New Plavix Drug Warning
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.
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