What is Plavix?
Plavix (Clopidogrel), an anti-platlet agent, is administered to patients to hinder clotting when they suffer from coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or cerebrovascular disease. Plavix is marketed by Bristol-Meyer Squibb, while "Clopilet," is marketed by Sun Pharmaceuticals, and "Ceruvin" is marketed by Ranbaxy laboratories. Its indicated uses include: prevention of vascular ischaemic events in patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis; acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI); and, ST elevation MI (STEMI).
Additionally, it is also used, in conjunction with aspirin, to prevent thrombosis (blood clots) after placement of stents within the cardiovascular system. However, despite what may ostensibly appear to be the best of intentions, the adverse effects of Plavix have cause many to rethink its usage. Those adverse effects include, but are not limited to: severe neutropenia (low white blood cell count); thrombotic thrombocytopenic pupra (TTP); and significant risk of hemorrhage.
Plavix's Mechanism for Efficacy
Plavix (Clopidogrel) is designed to inhibit the natural clotting mechanism our blood exhibits as it attempt to fight injuries. For example, when you suffer a minor abrasion on your knee, it is the clotting mechanism of the blood which generates a scab on the abrasion, and thereby facilitate a healthy healing of the wound. However, in patients who suffer from certain cardiovascular disorders, the clotting mechanism of the blood can be dangerous, and even fatal.
So, as an antiplatelet agent, clopidogrel irreversibly inhibits a chemoreceptor which is integral in the platelet aggregation and cross linking of platelets to fibrin (a protein essential in clotting of blood). When clopidogrel is introduced, platelets should not group together, and they should not mesh with the protein, which would normally form the clot. Instead, due to the irreversible inhibition of the chemoreceptor, no clot forms.
Plavix Has Been Linked To Severe Injuries and Deaths
Plavix has been linked to significant injuries including hemorrhage and the sequella associated with hemorrhage, such as exsanguination (or bleeding out). Additionally, plavix is contraindicated for patients with liver disease, and epilepsy or other seizure disorders. And, Plavix has been linked to adverse reactions such as syncope (feinting), heart palpitations, and even heart failure. Additionally, evidence has surfaced that individuals who have been administered Plavix have developed such white blood cell disorders as agranulocytosis, granulocytopenia, leukemia, leukopenia, and neutropenia.
Side Effects of Plavix
Side effects of Plavix include, but are not limited to:
- Syncope;
- Heart palpitations;
- Cardiac failure;
- Hypoaesthesia;
- Neuralgia;
- Paraesthesia;
- Vertigo;
- Artial fibrillation;
- Increase in hepatic enzymes;
- Gout;
- Hyperuricemia;
- Arthritis;
- Arthrosis;
- Anxiety;
- Insomnia;
- Cystitis;
- Cataracts;
- Conjunctivitis;
- Ischemic necrosis;
- Edema;
- Peptic, gastric or duodenal ulcers;
- Hepatic infection;
- Fatty liver;
- Hemarthrosis;
- Hematuria;
- Hemoptysis;
- Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain);
- Retroperitoneal hemorrhage;
- Operative wound hemorrhage;
- Ocular hemorrhage;
- Pulmonary hemorrhage;
- Thrombocytopenia;
- Abnormal renal function;
- Renal failure;
- Agranulocytosis;
- Granulocytopenia;
- Leukemia;
- Leukopenia; and,
- Neutropenia.
Legal Help for Plavix Victims
If you, a family member or a friend have suffered a serious illness, injury, or medical condition due to Plavix, contact a Plavix Injury Lawyer at the Finz firm today toll free at (855) TOP-FIRM to speak with an experienced Plavix litigation attorney now or fill out the Free Plavix Case Evaluation form.
