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Global Patient Feedback for Plavix (Clopidogrel) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Plavix for about 2 years and am glad I am. I have had good luck with it. I have 5 stents put in in 2005 and also had a heart attack in 2007 so this helps to keep those arteries clear. I'm also on Warfarin and was on Aspirin but after a year the doctor took me off as I had a lot of bruising and now I don't have it. Thank God. I am 77 years old will be 78 in Sept.and feel great.
78 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-12 16:55:15
Answer/Reply:
I am 47 year old female, with a 7 year old son. While pregnant, I had two heart attacks. 13 months later I had a third heart attack. In April of this year I failed a stress test and had my 5th stent put in. I am on plavix, zocor and 81mg aspirin. I too, bruise very badly. But if the combination of drugs keeps me alive to raise my son, I will be black and blue from head to toe. I would not skimp on anything, if my doctor feels it is in my best interest. At first I complained to my doctor about the bruising and his reply was " Do you want bruises or do you want to die? The choice is yours! "
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-17 12:48:27
Question/Comment:
I had a "Cardiac Event" or a heart attack in august of 2008. My left circumflex artery was 95% blocked. A wire stent was put in and I have been on Plavix 75mg ( which I get free through the Makers of Plavix by filling out a form online) also I take one 325 asa along with 40mg of lovastatin and metotropol 50 mg. I have a lot of bruising , but I will take any day of the year bruising versus another heart attack or death. Small price to pay in my book. Also I feel safer knowing that this is helping my blood to sail thru rather than stopping at certain ports along the way! I also have had a back injury and will be having spinal surgery sometime this year, so I also take Somas. Also 1200 mg of fish oil. and last but not least Xanax 1mg 3x a day or as needed every 8 hours. I take the Xanax because after the heart attack I now get severe panic/anxiety attacks. The only thing that I have noticed besides the bruising is that I CANNOT take the Xanax and Soma together or even close together because I almost black out mentally and am not aware of what I am doing. That scares me, so I am VERY careful. I wish there was something out there besides Xanax or Ativan as I have been hearing alot of negative things about Xanax and Ativan does not help my panic attacks. I am a 60 year young female.
61 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-05 05:40:23
Answer/Reply:
I also take Plavix and was in a car accident that caused a spinal injury. The neurosurgeon tells me that I have to be off the Plavix for 20 days before she will do surgery on my back. My cardio. doc says "no way". So I'm stuck. You have told your back surgery doctor is aware of the Plavix isn't he/she?
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-18 13:17:40
Answer/Reply:
I am surprised that you have to be off plavix for 20 days for surgery. I and others I know have had to only be off plavix for 5 to 7 days for both out patient procedures and in patient surgeries. You do need to be off of it for a period of time, but that seems awful long. Maybe your cardiologist and neurologist should confer with each other. I have been on plavix for 5 years with good results. I have had to be off of it 3 times for out patient procedures for a period of seven days each time. My cardiologist had no problem. A lot depends, I'm sure on your heart history, that is why it would be good for them to talk to each other.
69 year old Male
Posted: 2009-08-24 12:53:11
Answer/Reply:
An herbal supplement that helps with anxiety and stress is Valarian Root 500mg capsules. I take them--not as a sleep aid--but to reduce anxiety. I usually take 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the mid-afternoon and 2 in the evening as needed and no longer need Xanax. See what your doctor thinks about this.
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-27 22:49:04
Question/Comment:
I had a mini stroke about 4 years ago and have been on plavix , lipitor, and baby asprin ever since. I tend to bruise very badly and bleed very easily and would love to get off the medications, but my Dr. insists that if it works don't mess with it. Should I consult another Dr. ?
74 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-21 10:26:19
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Preventing another stroke is critical and your doctor has this as a primary concern. Plavix and aspirin are most likely causing your symptoms of bruising and bleeding. However, these medications are important to help prevent another stroke. If your bruising and bleeding symptoms are bothering you, it is worthwhile to have another discussion with your current doctor to weigh the benefits of these medicines against the side effects and also discuss how you may be able to treat or lessen the side effects that you are experiencing. With that said, seeking a second opinion is also a good idea, especially if you are still concerned about your side effects after speaking with your current doctor.
Posted: 2009-07-23 22:24:46
Answer/Reply:
You will just have to get used to the bruising. I have the same problem and already had a problem with bruising easily when I started the Plavix. You don't say if you have had a heart attack, but I'll tell you, that pain is just awful and I'll take the Plavix the rest of my life to stay alive and so what if I bruise? It means I'm still kicking!
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-18 12:59:20
Answer/Reply:
same combo here. Other than being bankrupted by the donut hole...I have 5 injections and 4 blood sugar readings a day...lots of bruising. The risk is still the same as always. If you stop the meds you may well have a stroke. It can't be easily undone. I hate the fact that I could go to Mexico every year for the cost of the Plavix alone, another time for the Lipitor. I need my brain, so I'll take the meds.
