Plavix Risks: Heart Attacks & Strokes
Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) was originally approved by the FDA in 1997 for the treatment of blood clots and to help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The drugs’ manufacturers, Sanofi Synthelabo and Bristol-Myers Squibb, marketed the medication as an alternative to aspirin, and in some cases even advised consumers to take Plavix with Aspirin. The drug is now being watched closely due to reports of severe and life threatening side effects including; heart attacks, strokes, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, TTP blood disorder and even death.
Plavix is used to prevent platelets (a substance found in the blood) from clustering, which in turn helps to stop blood clots from forming. Since it’s approval by the FDA ten years ago, the drug has also been prescribed to help prevent heart attacks, strokes and acute coronary syndrome. In this period of time, Plavix quickly became the second best selling drug on the globe. However, alarming reports of side effects from the medication have been reported to the FDA over the last couple of years. If you or a loved one have experienced any of the following serious side effects as a result of taking Plavix, contact us immediately:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Ulcers
- Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
- Death
- Allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
- Bloody (or black) vomit or stools
- Severe headache, confusion, or dizziness
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding; or
- Bleeding nose
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea or constipation; or
- headache or dizziness
What is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura?
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood condition in which small clots thrombi) begin to develop within the blood circulation, resulting in the consumption of platelets and thus a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Characteristics of the blood disorder are low red blood cell counts, low platelet counts, abnormalities in kidney function, and neurological (nervous system) abnormalities.
Patients with TTP develop many tiny blood clots in vessels that supply blood to many organs of the body. TTP can be fatal when it causes brain or kidney damage. Researchers believe that blood-thinning drugs like Plavix trigger an antibody in susceptible people that causes the formation of platelet and protein clots.
If you or a loved one have experienced any side effects from Plavix contact us immediately at 800-966-4999 to see why our law firm has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.
