Plavix is a medication in a classification of drugs known as anticoagulants. Plavix is used to prevent blood clots after a recent heart attack or stroke and in people with certain disorders of the heart or blood vessels, says Drugs.com. This medication may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications and diet and exercise. There are some dangers associated with Plavix that users should be aware of.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Some patients taking Plavix may be at risk for developing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, also known as TTP. TTP is an extremely serious condition in which red blood cells burst and platelets form blood clots, potentially blocking the blood supply to organs, reports PDRhealth. Symptoms include fatigue, fever and aching joints. Patients taking Plavix who experience these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Bleeding
Plavix may cause excessive bleeding, which can be dangerous. A minor injury or fall could lead to extreme blood loss. Some patients may experience bleeding inside their gastrointestinal tract while taking Plavix. Symptoms include black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, warns Drugs.com. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of bleeding while taking Plavix. Patients should not take aspirin or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, unless they consult their physician first. Those who require surgery should inform their surgeon that they are taking Plavix prior to the procedure. The surgeon might recommend discontinuing therapy with Plavix several days prior to surgery to reduce the risk of hemorrhage.
Heart Attack and Stroke
According to the Plavix website, genetic factors and some medicines, such as Prilosec, reduce the effectiveness of Plavix, leaving patients at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. Certain blood tests may be performed by a physician prior to initiation of therapy with Plavix. Those taking Plavix who experience chest pain, pain spreading to the shoulder or arm, sweating, nausea, confusion, vision changes or numbness on one side of the body should seek immediate medical attention.