65 year old Male
Posted: 2009-08-18 15:50:54
Answer/Reply:
I am a 59 year old female who has had insulin dependent diabetes since age 11. I have a number of complications, not the least of which is heart disease. My Dr. put me on Plavix about 2 years ago and I, too, bruise severely. I, however, have chosen to stay on it rather than risk a heart attack. To me the bruising is only superficial and I have not had any problems with excess bleeding when I've been hospitalized. I am taken off of Plavix 5 days before any surgery and then afterward am able to resume it. With my health issues, I'm thankful I'm on it.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-18 19:07:07
Answer/Reply:
May I suggest that you take Plavix every other day, not every day; then take aspirin every other day, too. That way, since both are blood-thinners,
you won't get too much of either one. I, too, bruise and bleed easily now; but both heal relatively fast. I tried the every-other-day regime after a daily dose of Plavix, which was prescribed to keep blood clots from forming in my new cardiac stents, made me VERY depressed, despite also taking Paxil, an antidepressant. When I told my cardiologist what I had done and why, he protested mildly; but nothing more has been said about it. Hope my idea works for you.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-19 10:35:11
Answer/Reply:
I to am on coumadin & Plavix for TIA's. I would much rather stay on those meds than chance having a major debilitating stroke. But by all means, if it would make you feel better talk things over with another of your doctors.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-19 16:05:30
Answer/Reply:
yes please stay on thus meds i take it and it has saved my life
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-23 01:51:51
Question/Comment:
My doctor took me off of Plavix because of acid reflux which I take Prilosec twice a day for. She also increased my aspirin to 325 mg. I take the coated aspirin. I go back in four weeks to have another set of blood tests and EKG to see if I need the Plavix. She told me that the Prilosec was causing the plavix not to work. I was also on Lipitor which counteracts with the other two meds.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-01 16:15:35
Answer/Reply:
I think that the Plavix is more important than the Prilosec. I know acid reflux is awful, but hey, if your heart clogs up you won't have to worry about that anymore. I have had over 10 angiograms have four stents in my heart, three stents in my femoral arteries in my legs and a brain aneursym that was coiled, so I take Plavix. I have the same problem with acid reflux and use the Rolaids with the anti-gas, anti-acid, etc. and it seems to work for me and doesn't conflict with the Plavix.
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-18 13:05:05
Answer/Reply:
I found that before and then after my heart attack, I developed a slight pain in the left side of chest, right side of breast, which they thought might be acid reflux, so I too, was put on that stuff. When the doc did the first annual intestine check, he also did an acid reflux test with camera, going both ways, ha, and found nothing, so get off the Prilosec pronto. Actually what I discovered was...it was caused by not going to the bathroom regular, the meds stopped me up. And too much caffenated drinks. So I take 1/3 - 1/2 cup plain no fat yogurt with the probiotics and it works wonders, and only get the pain occassionally. Also, nurse practioner suggested I try skipping 1-2 plavix per week to see if that helps, and yes it does, (my gums bleed like crazy even from pushing my tongue against them) amd the bruising I don't mind, except it hurts; well my gums don't seem to bleed that red! I skip every 5th, but take the baby aspirin daily.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-11 15:58:25
Question/Comment:
My sister has been taking Plavix and I found out today she is also taking nattokinase. I thought both were blood thinners of a sort and am concerned that she is taking both. Her MD is not into supplemlents and I don't know if he is even aware of the supplements she is taking.
76 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-31 17:29:37
Question/Comment:
For those of us without pensions, the government drug program has the "doughnut hole" that will hit me in September meaning I will have to pay full price for Plavix which I may not be able to do. I am thinking of alternating days of taking Plavix one day and aspirin the other day. I may have no choice so I hope this works
69 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-26 19:23:30
Answer/Reply:
Have your doctor contact the maker of Plavix. Your doctor has to tell them its necessary. They send three months supply. They will go by your income. Or your state may give you some help with your doughnut hole.ASK YOUR DOCTOR CAN HELP. ALSO ASK YOR PHARMACY. HOPE THIS HELPS.
83 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-29 15:59:00
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Plavix for a year and have only paid for it once. If you go to the website for Plavix you can get a form that you can get the Plavix directly from the company. You just need to follow the instsructions. It is worth checking out.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-29 18:57:51
Answer/Reply:
Anyone have the web address fot the Plavix company for me to get the form. Thank You
you can e-mail it to me at jsc50@37.com
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-19 03:40:56
Answer/Reply:
I am taking Plavix as well and have found that if you talk to your doctor he may be able to provide you with enough sample to give you the ability to not skip doseages. I personally would not recomed skipping doseages. You may want to call the maker of Plavix and explain you situation aslo
48 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-10 22:34:24
Question/Comment:
I've been on Plavix and baby aspirin and Lipitor since 2005. Never had gout. Now have gout in the ankle. By taking a cherry pill supplement, I have been able to keep my gout in check. Bruising is common with Plavix. Wonder what long-term effects will be.
71 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-21 12:57:41
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Plavix a couple of years longer than you have and other than a greater tendency to bruise have not noticed any side effects. When brusing occurs, seldom do I remember what caused it. However, when I had some wisdom teeth removed, they wanted me off of it for 5 days prior to the procedure.
