Plavix (Blood Thinner): New Recommendations for Use with PPIs (antacids)
(firmenpresse) - OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 09/22/11 -- Health Canada is informing health professionals and patients of updated recommendations involving the use of Plavix in combination with a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). New evidence has shown that while PPIs do interact with Plavix, not all reduce the effectiveness of Plavix to the same degree.
Plavix (the brand name for clopidogrel) is a prescription blood thinner used to prevent blood clots that could lead to heart attack or stroke. It is given to patients with a history of heart-related problems, such as heart attack and stroke, to prevent future events. PPIs are prescription antacids used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers. As heartburn and stomach ulcers can occur as side effects of Plavix, patients taking Plavix may also be given a PPI to prevent or ease their symptoms. See below for a list of Proton Pump Inhibitors sold in Canada.
In 2009, the labelling for Plavix was updated to indicate that the use of any PPI in patients taking Plavix should be discouraged, as emerging data suggested that PPIs potentially reduced the ability of Plavix to protect against blood clots.
This label update was communicated in a letter to () and to the ().
Since that time, new studies have shown that, while PPIs do interact with Plavix, not all PPIs interact to the same degree: some have a strong effect on Plavix, while others do not.
The labelling for Plavix has been updated with new recommendations regarding the use of PPIs:
Patients taking Plavix should continue taking it as directed. If you are considering or are already taking a PPI, talk to your health professional regarding any questions or concerns about your treatment. There are alternatives to PPIs for the treatment of stomach ulcers and heartburn.
Drug labels, also known as "Product Monographs," contain important prescribing and safety information for health professionals and patients, and are available by search of Health Canada's ().
How to report side effects to health products
To report suspected side effects to these or other health products, please contact Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or complete a () and send to us using one of these methods:
PPI drugs currently marketed in Canada
The following proton pump inhibitors are available in Canada:
PPIs are also available in combination with other drugs, for example: Vimovo (contains esomeprazole).
Egalement disponible en francais
Contacts:
Media Inquiries:
Health Canada
613-957-2983
Public Inquiries:
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709
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Datum: 22.09.2011 - 10:17 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 1040160
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