There are 317 ratings for the drug: PLAVIX in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for plavix: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

Page: 1  2 3 4    Results are sorted by length of time drug was taken from longest to shortest.

Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
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5	Tia 3x bypass 5 stents later	loss of memory, bruising and it's very hard to stop bleeding from any size cut even a scratch.	I have been on Plavix for about 15 years, it's been so long I've forgotten the exact year I started taking it. I had a TIA in 1992 followed by 3x bypass in 1993 followed by 2 stent implants followed by 2 more stent implants followed by a sandwich procedure in 2006. 1 stent was 99.9% blocked while I was on plavix. I was ok with the plavix and my doctor said I could go off of it but I said no and stayed on it and he later said in 2006 after the blockage "The plavix is what saved your life" but failed to mention he suggested I go off plavix. These Doctors are something! Until reading your comments I thought my fogged memories were due to age but now I'm thinking differently.	F	56	15 years		8/28/2009
2	I had a stroke			M	66	11 years		7/19/2007
5	two stents LAD	I too have memory issues, a lack of mental clarity at times and also the itching/rash on my lower legs. Also take toprol XL, lipitor, tiazac, lisinopril, aspirin and metformin so my symptons could be attributed to these and or the combination of all. Have been in Plavix for 8 years and feel that it has been a lifesaver for me....My father died of a massive coronary at 62 with "no symptons" and was a physically active and health focused individual (he died six weeks after "doing very well" on a stress test.) I feel fortunate that there are interventions available for me that were not so for him.	I feel positive about taking Plavix and what it has done for me but was very interested and appreciated reading everyone else's comments. My side effects are pretty much similiar as what others report. I do feel better about my state of mind - worrying about Alzheimers and brain tumors - after reading through what others had to say.	F	59	8 years		12/23/2009
1	to prevent another DVT	Longer bleed time. Migraine without pain (memory function, pain in various part of body, numbness, scintilating scotoma, blind spots, vertigo, nausea, euphoria), flatulance.	On it for 6.5 years. Now I find I have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, low thyroid, and low platelets (probably an auto immune disease). No telling if it's from the Plavix or not but I have my suspicions. Don't take any drug if it's not an absolute necessity	F	53	6.5 years		5/26/2009
5	stroke	somewhat burning foot and swelling hand	I should be carefull about other drugs and foods which interact with plavix and increase burning my left foot and swelling my left hand which is not at good condition due to the stroke. Any drug(like omega 3 ) or eccesive amount of any fruit or spicey food(pepper,...) which increase blood thinning.	M	52	6 years		12/18/2007 Email
5	Coronary Artery Disease - 2 stents	Bruising	BE CAREFUL ABOUT STOPPING THIS MEDICATION. I had to go off it twice for medical/dental reasons. The first time I ended up in the hospital with chest pain that subsided. The second time I had a heart attack because of a blockage in a branch of the LAD and a large blood clot. A contributing factor was that I was on a several hour plane flight just hours before the heart attack. The pressure change on an airplane is enough to trigger a heart issue in some.	F	60	6 years 75 mg 1X D		5/1/2010 Email
5	5 stents, unmedicated	bleeding hard to stop when cut, short term memory very bad. Stomach problems but put on protonix, now ok.	Taking low dose asprin and one 75mg plavix per day since heart attack in 2000. Stoped taking about one year ago on my own and started to have very bad chest pains after one week. Back on plavix but after bad reviews on plavix afraid to go off again for fear of having another heart attack. I guess this beats being six foot under.	M	59	6 years		1/11/2007
4	history of 5 strokeas	none that I know of.	none	F	60	6 years		6/21/2008
5	heart attack in 2003	None that I am aware of. I take a lot of meds - plavix, altace, zocor, zetia (stopped last month), aciphex, atenolol, 81 mg aspirin, imdur. Feel tired, but no so much since I stopped taking Zetia. That was wiping me out and I didn't know it til I stopped that one.	Seems to be helping me with no side effects. 3 years ago stopped taking it two times, once for dental work,and once for a colonostopcy (or however that is spelled). Noticed no difference when taking/not taking plavix, so I believe I have no side effects from it	M	63	5 years		2/6/2008
5	I had a strok 5 years ago	Non	After having a strok under aspirin I was given Plavix and since then I did'nt have any stroks again.	M	46	5 years		4/1/2005
5	Brain-Stem Stroke	None	seems to allow more easier bleeding if cut	M	62	5 years		9/13/2007 Email
5	Blood Thinner	None		M		5 years		10/12/2007
5	I am a heart patient	The only side effects are those of anxiety after reading comments about bad reactions and newscasts that it might be bad for me.	I took Plavix for years, usually after having stents inserted in my heart, for 6 months. I had open heart bypass surgery 11 years ago and have a total of 22 stents in my heart. For the last 2 years I take Plavix daily, every day, and have no side effects that I know about. I am also a diabetes 2 patient, and have high blood pressure, taking another 12 prescriptions for all of my ailments. Plavix has saved my life, as I had several arteries blocked at 98%, and without this medication, I would have died. The latest FDA warning that some patients cannot process Plavix because they are poor metabolizers, which can be determined by the patient taking a genetic test. The only complain I have that it is so expensive...	F	72	5 years 75mg 1X D		3/15/2010 Email
