New studies show that the defective product Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) causes more ulcers and has little or no benefit over aspirin in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Plavix is a blood thinner and has been prescribed in place of and in conjunction with aspirin to help prevent heart attack and strokes. The dangers of Plavix include ulcers, dangerous bleeding, and in some cases a higher risk for heart attack and stroke.
Both Plavix and aspirin help to prevent blood clots by keeping platelets from sticking together. Plavix achieves this effect by inhibiting the production of adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Aspirin works by inhibiting the production of Thromboxane A2 (TXA2).
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommend giving Plavix to patients at risk of developing ulcers, rather than aspirin, because it was believed that Plavix is easier on the stomach. A new study shows that Plavix users have 12 times as many ulcers as patients taking aspirin and a heartburn medication.
Another recent study looked at effect of Plavix combined with aspirin. Aspirin is well known for its ability to help prevent heart attacks. Doctors thought that combining Plavix and aspirin would increase the benefits and lower risks for those who do not respond to aspirin alone. The idea was to prevent heart attacks in high risk patients. The study found that using aspirin and Plavixtogether did not significantly help those with known heart disease, and for those who had no signs of heart disease it nearly doubled heart-related deaths. This study included more than 15,000 patients. Full results of the study can be found in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Based on these recent findings patients are now advised to stick with aspirin alone to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Elizabeth Nabel, director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, says, “Plavix should not be used for prevention. Aspirin alone is sufficient.”
If you or a loved one has suffered side effects, including ulcers, excessive bleeding, heart attack or stroke as a result of taking Plavix, contact an experienced personal injury attorney such as Harvey L. Walner and Associates in Chicago, Illinois today.
