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Home / Heart Disease / Coronary Artery Disease / Plavix Side Effects – What To Expect
Plavix Side Effects

Plavix Side Effects – What To Expect

July 11, 2014 by Dr. Mustafa Ahmed 52 Comments

Plavix is the trade name of the drug clopidogrel and is basically an anti-blood clotting agent. One of the ways blood clots form is by lots of little cells called platelets sticking together. Plavix acts on platelets to stop them sticking together so easily, therefore helping to prevent the formation of clots. Common reasons to have been started on Plavix include recent heart attack, placement of a stent in the heart, certain types of stroke, and peripheral artery disease. A main aim of the medicine being started is to prevent these bad events from happening again. The role of Plavix in people who have not had an event is less clear. Although most people wont experience Plavix side effects, it is important to be aware of them as in some cases, Plavix side effects may require them to discontinue the medication.

 Plavix Side Effects – Bleeding

 Of course, the major concern with a medication that helps thin the blood is bleeding. When we look at the large trials that studied Plavix and Plavix side effects, the following was seen. In one trial up to 2 in every 100 patients (2%) taking Plavix had a bleed in their GI tract with half of those patients (1%) requiring hospitalization for that. The risk of this goes up when aspirin is taken at the same time, which is often the case. In those taking aspirin and Plavix together the risk of GI bleeding went up to 3 in every 100 (3%) patients taking the drugs. The risk of a bleed in to the brain is similar in those taking aspirin and Plavix, and is around 1 patient in every 200 taking the drug being the highest rates reported with other trials suggesting the rate is nearer to 1 patient in 500 taking the drug. Bleeding spots / Bruising in the skin was noted in up to 5% of patients and nose bleeds noted in up to 3% of patients. This is of course likely higher in patients taking aspirin and Plavix together and also in patients taking anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDS. One other thing to note is that in trials patients are carefully selected and monitored, it is possible that Plavix side effects such as rates of bleeding in a real world setting are even higher.

 The bottom line is that be aware that if prescribed Plavix that you may have a higher risk of bleeding which although relatively still small should be treated with respect given the sheer number of people taking Plavix and therefore likely to have Plavix side effects. Factors such as a bleeding history and other risk factors for bleeding should be discussed thoroughly with the prescribing physician and be taken in to account before committing to any procedure that requires Plavix to be taken after it. Measures should be taken to minimize the risk. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough.

Plavix Side Effects – Other Than Bleeding 

Other side effects associated with Plavix may include diarrhea, indigestion and stomach pains. There is a long list of Plavix side effects that occur in less than 1 in 100 people taking the medication and an even longer list that occur in less than 1 in 1000 people taking the complication. These include allergic reactions, shortness of breath, and weakness. Clicking on the following link will take you to the package insert prescribing information for Plavix that contains this long list of uncommon and rare side effects.

 Plavix Side Effects – What To Do If You Think You Have A Side Effect

Given the fact Plavix is such a highly prescribed medication, there will always be people that have, or are concerned they have Plavix side effects. Of course in some cases, the people will tolerate these effects more than others. In every case of concern this should be discussed with the prescribing doctor. If the side effect is troublesome, the only way to know for sure if Plavix is causing the symptoms is to have a trial of stopping the medication, however in some cases, for example after stent placement this is not possible, although there are often alternatives. Fortunately Plavix side effects are not common. Often Plavix is prescribed on an emergency basis, so the patient should always discuss with their doctor before discontinuing the medication as doing so without taking due consideration can be life threatening.

 

Other links you may like to read

Heart Blockages

Amlodipine Side Effects

 

 

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Filed Under: Coronary Artery Disease, General Health

Comments

  1. Virna says

    April 28, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    How long should shortness of breath last if taking plavix. .is it only temporary. .thanks

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      May 3, 2018 at 4:02 am

      likely not due to plavix, please discuss soon with the prescribing dr

      Reply
      • Marty says

        February 7, 2019 at 11:29 am

        Why do doctors keep denying that Plavix causes shortness of breath? I just came off Plavix and my shortness of breath disappeared. I was plagued by this for a year. Four trips to emerg. All the Cardiologists and other doctors denied it was Plavix.