4	Swelling, Extra Heart beats, other	ankles & calves swelled up a alot,forgetfulness,sleeplessness,inattetivness, extra heartbeats and sensitivity to any stimulant (ie... tea, coffea) also was very sensitive to physical changes, feelings, tempetures	had a major stroke in 02, plavix helped, sleeplessness, mental clarity issues and extra heartbeat and sensivity happened in 04, swelling in 06, very expensive without insurance, considering quitting, but scared of being off it	F	37	5 years		12/17/2007 Email
3	2 Strokes	Pain right knee. dizzy in morning confussion memory loss short term.Shortness of breath.	I had 2 strokes at 43 years old.Thats when I started taking plavix 75mg and 250mg of asprin a day.	M	47	5 years 75mg 1X D		7/7/2010
2	? of stroke	banging heart, skipped heart beats, pulse up and down , cant sleep now, 4 hours a night, 2hours days, most complantS @ 4 or 5 BEFORE SUPPER, IM FINE AFTER SLEEP, AND GO TO WORK.	ITCHING, REBOUND H/A, BEEN ON PLAVIX FOR FIVE YEARS, I AM 64YEARS OLD	F	64	5 years		12/5/2006 Email
1	Blood Disorder	June of '05 I needed out patient surgery on my right knee, within 48 hours I was back in the hospital with blood clots in my leg. The drama did not end there, soon I was prescribed Heparin and Coumadin too combat the problem. I was allergic to both. I then had clots in my lungs and ended up with a cardiac tamponade. After 10 days on a respirator in ICU, I spent another 3 + weeks flat on my back with Phenomena. I was released from the hospital only to be sent back because the Phenomena was not resolved and Physical Therapy was needed. I was diagnosed with V Leiden, a bleeding disorder. Put on PLAVIX and my recovery was slow to none for the past 5 years. I was told I have a genetic blood defect and thus the clots. I was also told I did not have a heart problem. Countless complaints to my doctors, of shortness of breath, swollen ankles, pain in my knees, weight gain, extreme fatigue all were explained by saying you went through a lot and it will take time for you to recover. Af		F	70	5 years 75mg 1X D		7/2/2010 Email
5	(2) heart attacks	No side effects	My cost is $350.00 for a (90) day supply, I couldn't afford it. I have since found it on Canadian web sites that I can order without a prescription and double strenght. I ordered 90 150mg tabs and split them in have for a 180 day supply for $100.00. Check it out.	M	43	4.5 years		2/12/2008
4	2 MI's, 5 stents	easy to bruise; bleed excessively with even a small cut; occasional confusion	MI Nov,2003, 1 non-medicated stent - began taking Plavix; chest pain & 1 more medicated stent May,2004 - angioplasty & radiation on 1st stent to remove and prevent scar tissue; quit taking Plavix May, 2005 for 4 days for major tooth extractions - no adverse problem and resumed taking Plavix; quit taking Plavix Jun, 2006 for 7 days for removal of all lower teeth - major bleeding within 3 hours after returning home, MI, and arythmia - 1st stent block due to radiation denuding - installed 3 more medicated stents; resumed taking Plavix and do so currently	M	58	4.2 years		12/30/2007
5	heart attack	Nothing out of reason I have found so far.	I was given Plavix after a heart surgery a few years ago. I was told I have an 'irregular heartbeat"..nothing so far they can actually fix. It didnt help going through menopause at the time and adding "more weight" to my body which led to a bad chlorestal build up. The Plavix, to me has helped my blood flow so far. I take 1 plavix(75mg.), 1/2of a water pill, 1 asprin(81mg)and 2 10mg. blood pressure pills a day and nothing else. I suffer from arthits but keep my painkillers down to next to nothing(tylonal)and find that less can be good on my body..also making myself move and doing things..keeping as active as I can.Plavix plays a major part in this because of my blood flow.(I was stented.)	F	55	4 years		2/21/2008 Email
5	2 STENTS AFTER ANGIOPLASTY	NONE	PLAVIX HAS BEEN A GREAT HELP TO ME OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS.	F	59	4 years		12/14/2007
5	1 stint & angioplasty in 2005	No obvious side effects other than "easy brusing and bleeding with the lightest impact or smallest scratch"	My Cardiologist says "it with 81mg asprin is what is keeping me vertical"	M	71	4 years		3/28/2009
5	Six stents placed in 11/2005	None, other than it takes cuts/scrapes a little longer to heal	I had five medicated stents and one bare metal stent placed into two arteries a little over four years ago. Been taking Plavix and 81mg aspirin ever since then. I also take Atenolol, Lisinopril, Niaspan, and Simvastatin (Zocor). After my annual stress-echo today, my doctor said I didn't need to take Plavix any longer. So I guess I'll stop when my current supply runs out. About a year ago, I had hernia surgery, so I was off Plavix for a week or so. I didn't notice any changes -- other than minor bleeding stopped more easily.	M	65	4 years 75mg 1X D		2/15/2010
4	drug eluding stents following SCA	I bruise very easily.	I always take it prior to eating breakfast and have never had any adverse affects.	M	58	3.7 years 75mg 1X D		3/31/2010
3	2 MIs and 7 Stints	I noticed increased bleeding with a minor wound such as a shaving nick apparently due to Plavax. Statins are another issue, been through three different statins. Two of the three caused muscle aches. They all cause muscle weakness in me though.	I was on Plavax for 6 months after my 1st MI in 2002 on the RCA requiring one stent (non medicated). Two years to the day 2004 after the 1st MI I had a second MI on the LAD with circumflex & ramus blocked sufficiently to get stinted all requiring 4 additional stents (medicated) for a total of 5. The Cardiologist then put me back on Plavax for life. Ten months later 2005 had an additional stint put in on the circumflex, one day minus two years from second MI 2006 . got another stint on the LAD. Stints are clean but I block on the upstream side at the stint opening where the stint starts. All the above with pretty normal blood chemistry (LDL 75, HDL 40-45, total 150-160, triglicerides 120-170. All not perfect but not too out of line. W/O statins total at 205. Quit smoking at 1st MI in 2002	M	49	3.5 years		12/9/2006 Email