63 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-10 15:33:46
Answer/Reply:
I have also been taking plavix for about eight years and in the last year I have got gout in my feet , where do you get the Cherry pill supplement , I have heard it works !
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-25 08:28:48
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Because cherry is a dietary supplement, it is not regulated or studied by the US FDA. There are no studies to determine interactions with the other prescription medications you are taking and not enough evidence to determine effectiveness of using cherry extract in gout. Make an appointment with your physician before adding any medication or supplement to your regimen.
Posted: 2009-07-27 18:18:00
Question/Comment:
I was told by a friend that taking Nexium while taking Plavixnegates the effectivness of Plavix. Is there any truth to this?
62 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-19 16:12:59
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Nexium and Plavix do have a drug interaction that is classified as major. Plavix is less effective in patients who also take Nexium or other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Aciphex, Prevacid, Protonix, or Prilosec. You should talk to your physician about this interaction and look to discuss possible alternatives to the Nexium if appropriate. There are other drugs that have similar effects as Nexium but do not have the drug interaction.
Posted: 2009-05-20 23:07:31
Question/Comment:
I take plavix 75mg and asa 325mg every day. I've experienced GI upset since I began taking both(post 2 cardiac stents). If proton-pump inhibitors are not safe to take with plavix what could I take? Zantac, Maalox,Tums?
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-09 14:35:51
Answer/Reply:
please do not take 325mg. asa in combination with plavix.
it will give you a stomach ulcer,.
dc the asa, or take 81 mg.
also take the co enzyme q10 150 mg. daily.
also a 56 year nurse, with angina problems
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-14 21:08:01
Answer/Reply:
It will give you stomach ulcers??? Really!??
My physician perscribed Plavix AND 325 ASA for over a year following heart bypass surgery.
PLEASE follow you physicians advise and not someone who writes on these blogs. Self adjusting your medications can be very dangerous. Any changes to you meds or routine should be with your physicians approval.
ALSO,... a
55 year old RN
s/p triple by-pass surgery.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-22 14:46:47
Answer/Reply:
I am a 60 year old male with a history of multiple heart attacks. I have been taking the 325 aspirin since my Quintuple bypass in '91. Plavix was added in '99. Following more stents in 2008 the Dr reafirmed the combo. PLEASE listern to your Doctor! only the doc knows your case.
60 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-07 23:41:33
Answer/Reply:
WHAT IS ASA? PLEASE, THANK YOU
74 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-06 13:31:22
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
ASA is commonly used as an abbreviation for aspirin. Aspirin is a medication that can help prevent clotting of the blood. Aspirin can reduce pain and fevers. It is available over-the-counter, but before adding any medications to your regimen, you should talk to your doctor about your specific conditions.
Posted: 2009-06-07 00:02:42
Answer/Reply:
I also take both of these mrds at the same dosage. try taking one in the am and one in the pm, it worked for me
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-16 15:38:13
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking both plavix and 81mg of asiprin for 7 years after 2 heart attacks 4 stents and open heart surgery (double baypass) I had that problem but my doctor perscribed PREVAICD 30mg and it works wonders ask your doctor if you can take it
Awilda
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-17 20:45:36
Answer/Reply:
Try taking regular pepcid (20 mg tablet) twice a day - one in am and one in pm. Generic is OK.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-17 21:45:30
Answer/Reply:
Hello 56 year old female... I experienced to same only taking Plavix... I've been taking Pepcid Complete and haven't had any problems since... It may work for you as well... Give it a try if you wish... But, before taking it, check with your doctor first, is my reccomendation....
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-18 09:51:29
Answer/Reply:
I too take Plavix and Nexium that did not seem to mix favorably, including producing heart pain. I also have Coronary Artery disease with 2 stints in place at this time. Dr. suggested taking Nexium before breakfast and I decided to take Plavix at bedtime. Voila! So far great results. Also so heart pain. Cath. showed no new problems.
Larena M. - 75 years young
76 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-18 19:45:55
Answer/Reply:
zantac works for me
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-22 11:33:29
Answer/Reply:
Why are you taking 325 mg..? 81mg would be good enough.. I myself and several friends just take the 81mg. their are times when I have to stop and just take the plavix do to too much bleeding in the gums.
58 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-29 16:11:19
Answer/Reply:
I have to take plavix and 325 mg of asprin as a result of a heart attack. I had stomach problems after starting the asprin regimen, I talked to my pharmacist and switched for regular asprin to coated or enteric asprin and the problems stopped. I was told by both my doctor and the pharmacist that problem with taking antacids on a regular basis is it may slow the absorbtion of your medications due to the acid neutralizing properties of the antacids, I recommend switching to a coated asprin, see if that helps and if it doesn't then discuss the problem with doctor.