        Reply
        • Tom says

          September 6, 2022 at 6:14 pm

          Because they plain and simply don’t know. They’re not taking it so how would they?

          Reply
    • terry says

      May 21, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      Shortness of breath and weakness can occur on plavix. Get a second opinion for another Doctor. Good luck

      Reply
    • terry says

      May 21, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      Virna, Shortness of breath and weakness can occur on plavix. Get a second opinion for another Doctor. Good luck. Are your symptoms improving?

      Reply
    • Brigid says

      February 9, 2019 at 2:40 pm

      My husband is also experiencing shortness of breath since being on Plavix for 3 weeks. He just had the Watchman inserted 3 weeks ago due to his atrial fib, he has to take Plavix for another 3 months. We are relieved to hear he is not the only one experiencing this, now we know what the culprit is. Glad we found this site.

      Reply
      • Mary Isenberg says

        March 17, 2021 at 1:05 pm

        My husband was on Plavix when he got a stent 3 years ago. He was short of breath and when he stopped Plavix it went away. He just got another stent last month. Back on Plavix and the shortness of breath is back. I don’t know why the doctors insist Plavix does not cause shortness of breath

        Reply
  2. thomas says

    May 21, 2018 at 3:13 am

    Blood problem developed 6 weeks after DES and plavix. Hemoglobin dropped to 5.1, then 4 blood transfusions over 2 weeks. Off plavix after 7 weeks, back on baby aspirin instead. Hematologist told it was ‘recent occurrence’, ‘no pathology’, ‘hemolysis identified’, ‘bone marrow suppressed as immature RBC being destroyed early’… Do I go off plavix permanently? Am I allergic/intolerant to it? I am now very weakened in muscles, legs. Do I need alternate medicine for stent placed 2 months ago? Please advise. Thank you

    Reply
  3. Nancy Bettendorf says

    May 22, 2018 at 2:55 am

    Taking 75mg Plavix since Feb. 23, 2018 after Aorta surgery. Since the end of April I have have experienced stomach gas and bloating, and dull pain. Could it be from the Plavix?

    Reply
    • Bill Maegerlein says

      January 13, 2019 at 4:11 pm

      I’ve had the same issue, stomach more so than intestinal gas. This has made it hard to breathe at times.

      Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 28, 2019 at 1:07 pm

      I’m having the same issue. Excessive gas and bloating. I went off it for about a month just to see if it was the cause and sure enough as soon as I started back it’s back. Wondering about just trying the aspirin.

      Reply
  4. Jim Allred says

    May 28, 2018 at 6:37 am

    Before stent(95% blockage Right Coronary artery) & placed on Brilantin? could not breath well.Tried 4 or 5 days breathing worse than befor stent.Was switched to Plavis and am still having shortness of breath.Could it be i cannot tolerate these two drugs?Been on plavix 2 weeks & still shorter of breath than before getting the stent.

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      June 4, 2018 at 7:02 am

      Whereas brilinta is often associated with a sensation of shortness of breath, plavix is not typically, i suggest you bring these symptoms up with the prescribing physician.

      you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
    • Judy jacobsen says

      August 12, 2018 at 4:24 am

      I am on plavix after having four stents put in. I feel horrible because I am so short of breath. My legs feel much better, but im so short of breath it really scares me

      Reply
      • DPurdy says

        September 11, 2018 at 7:31 pm

        lwhat does doctor tell you?

        Reply
      • Gayle says

        October 28, 2018 at 5:54 pm

        My husband has shortness of breath and sick to his stomach on this drug. We are moving to alternative medicine.

        Reply
        • Kay patterson says

          January 3, 2019 at 6:01 am

          What medicine did you switch to?