5	I had a stint implanted in 2007	I am concerned I may outlive my money	That darned Plavix is ruining my kids chance of an inheritance	M	54	3 years 1X D		7/27/2010
5	five bypasses in 2003	sometimes i get bruising from slightly bumping or from lifting weights at the fitness center!	I wish the price was cheaper	M	62	3 years		12/24/2006
5	angioplasty 2 stents	No side effects at all apart from a little itching	Most impressed but then one usually only hears from moaners	M	75	3 years		11/30/2008
5	2 stents	itching	I feel sure that so many are blaming Plavix when it could be other drugs they are taking or their deterioating general health. What else are they doing that they shouldn't? eating the wrong stuff, no proper exercise? Overweight?	M	76	3 years		5/31/2009
5	heart attack and quadruple bypass	I have the anticipated side effects: I bruise easier, and nicks and cuts (e.g., from shaving) take longer to clot. I have had no adverse side effects or any effect that would lead me to stop taking plavix.	It works well as a blood thinner.	M	42	3 years		2/14/2008
4	Angioplasty/Stent - May 2002	Bruising, not severe, but seemingly unexplained. Mostly inner forearms and hands at base of thumb. Difficulty stopping bleeding from even minor cuts or wounds. Gums bleed for no reason.	After an angioplasty and stent following my heart attack in May, 2002, I was told I would be on Plavix for 12 weeks to prevent platelets from sticking to the stent. Here it is, a few days away from the 3rd anniversary of that nightmare and I'm still taking it.	M	52	3 years		4/27/2005 Email
4	cabg x 4 and stroke	some chest pain and fibs	Can NOT take statins so haven't much choice. But wouldn't want to stop taking. Side effects are not as bad as the strokes and heart problems. One of my 4 bypasses did close up when going off plavix for hand surgery.	M	60	3 years		7/14/2005
3	heart	weight gain / water retention	Was misdiagnosed with heart problems	M	40	3 years		7/20/2006
3	3 medicated Stents (heart attack)	Bruising and bleeding if I scratch myself. Lot of sheets/pillow cases ruined. Have also ruined shirts from scratching. I do not think any other problems are due to the Plavix as I am taking the other normal heart medicine and the beta blocker is by far the bigger culprit.	My major concern is "how long" as it is just a matter of time before I need some surgery. I came off for 10 days (successfully) for colonoscopy and a gall bladder surgery but skipped the surgery. Medicine needs to come up with a method to check the stents to see if they have been overgrown and it is safe to come off the Plavix. Feel like I am playing Russian roulette with an automatic. I was told I could come off aspirin but am taking every other day which has reduced the tininitis.	M	62	3 years		11/10/2006 Email
3	TIA	I have experienced many of the same side effects as others posted here but attributed it to "old age" even though I'm only 57, don't smoke or drink, not over weight and ride a bicycle over 4,000 mls a year. I asked my Doc about getting off Plavix (the only drug I take)and he said I shouldn't but couldn't give me a reason to keep taking it(other than he's encouraged by the drug companies to do so). Had taken 81mg aspirin for 30yrs before TIA and would like to go back on it. Now that I've read others comments about Plavix I plan to make an appointment with my Doc to discuss getting off of it. I have also discovered that garlic and saw palmetto work similar to Plavix and when taken with 81mg aspirin, may have the same results with fewer harmful side effects.	In my opinion, some people may need to stay on Plavix after certain health issues or procedures. However, I question, given the side effects, doctors continually prescribing it for patients with low cholestrol and normal blood pressure, who have had minor TIA's with no ill effects. I think common sense and good medicine should take presedence over concerns of being sued.	M	57	3 years 75 MG 1X D		2/6/2010 Email
3	Meidicated stent	For the past 2 years have experienced bleeding on the penis after intercourse.	This condition first started after the doctor added fish oil to my meds. I took myself off the fist oil but still take Plavix. It's better that when taking the fish oil but still a problem. Has anyone else experienced this problem	M	58	3 years 75mg 1X D		3/13/2010 Email
2	3 DES stints	Severe pain in feet can't wear shoes at times, rash and massive itching on lower outside of legs, Even though I had the stents and all tests are very good with no heart damage I have never "felt" any better. I would have expected that after the arteries were opened up I would have felt much better. I am going to taper off the Plavix and go to a low dose aspirin even though my Dr. say to stay on it for the rest of my life.....great advise cause his feet and legs feel great, no sweat off his brow. This whole medical establishment is a pile of crap...try this or try that lets give him this and see what it does oh look a rash has appeared, oh boy lets try another drug and see what we get....	I feel that this drug does what it say it will...it also does what it doesn't say it will and the side effects compared to just aspirin are huge. it is totally effective at removing money from your bank account which I think was the real intention.	M	51	3 years		5/26/2009
1	had a mild stroke - 10 ' garbled sp	Three years before taking Plavix, doctor was amazed at my bone scan - bones of someone in their twenties. Had a mild stroke 10 seconds of garbled speech - no other effects. Put on Plavix. After three years on Plavix a follow-up bone scan showed osteopenia!!!		F	73	3 years		1/19/2008
1	2 stents put in in 2005	Fatigue and takes about 3 or 4 days to recover.	Quit taking August 25th and quality of life is so much better	M	65	3 years		10/30/2008 Email
3	CAD	Bruise easily,skin breaks and bleeds easily	Began taking this drug after having 4 stents put in. Had no previous history of high BP, but was instructed to begin this med and other BP medications	F	56	2.7 years		3/13/2008
