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.
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Comments are purely for informational purposes and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Disclaimer
How long should shortness of breath last if taking plavix. .is it only temporary. .thanks
likely not due to plavix, please discuss soon with the prescribing dr
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.
Shortness of breath and weakness can occur on plavix. Get a second opinion for another Doctor. Good luck
Virna, Shortness of breath and weakness can occur on plavix. Get a second opinion for another Doctor. Good luck. Are your symptoms improving?
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.
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
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?
I’ve had the same issue, stomach more so than intestinal gas. This has made it hard to breathe at times.
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.
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.
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.
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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
lwhat does doctor tell you?
My husband has shortness of breath and sick to his stomach on this drug. We are moving to alternative medicine.
What medicine did you switch to?
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?
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?
Plavix likely stays in some capacity for up to 7 days, most the effect is gone after 5
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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.
I have not heard of plavix leading to respiratory distress, it would be necessary to rule out other causes first.
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Your reading all about it from people taking Plavix.
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!
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
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.
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.
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
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
Robert. Going Thur same thing. I’m going to stop taking Plavix and hope to see if that’s what is slowly killing me.
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
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.
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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.
Just got off plavix today after taking 18 months, makes me tired and I bruise so easily, just have to take 81mg aspirin.
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.
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.