          Reply
        • Victoria May Sabeto says

          March 21, 2020 at 2:01 pm

          Can you please help us by sharing what you know as an alternative to these horrible drugs

          Reply
    • DIANE DULSKY says

      March 18, 2021 at 8:52 am

      Had STEMI from 99% blockage RCA..Both Brilenta and Plabix gave me SOB..Out of work for 7 weeks..Doctor kept saying it was not Plavix. I told them I was going off it as he was talking about doing another cath. He finally changed me to Effient and after 48 hours of being off plavix I can finally breath..feels like a weight lifted off my chest..back to work in a few days..

      Reply
  5. Margarita says

    October 3, 2018 at 2:56 am

    Can plavix cause fatigue ?
    How many days after stopping Plavix it gets out of the blood system ? I understand for Aspitin is 10. Is it the same for Plavix?

    Reply
  6. Margarita says

    October 3, 2018 at 3:00 am

    Can Llavix cause weakness ?
    How long after stopping does it take for Plavix to leave the blood ?
    I understand for Aspitin is 10 days. Is it the same for Plavix?

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      October 3, 2018 at 4:33 am

      Plavix likely stays in some capacity for up to 7 days, most the effect is gone after 5

      you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
  7. Ange says

    October 27, 2018 at 5:19 pm

    My Dad had a stroke in January and was prescribed Clopidogral which I believe is the same as Plavix. He was on the drug for 4 months and then started to get very breathless. He does have asbestosis but up until April did not have any symptoms other than a cough. Could the Clopidogral have caused him to now be on oxygen 24-7? It just seems strange that within 4 months of taking this drug he has become so poorly and unable to walk due to extreme difficulty breathing. Your professional advice would be very helpful.

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      November 3, 2018 at 4:36 am

      I have not heard of plavix leading to respiratory distress, it would be necessary to rule out other causes first.

      you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
      • Edward Chase says

        February 14, 2019 at 2:14 pm

        Your reading all about it from people taking Plavix.

        Reply
  8. Gayle says

    October 28, 2018 at 6:02 pm

    Plavix is terrible. My husband experiences stomach bloating, gas, pain. Goes to sleep within an hour of taking it. He is short of breath. Don’t let anyone tell you this drug does not have side effects like this, my husband and all of you are experiencing them. We go to an acupuncturist. She is educated in Chinese medicine and has herbs that thin the blood with no side effects like Plavix. Our PCP is knowledgeable in alternative medicine and will be working with our acupuncturist in this transition to get off Plavix and off Lipitor. And she has herbs that control blood pressure. There are options out there that are not Western medicine. You may be paying out of pocket for the herbs, but so what if you feel better. Quality of life!

    Reply
  9. Kay patterson says

    January 3, 2019 at 5:59 am

    I had a rental stent put in December 19th. I have fibromuscular dysplasia.I had hypertension. No other health problems. No shortness of breath , no headaches nothing. My doctor started on plavix for stent and every since I have had shortness of breath , headaches and weakness. No one can tell me these are not side effects of plavix. Blood pressure is down after 4 years, but now I feel worse than I have ever felt. 52 years old

    Reply
    • Bill Maegerlein says

      January 13, 2019 at 4:14 pm

      Same problem, stent placed May 21, shortness of breath especially after taking plavix and for a few hours afterwords. Usually subsided. Stomach gas as well which i think contributes to the shortness of breath.

      Reply
  10. Ella Linman says

    February 12, 2019 at 10:33 am

    Hi, my mother has had a number of stents put in recently and was put on plavix, a month later got Pneumonia which I found can be a side effect – since then has had a shortness of breath, further research shows that plavix can interact with other tablets such as Rosuvatatin (which she is on) and even multivitamins which she takes as well. There seems to be a denial that plavix causes breathing issues but yet here we are dealing with breathing issues since being placed on plavix.