3	cerebral aneurysm	strong visual disturbances (neurologist says probably TIA's), each lasting 2-3 minutes	Aneurysm in brain did not rupture, and was successfully treated with coils plus 2 stents to hold everything in place. No problems there. I have tried to stop Plavix 5 times, and each time I've had probable TIA's 2-4 weeks after reducing or stopping. I slowly reduce Plavix from daily to every 3 days. Now neuro says I should stay on Plavix indefinitely. My concern is potential bleeding if I'm injured or need surgery.	F	65	2.5 years 75 1X O		5/30/2010 Email
2	heart attack with stint implant	Difficulty stopping bleeding even from minor cuts. Sever bruising.	After 2.5 years on it, developed rectal bleeding that required hospitalization and platelet transfussions to stop the bleeding. Now I'm off all blood thinners. It is a balance between having a heart attack or bleeding to death!	M	85	2.5 years		2/3/2005
4	after a medicated stent for m.i.	bleeding does not stop as quickley as before..obviousley	its been 28 months since my heart attack and medicated stent and its hard to know for sure when to stop the plavix ...one cariologist says stay on it the other says maybe its time to get off of it ,,,what to do.?.what to do..?	M	53	2.33 years		9/24/2006
5	Severe CAD, Intractible Unstable An	None	Has really helped my Angina. Haven't had to go tot he ER or undergo a cath in nearly a year. Works very well in my case.	M	51	2 years		11/26/2004
5	Heart Attack - Coronary Artery Spas	rectal bleeding, easy brusing, long time to stop bleeding, dizzyness	Prior to knowing anything was wrong I had headaches daily and dizzyness at times.	M	26	2 years		9/8/2005 Email
5	Heart Attack ... one stent ...	take it w/ an aspirin every morning ... not sure how you recognize minor body symtoms from getting older & life itself ...I believe I have experienced zero side effects ... Now statins are a different story ... tried them all with too many muscle aches .. including Tri cor , which gave me Gallstones ... I have since decided to stop all statins ..	I have been on Plavix/aspirin combo ..since my heart attack at 50 .. in 2002 ... glad I had the heart attack .. I could nt run down the block 2 weeks before .. now... I am in the best shape of my life ...	M	52	2 years		1/20/2005 Email
5	blood clots, stroke	severe bruising, difficult to stop bleeding.	I have been taking Plavix for over 2 years. At first the bruising was difficult to accept, but now Im used to the fact that there are always black and blue spots on my arms and legs. I stopped taking it after 8 months and had some more severe blood clots so the doc put me back on it. The bruising came back of course, but bruises and bleeding is a small price to pay if it keeps the blood clots away. Since going back on Plavix I have not had any further strokes or blood clots. Overall the benefits from Plavix has far outweighted the few side effects I have experienced.	F	28	2 years		4/29/2008
5	MI and Stent placement	None	I am really pleased with this medication, and I was told to take aspirin along with Plavix.	M	58	2 years		12/27/2009
5		Hard to stop cuts from bleeding. Other than that, nothing obvious.		M	47	2 years		9/9/2009
5	Cardiac Stent	None noticed.	I have been taking 75mg daily for about 2 years along with four other medications, I feel great.	M	47	2 years		10/27/2009
4	MI stent placed 12-24-08	Bruising, bleeding, tired	I had a MI and a stent placed on 12/24/08 started Plavix. 11/25/09 i was off Plavix for 5 days to prep for surgery. I had a polyp rempoved from the upper stomach. They started the Plavix after surgery. On 12/05/09 I was home and experienced a severe GI bleed (vomit blood). I was admitted to the hospital and had severe bleeding from the rectum. After 5 days as an inpatient and given 2 pints of blood,I had a endoscopy and was told I have a bleeding ucler. The ucler is being treated with Sucrfalfate but I have been off of Plavix since 12/05/09. So far I am recoving but can't help to think about the effects of not taking the Plavix. I see my Cardiologist in March.	F	63	2 years		12/26/2009
4	! Stent	A few mild side effects as mentioned except I started getting blocked ears about 3 months after taking Plavix but apparently it can't be from Plavix as no one else has had this side effect		M	62	2 years		12/14/2008 Email
4	to prevent another TIA(mini-stroke)	black and blue bruises on my arms and legs	It's been ok, so far, but I just heard today The FDA has issued a new warning about the use of Plavix, Everyone, please keep up with the latest news by contacting your doctor or pharmacist today!	F	58	2 years 30 1X D		3/15/2010
3	heart attack, 2 stents	bruising.	I don't like the constant bruising and the hard to control bleeding after even a little cut.	F	56	2 years		10/2/2004 Email
3	2 stents inserted Apr of 04	After nealy two years on plavix now suffering some side effects Shortness of breath seems to be a major one. Also some dizzieness brusing of the arms and back of the hands. This is a for life drug for me. Will live with the side effects as long as possible. That is unless I pass out one day.		M	74	2 years		2/17/2006 Email
3	stent	acid reflux		M		2 years		2/13/2009
3	2 coated stents	none that I can directly tie to Plavix	I am concerned about stopping the drug after reading all the comments. I am thinking about reducing the use from daily to every other day to see if any reactions. If none I would than try to cut back more and finally get off Plavix. Any body with any similar concerns?	M	67	2 years		5/8/2008 Email
3	Stents	Depression, memory loss, also at 47 sometimes forget daughters names, have to think about it for a moment.	Had a heart attack back in 1999 at 37 years old, never smoked or drank always was in good shape. Have family history on both sides and type A personality. Have been on Plavix for 2 plus years. Fun Fact:Had 3 stents installed back in 2004 also 2 put in back in 2008 started Plavix in 08 full time had a stent blocked up while I WAS on Plavix. So there are no guarantees	M	47	2 years		12/22/2009 Email
