Brands > Plavix

I was put on Plavix after a heart attack and have been on it for six years. (Many people don't stay on it so long, but I am very young.) Its purpose is to keep blood from clotting and it seems to be doing the trick. I can tell because I bruise more easily than before. Even small bumps cause bruising, so sometimes I have bruises and I don't even remember how I got them. Also, cuts take longer to stop bleeding. But, as far as I know, these side effects are not dangerous, as long as you inform doctors before you have surgery or other procedures with potential for bleeding that you take Plavix.

I have had a heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in my lungs due to a blood disorder called Factor V Leiden. I had been on Coumadin for about 18 months and my INR would not regulate. My doctor placed me on Plavix so I wouldn’t have to continue with weekly blood tests.

About three months after stopping Coumadin and using Plavix, I had several clots in my lungs which caused me to stay in the hospital for about 12 days. The idea of not having weekly blood test sounded great, but I was not protected against clots and had to quit using Plavix and start back on Coumadin.

I guess it is working great to relieve the possibility of clots, for I have no sign of a clot returning. However, I am covered in bruises and my stomach is knots more, I feel bloated and uncomfortable. I am unable to drink even a small amount of coffee in the morning, even a few hours after having taken the dose. That being said, I have to take it for at least a year after my heart attack, so I guess I have to deal with these side effects