51 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-30 00:52:32
Answer/Reply:
I started taking prilosec 12/27/08 for acid reflux, 3/10/09 I had a heart attack and they put 2 stents in. My cardiologist has me on Plavix, 325 Ecotrin, Lipitor, Ramipril, Coreg and Fish Oil. He told me to continue on the prilosec, I haven't had any problems - - -
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-31 16:13:46
Question/Comment:
i have been on plavix for 3 months and i have a very severe case of bruising my doctor says its normal please give some insight on this and is this normal I was thinking about going off of it i am taking plavix and 325 mg asprin
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-28 22:08:43
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I do too
Posted: 2009-03-03 21:43:25
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Plavix since 2004, following a series of TIA's (mini-strokes). Taking Plavix and 325 mg aspirin ( both blood thinners) can cause severe bleeding. Try taking one or the other, or decrease your aspirin to one 81 mg (baby aspirin) plus your Plavix. Make sure you let your doctor know and make sure he thinks this is proper. My bleeding has become very minimal since changing the medicines.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 19:06:11
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have been on plavix for almost 2 years and have had NO problems. You might just have weak cappillaries and bruise easily.
Posted: 2009-03-06 09:15:03
Answer/Reply:
Yes this is normal. I have been on Plavix for 5 years. I was taking 325 mg of asprin with it. After about a year, I was cut down to 81 mg of asprin. That seem to cut down on the bruising but you do still bruise easily. Both Plavix and asprin are blood thinners and so you bruise easily. Don' t come off your Plavix unless your doctor tells you to.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-06 09:59:18
Answer/Reply:
I hate my husband on Plavix because of the bruising. I feel that this is not normal to thin someones blood out this much. My husband take his Plavix,81 mg of aspirin and inderal also and the doctors told him that it is okay and he needed to take it for the rest of his life or he could die. The doctors have him so scared to even miss a dose. I feel that with the aspirin and the inderal to keep the blood thin is more then enough.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-11 13:03:46
Answer/Reply:
my doctor took me off plavix because it was doing nore damage than good
70 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-23 15:58:45
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Don't ever simply stop Plavix without your physician advising such. I have been on it for 7 months now and have had my share of negative side effects. The bruising seemed to subside some after 3-4 months, but I am only taking 81 mg of aspirin. The aspirin could also be contributing to that, but again, check with your doctor. My experience has been sometimes you have to repeatedly complain about the same thing for the docs to really hear you. Again -- don't change a medicine as critically important as Plavix without first consulting your physician!
Posted: 2009-03-12 11:50:52
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Hello Dear , my name is Norman and I had double by-pass open heart surgery about five years ago . Yes , this is normal as I too bruise very easily as I too asked my doctor and he told me it's normal . It also takes a long time for my blood to clot if I cut myself and am taking Toprol XL 25 MG ( 3 ) . Also I'm taking 81MG Johnson's Aspirin . Been on these since my operation .
Posted: 2009-03-16 23:45:51
Answer/Reply:
I was taking aspirin and plavix also...But was cut down to..81mg aspirin..from 325mg .am doing much better now...wish you the best...
61 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-23 16:58:28
Answer/Reply:
Had the same thing with the bruising. Sometimes when I hit my hand the whole thing get black and Blue. Seems to have eased up some so am not concerned about it. Am more concerned about the consequences of not taking Plavix
69 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-23 18:40:16
Answer/Reply:
I experienced the same severe bruising. My doctor lowered my asprin to 81 mg. I still have severe bruising.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-24 23:06:35
Answer/Reply:
My doctor had me on Plavix & baby Aspirin which is a much smaller dose than what you are taking. I think baby aspirin is about 82 mg.
I had to stop the Aspirin, the bruising almost went away completely.
Maybe ask your doctor again how to stop the bruising?
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-25 15:17:02
Answer/Reply:
I too am taking Plavix and 325mg aspirin. Both thin the blood and make you more likely to bruise. I was able to convince the Dr. to let me take Plavix every other day and this seems to have helped with the bruising although I do still bleed readily when cut. I too am a patient not a professional!
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-25 19:51:38
Answer/Reply:
I have been on plavix for over 3 years and yes your doctor is correct on the bruising part but I would ask if you can drop to 81mg asprine instead of the 325mg. That is what my doctor recommended and I had a serve heart attack back in 2006 and when I switch the asprine dose my bruising became less.
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-26 15:26:14
Answer/Reply:
My husband takes Plavix, When he started he also took asprin but only 80mg. Maybe your asprin dosage should be reduced. He has never had any bruising with his.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-26 19:43:19
Answer/Reply:
I was 50 when I had my first small heart attack and didn't know what was wrong. I had been taking Zocor for high cholestrol for few months as my cholestrol level was high. I just felt real bad and wanted to sleep so I went to Doctor and they couldn't find my pulse, No joke. Had to take blood to find the pulse. She took me off my cholestrol medicine and I was having muscle weakness and put me on strong antibiotic like for walking phenumonia. Well it worked for good 8 months till i started getting chest pains. Had to have triple by bass before I was 51. I recament that u lower your aspirin intake and if you'r on I bphofron get off them. 81gram Baby aspirin is enough but also Please have your cholestrol checked ASAP. Especially your LDL and Triclycrides. Hope this helps. I didn't start Plavix till after my Surgery and that was 11 years ago. GOOD LUCK.