2	4med stents,1 non, icd, pacer	bleeding, bruises, headaches, still have many chest pains, diziness, constantly tired.	am taking 2 75mg plavix a day, still not doing its job, along with toprol xl, altace, lipitor, previcid. not sure why but taking two plavix a day now and it still isnt helping, still get many blood clots.	M	36	2 years		5/10/2007 Email
2	Had a stent installed Sept., '06	My side effects are significant bleeding issues from small cuts and bruises.	I take Plavix in conjunction with an 81mg aspirin. I stopped taking Plavix since I bleed and turn purple when I bump something. I was originaly told 1 month, then 6 months, then one year and now life time. I think the Plavix drug reps are doing too good of a job. I have no other symptons and take Lipitor. My choloresterol readings are great. I do not wish to bleed to death.	M	75	2 years		4/4/2008
2	Small vessels/ history of cva/tias	Hives under the skin on hands, blurry vision, diarrhea and the surprising one is depression	I was on Plavix and ASA for a long time. Started bleeding and bruising and had angioedema on hands. Stopped Plavix but stayed on ASA. Had some circulatory problems and was put back on Plavix. Old symptoms returned. I had gone through a long and difficult depression which disappeared when Plavix was stopped but didn't relate it until I went back on. The depression hit after a week on the drug.	F	61	2 years		11/23/2006 Email
1	stents/valve replacement	short of breath, exhausted, bleeding	Took Plavix after heart surgery, had serious nose bleeds. Stopped taking it. Had stents put in 2years ago went back on Plavix 75 mg,baby aspirin. Had stomach pain, threw up serious amount of blood, took ambulance to hospital. Found I was anemic and had ulcer. Had no idea I had a problem, just stomach discomfort. Said bleeding caused by Plavix & Aspirin. Had 2 units of blood.I'm off both Plavix & Aspirin.It's been 2 weeks and feel like I have my life back. I have more energy, attitude better, not short of breath or exhausted, can't wait to exercise. Don't care if arteries clog up at least I'll go happy.	F	67	2 years		8/19/2007
1	med st	had no symptoms for first 6 months....then have had confussion, extreme fatigue, slurred speech, stomach upset, can't think straight....stopping Plavix.....already stopped Zocor and Lopressor on my own and with the knowlege in these books I take Omega 3 and QCO10 each day....I have been able to lower my blood pressure to normal with my diet and the Omega and CO10......	please read the following books: Lipitor thief of memory by Duane Graveline/Statin drugs side effects by Duane Graveline/What you must know about statin drugs by Jay Cohen/The Doctor's Heart Cure by Al Sears	M	46	2 years		5/27/2009
1	1 stent (medicated)	Severe memory problems; struggle for words when talking; difficult to start tasks; extreme trouble with decision making; became antisocial when I used to enjoy going out; fatigue; can't get enough sleep; no motivation; bruise easily; don't enjoy hobbies I previously loved; do only what I must when I must. I am just not myself.	I thought I was going crazy, maybe getting Alzheimer's & feared I would lose my job. Went to family doc & was treated for ADD which made matters worse. Finally prescribed antidepressant and has increased dosage. Can someone tell me how I can discontinue taking this drug SAFELY??? Been on it since 9/07. Please???	F	48	2 years		5/27/2009 Email
1	med stent	extreme memory loss,always confused,fatigue,fall asleep everywhere/anytime,itching I feel horrible at 45!!!!!!!!!!!!! Doctor says not the Plavix.....didn't have ANY problems at all before Plavix...	am going to stop taking Plavix on my own and just take asprin...I am 45 and need quality of life! I have read several books and take CoQ10,Omega 3,Garlic daily and asprin. Any feedback would be helpful to me...I tried to email others on this site but can't get the email to go out...so please email me....	M	45	2 years		5/15/2009 Email
1	blood flow	cost About $20.00 for a 90 days.		F	77	2 years		8/25/2009 Email
1	Stents	depression,confusion,short term memory loss, lack of interest in normal activities,bledding when shaving, sense of worthlessness.	My husband almost overnight became a different person. He went from a healthy bright man who walked daily, enjoyed life and his family, to a depressed man who repeatedly asks the same questions over and over.He is tired, naps often, and has lost confidence in driving and other activities. I knew something was wrong when he forgot that the football game was on. I want to take him off this drug but the doctors say he needs this. I want my husband back. This is not the man I married.Why do the doctors insist he be on this drug? I read that a daily aspirin would be as effective with no side effects.I guess that there is more money to made from Plavix. I question now whether he really needed these stents in the first place or was that about money too?	M	78	2 years		12/13/2009
5	blood clot			M	61	1.5 years		2/16/2004
4	Clogged smaller arteries	Bruising. Waking up early.	Doc wanted me to get off it aftr 9 months, but was unable too because of side effects when I stopped taking it. A bright white spot on my right arm appeared when ending Plavix, grizzly blemished on right arm appeared. After the nine months of Plavix chest pain and pressure points on chest started. After 1 1/2 years on Plavix was able to get off it with few prolems after a pretty nurse convinced me it could be done. Now thinking of going back on it for the rare once in a blue moon night shift, but for only a few days worth.	M		1.5 years		9/19/2009
5	post stroke	none	very expensive, but works wonderfully	M	54	1 years		7/25/2001
4	M.I. 8/04, Two medicated stents	Alot of bruising. After 1 year, now beginning to have stomach pain. Not sure if related.	I was on Plavix for 1 year, when I stopped per Doctors orders. Two weeks later, had another heart attack. Caused by blood clot at stent site. Blockage was 100%, Almost killed me. Now on Plavix for rest of my life. Doctors not sure if Stent will ever be covered by tissue.	M	45	1 years		9/6/2005
4	Had heart attack, 2 stents	none		F	72	1 years		11/16/2004
