Cardiologists Shocked by New FDA Alert on Clopidogrel-PPI Interaction

Shocked! Shocked!

"The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new public health warning today on the possible interaction between clopidogrel (Plavix) and the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole (Prilosec). The alert states, "New data show that when clopidogrel and omeprazole are taken together, the effectiveness of clopidogrel is reduced. Patients at risk for heart attacks or strokes who use clopidogrel to prevent blood clots will not get the full effect of this medicine if they are also taking omeprazole."

But the timing of the this alert appears peculiar, given that just a few weeks ago, what was said to be the definitive answer to this issue — the only randomized clinical trial on the interaction — was reported, showing no hint of any reduction in effect of clopidogrel in patients taking omeprazole.

Cardiologists contacted by Heartwire were surprised at the new FDA announcement."

The fit are less likely to need cardiac meds.

Avoid the shocks.

Get fit.