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-28 23:29:22
Answer/Reply:
50 year old woman. I have been on Plavix for six years and have had no bruising. You should not be taking 325mg aspirin as it is thinning out your blood to much, You could also be causing your stomach to bleed, which could land you in the hospital for a blood transfusion.
67 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-29 23:20:05
Answer/Reply:
I was the same when I first started taking plavix and my dr told me to cut back on the asprin to 80mg and take everyother day hope this helps
68 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-30 14:12:50
Answer/Reply:
I have been on plavix for 5 yrs along with the 325 aspirin. I do not have excessive bruising and quite truthfully would not want to go off plavix based on what I have read...I would reconsider your thoughts about going off either one or both...good luck.
60 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-30 18:37:26
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Plavix 75 mg and 2 baby aspirin per day for five months.I also do bruise more easily and of course bleed with the smallest nick or cut. However, I would think that this is better than getting a blod clot which could end our lives.
75 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-02 12:42:35
Answer/Reply:
I am taking Plavix 75 mg and have been since 7/2003 when I suffered a massive stroke. I take 81 mg aspirin as well.. Get in touch with your cardiologist and discuss lowering the aspirin dosage. Don't stop taking meds without your doctor's advice. Are you having blood test done? Again, your doctor should be doing this. Lab tests should be PT, PTT, APTT AND FIBRINOGEN. the results from thes should direct your doctor as to how to manage your meds.
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-02 12:53:59
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Plavix since Oct 2003. I also take 325mg aspirin. It takes nothing for me to have this huge bruuises. It usually takes at least 2 weeks for them to go away. I would talk to my doctor before getting off of any meds. I've asked my doctor in the past about the bruises. He says that it is normal. I always bruise on my fore arms and hands. I look like something out of a horror movie! My bruises can be 3 or 4 inches in size. I am going to ask the doc about lowering my aspirin. I had 5 stents installed in 9 months. I'll probably be on both meds for the rest of my life.
53 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-04 19:45:56
Question/Comment:
I am a 45 yr old and 2 yrs ago, was diagnoised as having PAD, 1 1/2 yrs. ago i had fem-fem bipass surgery, which helped i had 98% blockage in both my legs. I now have 87% blood flow (and can walk again). I havebeen on plavix since my by-pass, the main problem i'm having is excessive bleeding (nearly hemmoring) They thought that i was premenapausal but after being put on progesterine for 6 mths, with no change, They took me off of the progestrine. I would love to know (since they wont do a hystrectomy because of the synthitic artery they put across my abdomen), what i could possibly do to stop the bleeding???
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-13 22:11:03
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I was 41 when I had abd bi fem bypass. Have been taking Plavix ever since. Did have right coronary stent put in after that. Do you think the med is doing what it claims?? Or could it be that I am the walking dead.
Posted: 2009-02-21 09:36:55
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Anytime you are on PLavix you are going to have Hemmorage like bleeding, you need to report this to your physicians immediately and demand answers.
You can look up and meds on a website called www.pdr.com put in the med you are requsting information on and it will tell you what you need to know.
Posted: 2009-02-23 15:14:47
Question/Comment:
I wonder if any of my medications cause hair loss? Expecially plavix.
78 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-06 12:50:07
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
If you are on others meds that can cause you to have a over abundance of male hormones being produced can then cause you to have hair loss
Posted: 2009-02-23 15:12:19
Answer/Reply:
I haven't heard that Plavix causes hair loss, but I have had the experience with a blood pressure pill called Norvasc.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 18:05:56
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I just stopped taken plavix, but had taken it for the past 5 years and did
not loose any of my hair. My hair grows very rapidly and I can tell you there is
no worry about loosing your hair!
Posted: 2009-03-19 13:00:18
Question/Comment:
I wonder if any of my medications cause hair loss?
78 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-06 12:49:12
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
To much male hormaones is what causes hair loss, I worked for Bosley Hair restoration. There is a couple things you can do, depending on where your hair loss is, in the crown use Rogaine, if on the top hair transplantation. Rubbing a onion and all the other home remedies DO NOT WORK!
Posted: 2009-02-23 15:07:22
Answer/Reply:
My husbands been on Plavix for 3 years now and he has not lost any hair that I have seen.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-11 12:57:48
Question/Comment:
Can anyone tell me why Plavix causes joint and back pain?. Thank you for your time. jo.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-31 09:59:59
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
My PDR claims there are flulike symptoms, are these the joint pains you are having?
Posted: 2009-02-23 15:10:08
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Chuck Labowski
20497 Spartansburg Hwy.
Corry, Pa. 16407
Posted: 2009-02-24 16:27:21
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Plavix for over two years now and I can guarantee you that it causes back and joint aches among other things.. Good luck with it, in time it seems to decrease for me, but I do have some flair ups.. Take care, Norman
40 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-04 06:56:20
Answer/Reply:
I am a 75-year-old male. I take Simvastatin, Plavix, Metropolol, Taztia and Nexium. I also take an Enteric Coated Aspirin (325mg).
I recently had a coated stent put in and it was after the stenting that I was placed on Plavix by the cardiac surgeon, who placed the stent, and on Metropolol by my local cardiologist who referred me for the procedure.