4	I had 5 stents put in			M	61	1 years		10/14/2009
3	Blood Clot	Headaches, I sleep a full night but wake up tired. Minor depression, and I never feel like doing anything. In a constant state of BLAH.	I had a huge blood clot and am now stuck taking this for another year. My doctor won't let me switch the meds, but I imagine it's for my own good. If you can avoid this drug, do so. If you cannot avoid it, well then know what can come along with it.	M	24	1 years		12/5/2007 Email
3	Mild heart attack, DES LAD in 11/06	Major bruising, excessive bleeding when shaving legs, loss of concentration, vivid dreams.	Have been on plavix and baby aspirin since stent implant. Could not tolerate zocor..terrible dizziness. Not taking any cholesterol meds. levels seem to be within range from proper diet and exercise. Want to get off plavix...hate the bruising! Doctor says life for plavix. Just recently cut my dosage in half without his consent. Do not know if the plavix has helped. If you have stopped plavix, let me know how you are doing.	F	58	1 years		2/7/2008 Email
2	2 Stents	Fatigue,inability to concentrate, speech patterns interrupted, sleep irregularities,"RLS-type" symptoms all over body, major hair loss, skin problems, heart palps, mood swings, sinus infections, prolonged bleeding.	Have been using as required by cardiologist with baby asprin. Have made complaints about the bloody noses and the laundry list of other side effects. Stopped the baby asprin and that seems to have helped with the bleeding. Per DR, I will be able to discontinue in about 2 months.	F	82	1 years		3/29/2008
2	3 stents	lack of energy,body aches (back pain)gastritis . Eye problems. Now i am having head pain,sinus problems also. fluid retention	3 stents 2005, took plavix for 9 months stopped. changed cardiologists develop clogging in neck 60-70% was put back onplavix. been taking for a year. I am tired all the time. Need another opinion. stopped plavix for 4 days felt fine, ankles were normal. I am scared to go the dentist. My cardiologist said i dont need to stop plavix for simple dental procedures. I disagree. When I do go to the dentist I will stop plavix for 5 days.	F	62	1 years		12/6/2008
2	blockage of arteries but no signs.	Sudden unexplained large bruises on knees after a year with skin turning light yellow on inside of legs from knee down to ankle. Stopped Plavix and immediately disappeared. Considering going back on but talking to my doctor.	Concerned about its long term effects and riding a racing bicycle and otherwise being active and injuring myself which results in bleeding. May be a great drug but does have unwanted side effects and hard to get info as to consequences of side effects over the long term.	M	63	1 years		11/16/2004
1	stroke, summer of 2004	excessive bleeding that would not stop from minor skin cuts and scrapes; internal bleeding on arms and hands and legs from minor bumps; bleeding from gums - so dental work had to be delayed; developed internal bleeding from liver possibly from a fall; blood pressure dropped, went into shock, was saved by blood transfusions; however eventually died. Summary of side effects was submitted by relatives taking care of her. The relatives are aware of a family friend taking plavix who lost 2 quarts of blood on operating table during hip replacement because of inability to stop bleeding. The relatives also know of another elderly member of the extended family who had bleeding while on plavix and who stopped taking plavix. She lived awhile longer and then eventually succumbed to other ailments.	How large, definitive, and unbiased is the body of studies indicating that the side effects of plavix are benign? What studies have been conducted to define a dosages of plavix that are tailored to the patient and safe for that patient? What studies have been completed of the impact of plavix on internal bleeding in the elderly who have a tendency to fall more often than younger people? What monitoring of plavix and its effects are being done by family doctors, specialists and hospital staffs to determine fully the short-term and long-term risks and benefits? What are family doctors, specialists and hospitals told about balancing the dosage of plavix with the side effects that may be coing on? How beneficial is this drug and how unsafe is it? Who has the answers? Signed by her dear friend, Cookie.	F	84	1 years		7/25/2005
1	Yes	Many of the same side effects listed repeatedly on this website, including fatigue, dizzyness, lots of brusing and uncontrolled bleeding.	I feel compelled to add this rating due to the experience my grandmother has had with this drug. Her condition has gotten a lot worse recently and on a visit to a specialist she recieved the information that in some cases this drug is responsible in creating a type of blood sac/blister on the heart. It can be very large in size. Unfortunatly this is the case for my grandmother. I thought it important to list this information as this was the first time anyone mentioned this in the 1 year she has been on it. This does not sound like the miracle drug it was promised to be. Unfortunately I have no more information than this as this is all very recent for us. If I can get details I will post on this website.	F	79	1 years		6/6/2006
1	prescribed by ER neurologist	when one doctor says not to take aspirin because of tendency to bleed, another prescribes PLAVIX because of ER physician error in records of high platelets when platelets were actually declining because of other medications - and the hematologist only commented to my husband "expensive aspirin". All other doctors failed to speakup.	As a caregiver - I eventually on my own researched and discontinued Plavix but it was too late. Other medications and foods also thin the blood. http://www.pdsa.org/itp-information/itp-warnings.html www.foodmatters.tv should be seen by everyone. Also "Cautious Care" A Guide for Patients by Carolyn Oliver MD has just been published and is available on amazon.com	M	66	1 years		2/20/2009
