FDA warning: some patients cannot process Plavix

The Food and Drug Administration announced this week that it is “adding its strongest warning to the label for Plavix after reports that some patients cannot process the blockbuster blood thinner…Plavix is prescribed to heart disease patients to prevent dangerous blood clots, which can cause heart attack, stroke and death.” (Washington AP, M. Perrone, 3/12).

The FDA said in a statement Friday “that certain patients with a genetic variation cannot metabolize the drug, putting them at increased risk for heart attack and stroke.” Admittedly, these risks are as grave as they come, thus patients on this drug should consult their doctors immediately.

Fortunately, a generic test can identify patients who do not respond to Plavix. Other blood thinners, including Aspirin, are recommended by the FDA for patients who do not respond to Plavix.

As a personal injury and products liability attorney in Chicago, I encourage patients on Plavix to consult with their doctors to make sure they are not increased risk for heart attack and stroke.