Plavix and Peripheral Arterial Disease

Plavix is one of the options doctors use for treating peripheral artery disease, or PAD. Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries and blood cannot flow properly. Many people with PAD do not experience any noticeable symptoms, but some people will feel pain or tightening in the calf or thigh while exercising or walking. PAD is most common in people who smoke, and those with high blood pressure or cholesterol.

How It Works

• Plavix works by preventing your blood from coagulating, so clots do not form in the arteries.

Dangers

• Plavix should not be taken by anyone with a blood-clotting disorder, and aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs) should not be combined with Plavix without doctor approval.

Serious Side Effects

• Some side effects of Plavix can indicate potentially serious complications. Contact your doctor if you experience black or bloody stools, uncontrolled bleeding, coughing that produces blood, numbness, chest pain, mental confusion, pale skin or easy bruising.

Non-Serious Side Effects

• People taking Plavix may experience nasal congestion, stomach pain, headaches and dizziness; these conditions are not serious and do not need to be reported to a doctor.

Other PAD Treatments

• Besides taking Plavix or another medication, many doctors recommend an exercise regimen and a healthy diet to help treat peripheral artery disease. It is also important to quit smoking, since that makes the condition worse.