Plavix Has a New FDA Warning

Plavix is used because it reduces the chance of heart attack and stroke. It keeps patients from forming clots by affecting platelets in a persons blood. On March 12, 2010 the FDA has issued new warnings regarding this drug. Now the FDA will require a warning that must be placed on the box that:

"Warn about reduced effectiveness in patients who are poor metabolizers of Plavix. Poor metabolizers do not effectively convert Plavix to its active form in the body.

Inform healthcare professionals that tests are available to identify genetic differences in CYP2C19 function.

Advise healthcare professionals to consider use of other anti-platelet medications or alternative dosing strategies for Plavix in patients identified as poor metabolizers."

Apparantly Plavix does not work the same on all people. It depends on whether or not you are able to metabolize it properly. That is why the FDA is suggesting that physicians test their patients or prescribe other drugs. A poor metabolizer can find that the medication does not do what it should do. Therefore, this type of patient would not get the full benefits of the drug. It seems that between 2 to 14% of people are poor metabolizers.

If you are taking Plavix, you need to contact your physician. Don't stop taking any drug that you have been prescribed without consultation with your doctor. Talk with your doctor about the tests that are available that will let you know your CYP2C19 status. CYP2C19 is a liver enzyme that is important to metabolizim. Apparantly the cost of the test to see the CYP2C19 will be around $500.

There is another warning regarding taking Plavix in conjunction with either prescription or over the counter Prilosec. It seems that if Plavix is taken with Prilosex that it will also reduce the effectiviness of Plavix. Prilosec is a drug that is used to reduce stomach acid. If you need to take an antiacid, you need to discuss with you doctor the best thing to take. This particular warning was issued in November of 2009.

Whenever you are taking a drug, you need to stay informed about any changes or warnings that are issued by the FDA. This is a very helpful drug, but you need to make sure that it is right for you. Don't be afraid to give your doctor a call and discuss this with him if you are taking Plavix.

Sources:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm204256.htm

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm191169.htm

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62B43B20100312