    Reply
  11. pravin shah says

    March 5, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    hi am on lipitor 40mg two tabs a day plus rivaroxaban 15mg also with nebilrt 5mg with i tablet plavix a day
    i hope i am on the right medicine , although i feel muscular pain with some headache.
    after having a mild attack i was put on these above medicine

    Reply
  12. Robert Colwell says

    March 8, 2019 at 8:26 pm

    Hi I had a stroke in February 2016 and was put on plavix and have been experiencing shortness of breath and weakness but my gp has told me it’s not plavix I’m going to book appointment to get of this medication it’s slowly killing me

    Reply
    • William Kelley says

      May 4, 2019 at 8:10 pm

      Robert. Going Thur same thing. I’m going to stop taking Plavix and hope to see if that’s what is slowly killing me.

      Reply
  13. William Kelley says

    May 4, 2019 at 8:02 pm

    Was placed on Plavix after receiving one stent on 3-1-19. As of today I am so weak that I can barely walk Shortness of breath Loss of balance My thinking is not clear and my speaking is often slow It’s the only thing that’s different in what I take It’s slowly killing me As of today I’m not taking another pill

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      May 20, 2019 at 4:19 am

      Stopping cold after a stent is not a good idea, make an emergent appointment with the treating dr, discuss the symptoms and if need be discuss the alternative options. stopping cold can place you at risk of stent issues.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
      • Herb says

        July 31, 2019 at 11:05 pm

        Just got off plavix today after taking 18 months, makes me tired and I bruise so easily, just have to take 81mg aspirin.

        Reply
  14. Beverly says

    July 13, 2019 at 1:06 pm

    After a six way heart bypass surgery 7 months ago, I was put on 100 mg a day of metoprolol (I believe another name for Plavex). My blood pressure nunbers were so low, my doctor reduced the dosage to 50 mg a day a month ago. Ever since I have been on this drug, I have been extremely cold. This is sumertime, and I am bundled up in quilts to be able to sleep. My joints ache to the bone and I am very tired. I was told by a friend that she had similar symptoms to Plavex. I see that fever is a possible side effect to this drug. Are my chills, coldness and tiredness also possible side effects to this?
    I am a classical musician wishing to get back my trade. My freezing fingers make this very difficult.

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      August 1, 2019 at 6:08 am

      Metoprolol is different to plavix. It is a beta blocker drug, it can be discussed with the prescribing physician if the symptoms are so badn an alternative is needed either of the same or a different class.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
      • Victoria May Sabeto says

        March 21, 2020 at 1:55 pm

        I also have shortness of breath, weakness after being on plavix and aspirin for a stent I had done 5 weeks ago. These drugs are killing me and I have been taken to hospital twice in the last 5 weeks because I could not breath. Both times the emergence department has said all my vitals are fine and the second time they sent me home with a asthma puffer and said that should help open my air way. I have now researched And found there is a Law Suit happening against Plavix. I will be urging everyone to go back to your doctor and let them know what we are all suffering with and get off this killer. We know our body and what’s happening to it better than any doctor and we need to protect ourselves because the Doctors keep telling us it is not the plavix and we know it is.

        Reply
  15. Rosa Pruitt says

    March 3, 2020 at 8:53 pm

    I had a watchman implant in november. I was put on Eliquis for 3 months. Then i switched to Plavix for 3 months. I am having extreme fatigue since i have started with this medecine and shortness of breath sometimes from walking up stairs. I am told that i have to take this medication until end of May. Are there alternatives?