I have been taking various calcium blocker blood pressure medications for at least 20-years without any discernible side effects. One of the newly prescribed drugs, Plavix or Metropolol, is causing painful aches in my back leg muscles between the knee and hip.
I read in another website that one person reduced their intake of Plavix from one-a-day to one every three days and found relief from pain. I'm going to try it, just to see if it is the Plavix that is the villain. If so, I will consult with my doctors about a possible solution. Unless, of course, it is dangerous to reduce medication, then I'll just wait and consult.
76 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-08 18:42:37
Answer/Reply:
Please always consult your Doctor before making any changes to your medications, despite anything you have heard even if it was from another doctor. Only your doctor has your complete history and knows why he has prescribed what he has and in this particular way. What you could do is get a second opinion from another qualified cardiologist if you don't trust your current doctors prognosis or treatment plan. But don't do anything without the qualified recommendations because your condition is serious, and changes could result in serious, even life threatening consequences unless supervised by a qualified physician! Good luck to you, I am on Plavix as well as other drugs that have negative side effects as well, and I can sympathize with you as the conditions that Plavix treats we don't really feel, so they don't seem as important as the side effects that we do feel! But going off or changing doses could cause a clot in which the results will be felt! Blessings to you!
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-12 23:51:32
Question/Comment:
5 stent put in me take plavix for 1 mo.doc said smoking and stent no good
68 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-29 17:05:14
Question/Comment:
On Jan 18, 2009 I had a heart attack. There was 90% blockage. On Jan 19 a stent was put in.
I was put on Plavix and at the same time my Aspirin was increased from 81 mg to 325 mg per day.
My question is, is it safe to take 325 mg aspirin with Plavix?
68 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-23 17:47:00
Answer/Reply:
Timing couldn't have been better. Just this week I recieved info from my mothers Vascular Doctor on Plavix. My mother is 75, 3 yrs ago she had stents put in and was placed on plavix as well as ecotrin. Normal amount of time to be on this drug is upto 6 months because plavix is also a blood thinner
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-29 20:03:52
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
i was taking 325 to with plavix for about 3 months. then cut down to 81 again 325 causes mor brusing
Posted: 2009-03-04 13:56:50
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I had 5 stents put in in 2003. I have been taking Plavix and 325 mg aspirin ever since. I keep an aching back. I bruise very easily. Most of the time I don't have to bump myself to bruise. I'll probably be on both of these meds for the rest of my life. I hate the bruises. They look like something out of a horror movie! My doctor says that I don't have a choice. I suffer from angina pains. I also take a lot of nitrates.
Posted: 2009-03-13 17:55:25
Question/Comment:
What is the name of the generic medicine for Plavix?
78 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-04 12:28:00
Answer/Reply:
Clopivas is same as Plavix. Clopivas is Indian manufacturer.
72 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-04 18:06:50
Answer/Reply:
I might add that Clopivas is manufactured by the India company Cipla, they are long time reputable company since 1931. There are other various names that are the same as Plavix available in other countries also. All are cost of pennies as compared to Plavix in the US which is still under protected patent law and is product of French company, Sanofi-aventis and US Bristol Meyers Squibb.
72 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-04 22:27:02
Answer/Reply:
Thanks for the Clopivas info.
78 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-05 12:39:00
Answer/Reply:
The Generic name is CLOPIDOGREL
79 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-10 09:45:44
Answer/Reply:
Clopidogrel. Hair thining may be or is it an age thing,? I hear Lansoprazole causes hair loss, getting old is not for wimps!
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-27 14:37:43
Question/Comment:
on Plavix 3.5 years and my groin itches and nothing stops it until I stop the Plavix,this hashappened many times and every time I stop the Plavix the itching stops within a day or two
72 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-02 12:44:27
Question/Comment:
I am a diabetic (amaryl), I have anxiety/panic attacks(Xanax) and on Nov 26, 2008 I had a mild heart attack and had two stents put in-I also had a leaky mitral valve which my heart Dr said fixed itself when the stents were put in, I now also take Plavix-atenolol-lisinopril-simvastin-I also have high blood pressure. and I also take 81 mg asprin.How safe is all the medications I take, and is there anything I might need to know that my DR. did not tell me?
52 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-03 16:10:09
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
First of all I have been using Plavix since 2001 and it has helped me control anginal episodes. But weakness, rashes in feet and dizziness were accompanied by it. With Plavix, I have been using Atenolol which has been the major cause of Dizziness. The dosage of Atenolol has been reduced from 100 mg to 25 mg which has given me some control to handle my self.
Qamrul Khanson
Posted: 2009-01-19 19:30:50
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
First of all I have been using Plavix since 2001 and it has helped me control anginal episodes. But weakness, rashes in feet and dizziness were accompanied by it. With Plavix, I have been using Atenolol which has been the major cause of Dizziness. The dosage of Atenolol has been reduced from 100 mg to 25 mg which has given me some control to handle my self.