1	TIA	Fatigue, severe burning in my upper body and chest, tingling of the skin.	The side effects did not start immediately. After two to three months I was experiencing increasing fatigue. Then the burning in my torso started. The burning got really bad in my chest. This was accompanied by tingling of the skin thoughout my body. The suffering from the burning became so severe that I could barely work. I was becoming debilitated. I was about ready to go on disability when I finally figured out that it was the plavix. I spent over $30,000 going from specialist to specialist trying to find an answer to why my health was degrading. They would all take my list of meds, put it aside and then go about their specialty. I finally asked an allergist if I could be allergic to the plavix. He said it was possible. So I stopped taking it. It took almost two years to recover my health. Fortunately the reason for which I was taking it was fixed and I don't need it any more. Now I am having similar symptoms from other drugs. Could the plavix have caused some permanent change in my body? I don't know. Has this happened to anyone else? How are you doing? Send me an e-mail.	M	61	1 years		8/6/2009 Email
1	heart attack	miserable life. Thanks to this site for providing info i m not the only one who is facing these side effects. I stopped this medicion after one year of MI.	Never ever take this. Start reading and getting knowledge. Doctors feel us stupid when we complain about side effects. Now my belive is doctors and pharmacitucals are biggest scum on the earth.	M	32	1 years		11/2/2007
1	Coronary Artery Disease	This is to comment on the statement by denise about Plavix working while taking it and anything can happen when you stop. Plavix works by altering the platelets. Palatets have a life span of about 10 days, which means about 10 days after stopping Plavix, there will be no more platelets in the blood stream that have been altered by Plavix. Our neighbor agrees anything can happen after stopping Plavix. She took it for the prescribed year after receiving a stent, and a few weeks after stopping Plavix she had the first of several mini strokes. She says it was the result of taking Plavix and then stopping.				1 years		2/4/2005
5	3 medicated stents in my RCA	None what so ever	thinking off taking my self off gradually and starting on nattokinase.	M	79	34 months		10/6/2006 Email
4	medicated stent inserted April 2005	Not sure. Also take vytorin (choles) 2 bp medicines ( metoprolol, Altace) , hydrochlorothorozide and aspirin. Have muscular aches and cramps, reduced sexual ability (not completely gone and is stable).	Basically an aspirin junky, always have been. Don't have any bleeding problems, headaches. Probably drink more wine than I should. Cholesterol had been slightly under 300 in April 2005, down around 100-120 since medicating. Would like to stop all medicine but feel trapped. Would welcome correspondance about this.	M	55	26 months		7/9/2007 Email
3	To thin blood after stent implant	bruising, excessive bleeding from small cuts. Cannot trace any other problems to PLAVIX.	March 2007 had a stent implanted after experiencing heart pain. A week later a study showed stents are no better than medication. It was publicized on the national news. But now must take a blood thinner to prevent the plaque to build up on the stent. Kind of counterproductive, but too late for me. Plavix is expensive, and the company making it sued the generic equivalent and won. It is all about money. I now take a PLAVIX only every third day. When I run out of pills I may go to Aspirin 81. The Adult Aspirin maybe too strong. But everybody is different.	M	83	20 months		12/9/2008
3	5 stents w/medication	Bleeding, bruising, get a buz with a small amount of wine or alcohol( the doc said was not a side effect, but I know it is).Also take Norvasc, sotalol,81mg asprin,Vitorin 2x a week and Glucosamine which helped the muscle pain from the Vitorin.	I can not get a straight answer on how long to take Plavix, first it was 6 months, then 1 year, and now for ever......I'm afraid to stop since I'm able to exercise; bike, sail, work in the yard,& swim, but not over do it..	M	74	18 months 75 1X D		3/13/2010
2	2 + silent heart attacks +stent	weakness,shortness of breath,always tierd ,depression severe at times, mutiple other bruising,bleeding issues	started May 2004 30% heart function quit smoking,changed diet,lost weight did every thing to improve heart function only got side effects never got back to work . 6 months after stopping plavix and every thing else started smoking ate any thing I wanted and felt better untill Nov 2008 another heart attack another stent 25% heart function Different doctor back on Plavix and 5 different drugs Same side effects show up quicker and more intense this time . Quality of life sucks on theese drugs right or wrong I will stop taking them sooner or later	M	47	18 months		12/23/2008 Email
1	DES Stent	bad taste in mouth, rash, stress, problems sleeping	I took this med for 30 days after my bare metal stent in 1999, 18 months after my DES in 9/2006. Stopped taking as a 'leap of faith' after 18 months.	M	53	18 months		3/25/2008
4	2 drug eluding stents	not aware of any caused by Plavis	After the angioplasty I was put on Zocor, 81 mg aspirin, 10 mg Altace, 50 mg Toprol, 75 mg Plavix and Diovan. My cardiologist said the requirement of Plavix for one year was "non-negotiable". I just had a nuclear stress test, EKG and they appear fine. I took myself off Zocor (and Crestor which was given as a replacement for Zocor)after a few months and excruciating pain, cut the Altace down to 5 mg, cut the Toprol in half and the 160/12.5 Diovan into thirds. My cardiologist said that after one year on Plavix there is not sufficient data as to elimination of it. The little data shows 3 or 4 out of 1000 have a bad but catastrophic effect, so it is up to me to decide. I am starting to take 1/2 of the Plavix. I can't attribute any problems to the Plavix, but definitely to the statins--I think they are very dangerous.	F	75	15 months		12/17/2007 Email