    Reply
  16. Karen says

    December 10, 2020 at 8:47 am

    My husband started on Clopidogral he has been on these for 3 weeks and he feel worse then before he is very tired and short of breath and fuzzy headed

    Reply
  17. Karen shepp says

    December 10, 2020 at 8:47 am

    My husband started on Clopidogral he has been on these for 3 weeks and he feel worse then before he is very tired and short of breath and fuzzy headed

    Reply
  18. Gary Martin says

    December 28, 2020 at 9:33 am

    I had a heart attack on September 9, 2020. I drove myself to the hospital, which by the way is two miles away. I was in the ER around an hour when I went into cardiac arrest. It took the medical team six minutes to revive me. I was told that I was shocked three times during that six minute period. Once I was stable, I was rushed to the cath lab where I had a cardiac catheterization. I was told by the doctor during the procedure that my left anterior descending artery, AKA, the widow maker was 100% occluded. They placed a drug eluting stent into that artery and was successful in opening the artery. To comment on plavix, this drug also causes shortness of breath, tiredness, and gastrointestinal issues when I take this medication, which I have to take for a year due to stent placement. To those of you who are having issues with this drug; try to hang in there until your regiment is completed.

    Reply
  19. Teresa Hoops says

    February 21, 2021 at 6:13 pm

    Yes!! Had a stent in my leg in December and put on Plavix.
    Cant breathe, stomach cramps..bloating..
    I am useless and can’t do anything. My Dr looks at me like I’m crazy when I tell him!!
    Can’t live like this!!

    Reply
  20. Babs says

    April 9, 2021 at 10:42 am

    It’s like they will not blame any side effects on plavix. I’m having horrible headaches and leg discomfort and no energy since being put on it I’m Dec. I feel terrible

    Reply
  21. MArg Young says

    April 11, 2021 at 8:46 pm

    I’m also having health problems with taking this blood thinners headaches week in the legs like a flu tightness in chest after stent being placed feel worse than before stent placement and taking blood thinners

    Reply
    • Christina says

      December 30, 2021 at 12:41 pm

      I feel the same way. Syomache issues so sever it’s in my chest. My chest hurts so bad I scream in pain. Dr sends me to er every week. They keep saying not heart. It sucks. Got my 1st stents end of August resented in Nov. In sever pain all the time.

      Reply
  22. Tim says

    August 15, 2022 at 5:53 pm

    I have a seperated artery in neck been on plavix blood pressure pill and others my stomach just aches like did 100 sit ups cramps in chest aches in chest poke pain in chest tired sore crampy worse than ever felt before this medicine feels like its causing harm also pain instomach like starving pain but more sore.so weird pains nobody seems to take my symptoms serious enough to stop this crappy drug if it kills me i am going to sue the them .

    Reply
  23. Carole S. says

    August 27, 2022 at 4:46 am

    Had a serious bout of aFib four years ago…Drs put me on Eliquis which not only thinned my blood, it gave me tiredness, confusion, hair loss, severe itching, joint pain, shortness of breath…so I had the Watchman procedure and now I’m on Plavix. Another hellish potion. I definitely have shortness of breath. leg weakness, stomach distress, irregular heartbeat…seems like I’m going around in circles. I don’t know which is worse — the condition or the treatment.

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      September 18, 2022 at 8:28 pm

      After the watchman procedure the plavix should not be in general lifelong unless they’re another indication. Typically patients are on aspirin alone after a few months. Please discuss this with the team that performed the procedure.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
  24. Sharon Schamel says

    August 31, 2022 at 5:24 pm

    I had a subclavian DVT on June 3rd and was hospitalized for 4 days on heparin and then they removed clot and prescribed Eloquis. Two weeks later I had partial rib resection. I had clotted again at that point. The vascular doctor added Plavix. I have microscopic colitis and flares have always been controlled with budesonine. I have been on this for 4 weeks and it has not helped. Can Olavix cause flare in colitis?? The watery diarrhea keeps me up at night. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Charlene says

      September 15, 2022 at 6:12 am

      My dad is experiencing the watery diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues since being placed on Plavix (he also takes an aspirin a day). I mentioned the diarrhea to his doctors and no one flinched at it, and just told me to keep him hydrated. One said there is a bug going around. What is an alternative for him? He had a stent placed 3 weeks ago.

      Reply

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