Posted: 2009-01-19 19:31:35
Question/Comment:
Dr. Linus Pauling M.D. has been ranked among the top 20 scientists of all time. He is the world's only Two-time Unshared Nobel Prize winner. http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1962/pauling-bio.html
Just about every marker of cardiovascular disease, arterial damage, high blood cholesterol levels, low HDL levels, high levels of oxidized cholesterol, thick blood are all improved by adequate vitamin C intake.
A MUST read for heart disease- http://paulingtherapy.com/
55 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-21 13:54:23
Answer/Reply:
Are you taking Linus Pauling's products mentioned on his web site, and has it helped you or anybody you know?
I would appreciate a reply...
66 year old Male
Posted: 2009-02-28 22:23:01
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Good post..
Posted: 2009-03-20 10:32:13
Question/Comment:
Is anyone aware of the bullitin that was put out last week on the MSNBC web site regarding taking Plavix and stomach med's such as Protonix, Nexium et al together? The bullitin I recall warned that taken together it substantially increased the possibility of heart attack and or stroke?
65 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-21 00:15:00
Question/Comment:
A generic was offered for Plavix about 2 years ago, however after a lawsuit it was taken off the market.
73 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-18 21:10:29
Question/Comment:
After a few months on Plavix, I started experiencing extreme pain in my hips and knees. I also experienced tingling and numbness in my hands and sometimes in my feet. Also bouts of nausea, bowel problems, dizziness and feeling faint. I had my wife to check online for possible side effects for all my medicines, and all the above were listed as side effects of Plavix. I asked my G.P. and he had me to stop taking Plavix for two weeks to see if the symptoms improved (which they did), but he had me to resume taking the medicine because my heart Doctor wanted me to take Plavix for eighteen months after having stents put in 8/07, because two stents overlapped.
60 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-18 15:59:37
Answer/Reply:
Due to a heart attack a year ago, I to am on Plavix along with Metoprolol, Diovan, Pravacol and Aspirin. I am dealing with muscle aches, fatigue, extreme stomach and bowel problems along with chest pain that in the past year has had me running me to the hospital ER eleven times to have my heart checked. The ER doc's and my Cardiologist have all told me that I am not dealing with a further heart problem. I am scheduled to see a Gastro Doc. later this month for tests but after reading your comments, I have to wonder if all of my problems are directly associated with the drugs I take.
65 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-20 23:26:59
Answer/Reply:
Sorry to hear of your problems, I am 40 years old and a little over two years ago I had a stent put in, no heart attack or any symptoms really, but nonetheless, it was still put in me. After being put on drugs, I experienced the exact same problems and was in the hospital several times. I even was checked out at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesotta, The University of Michigan Hospital, and a few other hospitals and they all told me that it was not related to my heart and was "chest wall pain"... Did I believe them? No, do I believe it may be some sort of medical or medicine coverup?? absolutely... But at they say, I have to be on Plavix for life and I just deal, the pains seem to have started to reduce nearly a year after the procedure... However, I do experience the symptoms from time to time... The meds i associate this with are Plavix and possibly baby aspirin. I hope this helps... Take care, Norm
40 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-04 07:07:00
Question/Comment:
71 year old male strted taking plavix 6 years ago have3 had severe symprons muscle weakness
ankle deteriation shortness of breath arms hurting hands numb ect have been taking lots of beta blockers toporal for clestrol quit the clestrol med and feel much better is there any ting to control clestrol besides the normal meds
73 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-17 12:55:14
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
You might try Red Yeast Rice. It is an herbal Suplement. I got my Dr.'s approval and started taking it a few years ago. My numbers have lowered considerably.Plavix can cause hypercholesterolemia a rare side effect but it does occur. 50 yr old female on Plavix for 9 yrs after radiation treatment for a brain tumor caused a stroke.
Posted: 2009-01-15 21:39:40
Question/Comment:
my husband has been on Plavix, metoprolol, pravastatin, 325mg aspirin, fishoil and niacin since March 08 for a stent placed in his coronary artery. Two main issues are the cost of Plavix, and his memory loss since being on meds. He just turned 50, and we have no insurance to cover meds. What do you think about meds from Canada to reduce the cost, and memory loss?
51 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-13 03:52:09
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
hmm
I just came on to look up possible side effects of memory loss
Ever since hospitalization in July for 5 stents and blood clot my Mother
has had dramatic memory loss that is very disturbing to me and her.
Doctor says it is not a side effect of any of her drugs.
but my Mom is pretty sensitive to drugs. My daughter, who is an RN says
it is very possible because people react differently and she is so sensitive.
She was in hospital for 3 weeks because she reacted so much to anesthesia, pain meds, etc.
Anyone else have this experience/
She takes Plavix (Dr said for one year
Coumadin (for the blood clot) hope we can stop this soon
Metroprolol
I've already stopped the statin - i know what that does
Posted: 2008-11-17 16:35:10
Answer/Reply:
I recently switched to using an online pharmacy out of Houston that deals with Canadian pharmaceuticals, and am now taking the generic version of Plavix made in India. There is no difference whatsoever in the way the meds work. I can easily tell when the Plavix is working because I nick myself shaving quite a bit, and when on Plavix the bleeding goes on and on for hours. When not taking Plavix, it would only bleed for a few minutes.
