Minneapolis Heart Institute doctors warn patients about mixing Plavix with heartburn meds
MINNEAPOLIS 05/06/2009--The Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital sent out a warning to referring doctors today: Patients who take Plavix (clopidogrel) after interventional heart procedures and have stents should be careful if they also take heartburn medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
"PPI use can negate the effects of Plavix by blocking its conversion to its active form," says Michael Mooney, MD, director of interventional cardiology at Minneapolis Heart Institute. "In several studies, when PPIs have been given to patients on Plavix, there has been a dramatic increase in adverse events."
"We have many patients who need Plavix after interventional cardiology procedures. They are very Plavix dependent," Mooney says. "But 60 percent also take PPIs, so this is significant information for them to have."
"Patients who have had a coronary stent are at risk for having a clot form within the stent, and Plavix works to reduce clot formation," says Scott Sharkey, MD, a Minneapolis Heart Institute cardiologist.
Warning includes prescription and over the counter medicine
The Minneapolis Heart Institute's warning includes:
- PPIs that are sold over the counter, such as Prilosec (omeprazole)
- prescription PPIs, such as Nexium (esomeprazole).
So far, doctors say preliminary studies show that the PPI Protonix (pantoprazole) and H2 blockers, such as Pepcid (famotidine), do not interfere with Plavix (clopidogrel).
The FDA issued a warning in January, but doctors say the advisory received little attention, and the issue is under appreciated.
About the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital
The Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital is the largest integrated cardiovascular provider in Minnesota. The Institute is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit health care system of hospitals, clinics and other patient care services that provides exceptional care to communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
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Related Links
Cardiovascular disease specialists
Heart surgeries and interventional procedures
Heartburn prevention
Health news: Plavix, heartburn drugs may be risky combination (05/06/2009)
Health news: Blood thinner, heartburn drugs may be risky after heart attack (03/03/2009)
Health news: Plavix plus heartburn drugs may hike heart risk (01/28/2009)
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