Heart Healthy Blog » blood clot

New Plavix Drug Warning

admin — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:56:21 +0000

The prescription drug Plavix, the second best-selling drug in the world, helps prevent previous blood clot related heart attack and stroke victims of another deadly incident. Plavix helps keep platelets in the blood stream from sticking together and forming clots, which is a direct cause of heart attack and stroke.

Recent news has shown that normal doses of Plavix have a potentially deadly lack of effect in 2% to 14% of patients. These patients are known as “poor metabolizers” who carry a variant CYP2C19 gene affecting the enzyme that converts Plavix into its active form.

The first warning about the effect on poor metabolizers appeared on Plavix labels in May 2009. But with recent findings from a drug maker-funded study and other research, the FDA has now strengthened the warning.

A person can identify if they are a poor metabolizer with a genetic test. These tests cost about $500, but the cost isn’t the only issue. The time to get the test results varies. It may be a few hours to a day or two, or other labs can take up to a few weeks; and for many patients at risk of a second heart attack or stroke, time is of the essence.

Click here for more heart attack information.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Leg Pain Not Caused by Injury

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:46:57 +0000

Pain in your legs can be caused by minor leg problems such as sore muscles. This type of pain commonly occurs during sports or recreational activities, and physical work-related projects. Leg problems can be minor or serious and can include symptoms such as: pain, swelling, cramps, numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in temperature or color.

Older adults have an increased risk for leg problems because they lose muscle mass as they age. Children can always have leg problems for the same reasons as adults or for other reasons like overactivity or the rapid growth of bone and muscle.

More serious pain in your legs could be a problem with blood vessels, and a sign of a cardiovascular disease. Some of these include peripheral arterial disease, inflammation of a vein (phlebitis), or a blood clot (thrombophlebitis). A blood clot near the surface of the skin may cause only minor problems, while a clot in a deep vein may be more serious.

There are many other problems that cause leg pain, see WebMD’s article on leg pain not caused by injury.

To chat with a doctor about leg pain, sign up for NorthShore HealthSystem’s live chat on February 11, 2010 at 12 Noon (CT).

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.