54 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-10 15:29:35
Answer/Reply:
I had happily been buying Plavix from Canada for about half the best US price -- but then a year ago, I read a long article in the San Francisco Chronicle about a company called ProgressiveRx, a non-profit that buys Plavix and other medications made under license by major Indian manufacturers, and sells at amazing prices. I am now buying real Plavix for about $30 for a 90 day supply. A friend who works at Merck confirms it is precisely the same product, made by the Reddy company, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. www.progressiverx.com
--John Bear in California
71 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-26 23:57:06
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have major heart problems and take plavix daily.
I purchase them from "Canada RX" and they are less than half of what
it costs here for them..
I have had no No problems with the quality of the generic brand I am
presently receiving..
You can check the quality of the meds by how much you bruise..
Posted: 2008-12-31 16:43:02
Answer/Reply:
You may want to go to www.needymeds.com for some help with getting drugs for nothing or next to nothing. Another useful website to consider is www.freemedicine.com. There is some charge associated with this latter site. You might also go to the manufacturer of your medications to see if the participate in the Prescription Assistance Program or PAP. There are some income/resource limitations with these programs, but they certainly are worth a look.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-23 11:44:41
Answer/Reply:
Hi. I'm 49, had my heart attack at 48, both branches of the LAD (?) 90% blocked. Almost identical drug regimen as your hubby, minus the fish oil & niacin and plus lisinopril.
I participate in the PAP from Bristol-Meyers Squibb. Through PAP, I receive my Plavix free. It's delivered in 90 day increments to my local GP, but I do have to remember (eeps!) to call about 2 weeks before I run out for them to make the delivery on time.
Call 1-800-736-0003 or visit www.plavix.com
[One caveat: Be certain to turn in dated paperwork promptly so that they don't reject it as "outdated."]
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-27 07:01:22
Answer/Reply:
I am on Plavix, lisinopril, Lipitor, and Coreg for my heart and Meloxicam and Tramadol for arthritic pain as well as Nexium for acid reflux, Fexofenadine for allergies, Trazodone for sleep, Aricept for Alzheimer's, and was taking Bupropion for depression. I had several bouts of spontaneous high BP and almost fainting and head aches. There were no reasons found in testing. My memory was also a real problem for me and I was diagnosed with early stage Altzheimer's. After several med change trials it seems the Bupropion in combination with many of the others was my big problem. I quit it and am doing much better now with my memory, no high BP bouts, and the head aches are gone. Too many medications for Too many problems causes more problems.
64 year old Male
Posted: 2009-02-18 21:54:16
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am on Plavix, Metoprol, Protonix, crestor, zetia, asprin 81 mg. multi- vitamins, advair diskus, and pro-air. 2 years ago, I was taking coreg instead of metoprol and was experiencing memory loss.I ask my GP if he thought there was a problem with any of my meds? He didn't know so he sent me to have a MRI and a specialist. Everything was fine. A month before that, my cardiologist had taken me off of Coreg and I noticed my memory was getting better. I asked him if it could have been the Coreg and he said it was possible but he really didn't know for sure. I take Metoprol now and am doing well with it. My memory is back to normal. Ask your cardiologist if you can try a different heart med and see if it works for you.
Posted: 2009-03-06 10:38:36
Answer/Reply:
I am 53 and also had a stent placed in me in Sept. of 2008, and also was prescribed Plavix, and have no prescription coverage, and likewise couldn't afford the Plavix. I have been buying the Generic equivalent made in India and sold through a Canadian company to an online pharmacy that in turn sells to me. My cost went from $149 a month for the Plavix, to $22 a month for the Indian generic. I can tell the stuff works fine, because I still bleed for hours if I nick myself shaving.
I don't know about the memory loss issue you report. Don't know of any link between statins or anti-coagulant drugs that would cause memory loss.
54 year old Male
Posted: 2009-02-19 06:34:03
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
.Go to www.freemedicine.com....They may be able to help.....depend on income....
Posted: 2009-03-02 10:43:06
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Plavix since receiving 3 defective coated stents over three years ago. So now we are guinea pigs for a study on the effects of long term Plavix use. A generic version made it into the pipe line about a year ago, but quickly dried up once the folks making Plavix filed litigation to stop the generic. Fortunately I am on a perscription plan - but it is time for congress and the courts to straighten out this mess before people suffer further while manufacturers follow the money.
I could not comment on the memory issue. Like most, I am on an array of medications and who knows if any one , or a combination is causing a problem.
60 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-02 14:08:53
Answer/Reply:
Many meds are FREE (through the company who makes them) if you can't afford them and if you qualify! I was getting free BP meds until I became eligible for Medicare. Get the name of the company that makes the meds and call them. They will send you a form which the doctor will sign and send in for you. The meds will be sent to your doctor who will then give them to you. I'm surprised the doctor didn't tell you. Some doctors even have the forms. You might ask your doctor about it or the pharmacist. It may be possible to apply on-line once you know the Company that makes them. Good luck....
70 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-02 14:33:56
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