2	100% blockage RCA, DE Stent	joint pain, memory loss, lack of energy, nightmares and sleep disturbance, frequent angina symptoms, shortness of breath, serious nosebleeds, depression	Also taking 100mg aspirin, Cosaar plus (BP med). Substantial decrease in quality of life/work capabilities. Reproducible increase in extreme nightmares with (infrequent) low doses of Ambien (to help with jet lag) or Fluoxetine (for sleeping problems). Most symptoms worse around time of menstration (with severe bleeding after exercise). Extremely healthy diet and 3x week aerobic exercise help some. Cardiologist just said I had no choice but to continue. After own research decreased dose to 1/2 pill daily at 1 year after stent, helped some. Stopped Plavix after 15 mo. and have slowly recovered over 1 month, especially mental issues, angina symptoms, and joint pain. I would never choose to go on Plavix again (aspirin is statistically nearly as effective).	F	51	15 months		3/28/2009
5	1 medicated Stent RCA	other then expected longer clotting time for cuts, none at all	Found 80% blockage in RCA with Cardiac Cath after "unremarkable" Thalium Stress Test. Now on 75 mg Plavix, 81 mg asprin, 40 mg Zocor, 40 mg Lisonpril, and 6 fish oil caps/day. At the time Blood was 156/LDL110/ HDL25, now its 115/LDL65/HDL35. I am 210lb 6'4", in otherwise excellent shape. Nervous about Cardiologist taking me off with all the recent news. Since it has no bad effects on me, I would prefer to stay on it forever.	M	54	14 months		3/19/2007
4	Have 2 medicated stents .	Bruise easily, some seem spontaneous. Bleeding from minor cuts takes longer to stop. I have taken Plavix for 14 months since two med. stents put in left artery for 90% blockage. Side effects are annoying but cardio. tells me to continue, perhaps indefinitely, because med. stent could attract a clot and lead to coronory thrombosis....something you want to avoid!	Med. stents have become controversial since I had them implanted in Jan. 2006. Long term studies are not yet available to determine if Plavix must be taken indefinitely to prevent clots. Meanwhile, better safe than sorry. I notice many of the side effects described here by others(arrythmia, dizzyness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, sleep problems) may be due to post op anxiety. I suffered from these also. I was not able to tolerate statins......tried them all. The combination of the cardio telling me I should take them combined with my intolerance of them caused a great deal of anxiety, together of course, with post op. concerns that I had a life-threatening event. Anxiety can cause all these effects. Regular exercise, yoga, meditation and an occasional xanax helped me get thru the anxiety. I am also trying statin alternatives such as fish oil, Cholest-off, dietary fiber and drastic reduction in saturated fat intake to lower chol. and LDL. Good luck and I hope this help	M	64	14 months		2/27/2007
4	TIA and aortic stenosis	none.	doctors wanted to do an epidural lumbar procedure to numb the pain i have in my rt knee. both my PCP and orthopedic told me to stop Plavix the week before the epidural. 4 days after stopping Plavix, i was brought to the ED with a TIA. doctors in the ED said do not stop taking Plavix and put me back on it. i am sufficiently upset by this.............	F	86	14 months		6/14/2006
3	Heart attack & stent placement	Can't be sure because of possible other complications from Toprol, but here are the changes during the past one year. Low energy, aching muscles, cold extremeties, dizziness and shortness of breath. have been taking 75mg. daily		M	65	14 months		11/28/2004
3	stent	The only thing that I can know for sure is the SHORTNESS OF BREATH or DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING. And some days seems worse than others. Seems like I have to take a deep breath once in a while. Very aggravating. I do have ANXIETY from time to time. Also not sure if related, but on occasions I have momentarily tenge pains in my head (5 second headaches) I know that may sound weird but it is true in my case.	I BELIEVE THIS DRUG MAY BE GOOD FOR SOME BUT DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE AND DON'T THINK IT SHOULD BE INSISTED IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING BAD SIDE EFFECTS. IN SOME CASES THE SIDE EFFECTS MAY OUT-WAY THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DRUG. DO THEY WANT US TO DIE SO WE WILL BE OUT OF THE WAY?	M	55	14 months 75 1X D		7/31/2010 Email
1	Blocked Artery - 1 stent	Indigestion,shortness of breath,blurred vision,fatigue,anxiety,facial rash,diarrhea	This medication seems to do more harm than good. I have been using my nitro spray thinking I was having another attack when its just side effects from this med. I will see my doctor tomorrow and see what he says	M	44	14 months		5/25/2006 Email
1	stroke, tia's	severe headaches,easy to bruise, blurred vision, fatigue, nosebleeds, elevated blood pressure, terrible itching and hives on neck.	I told my new neurologist I did not want to take plavix anymore as it made me feel lousy. she took me off of it and put me on 1 aspirin every 3 days as she said that is when the platelets would start to go together- we'll see how that works.	F	52	14 months		4/16/2008 Email
1	1 Promus™ stent	Increasing mental confusion; stumbling for words; garbled thoughts; no concentration; no motivation; anxiety/nervousness; anxiety attacks at night & vivid dreams; beginning to limit social activities as it is embarrassing to try to speak intelligently. Bruising and trouble stopping bleeding from even a small cut.	I was going to call my primary care doctor and ask for tests for Alzheimers and/or a brain tumor because I am having increasing problems with mental acuity. I embarrass myself when I attempt a discussion with friends, family and peers. I'd much rather take the chance of losing my life than to lose my mind.	F	60	14 months		10/11/2009

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Average rating for drug: 2.5. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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