Long-Term Use of Plavix

Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) is a medication prescribed to patients who have suffered a stroke, heart attack or heart-associated chest pain, and to patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Because clots directly cause most coronary events (heart attacks and strokes), Plavix works to prevent blood platelets from sticking to each other and forming clots.

Extended Use

• The nature of Plavix's role in preventing sticky blood platelets from forming clots lends itself to long-term---not temporary---use.

  According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), patients with drug-eluting stents who took Plavix (or clopidogrel) for an extended period were at a "reduced risk for death and death or MI (myocardial infarction)."

  In another trial published by China's Nanhong University, the long-term use of Plavix in patients who had experienced MIs had a 9 percent "relative reduction in death, reinfarction or stroke."

Dosage and Warnings

• Plavix is generally prescribed for long-term use as a preventative against blood clots. A physician should monitor the dosage and any side effects of Plavix use.

  Patients who begin taking other medications or who experience certain medical conditions, even after taking the drug for a long period, should suspend use and consult a physician. These circumstances include pregnancy, breast-feeding, stomach ulcers, a serious injury, liver disease, surgery or dental surgery.

Drug Interactions

• If you are taking Plavix for an extended period, be sure your physician and dentist are aware of all medications you currently take, as Plavix should not be taken with certain drugs. These include warfarin, heparin and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).