Plavix Lawsuits

Plavix (clopidogrel) is designed to prevent unwanted blood clotting, especially for patients who have had or are at risk for heart attack or stroke. Plavix may also be used for other blood-thinning purposes not directly related to heart attack or stroke prevention. This drug works by preventing blood platelets from sticking together (coagulating) to form clots. It greatly reduces the chance a blood clot will form in the arteries or other blood vessels and clog them, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.
 

Warnings About Plavix

Plavix is designed to prevent your blood from clotting. In some cases this effect can be harmful and may prevent wounds from healing after injury or surgery. Even a minor bleeding injury, such as a small cut, can be fatal if the bleeding does not stop. If a patient taking Plavix suffers an injury that will not stop bleeding, they should get medical assistance immediately.
 

Complications with Bleeding

Bleeding problems may also occur internally. Internal bleeding is often more severe than external bleeding, because blood can pool inside the body and cause damage. It is also more difficult to detect internal bleeding. The most common sites of internal bleeding related to Plavix are in the stomach and intestines. If you have bloody stool, or are coughing or vomiting up blood (it will look similar to coffee grains), you may have internal bleeding associated with Plavix and should get medical assistance. The manufacturer may not have warned sufficiently about the possible side-effects, especially those related to internal bleeding. These risk increase remarkably in those that have previously suffered from ulcers or other gastro-intestinal diseases or injuries. In those with high blood pressure or other circulatory conditions Plavix may actually increase the risk of heart attack or stroke as it may cause damage to the circulatory system. Also, other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and aspirin should not be taken with Plavix as these could increase the risk of side-effects.
 

When Taking Plavix

You should also not use Plavix if you are allergic to clopidogrel or similar drugs. Plavix should also not be taken if you have bleeding or clotting disorder such as thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or hemophilia as your bleeding risk may dramatically increase. It is important to stop taking Plavix as many as five days before surgery or engaging in any activity that will result in bleeding.
 

Plavix and Pregnancy

The FDA has shown that Plavix is not expected to harm an unborn baby, but its effects on breast milk are still unknown. The FDA advises that you should not breastfeed while taking Plavix.
 

Alternatives to Plavix

Given the high risk of injury and even death associated with Plavix, similar heart attack prevention can be achieved using an Asprin or Tylenol regiment or similar drug. Asprin related drugs carry their own risks, including dependency, possible harm to unborn babies and breastfeeding babies, allergic reactions, and impaired thinking and judgment. These alternatives do not carry the same risk of bleeding as Plavix, and may be just as effective at preventing heart attack or stroke.
 

Legal Options

If you have suffered a complication due to taking Plavix, you may be entitled to compensation. Consult an attorney to explore your legal options.