing acid production in the stomach. Examples of PPIs include over the counter medications such as Prilosec (omeprazole), and the prescription products Nexium (esomeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), and Aciphex (rabeprazole).
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What does this mean?
Since these results were presented by Medco Health Solutions without a full description of the study methods, it is important not to draw too many conclusions until the final study report is made available. That said, this new information adds to concerns from other studies suggesting that PPIs, like Prilosec, Nexium, or Prevacid, may decrease the effectiveness of Plavix when both drugs are taken together. Until more information is available, you may wish to speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking these drugs together, or consider taking these medications at different times of the day to minimize the possibility of an interaction.
