Plavix Drug Interactions
Plavix is an anticoagulant prescription drug which is prescribed to those who suffer with blood vessel disorders and other heart related disorders which affect the blood flow through the body. There are some drugs that you should refrain from taking while on Plavix, while there are others which mix well with this drug that happen to improve its potency.
Drugs You Should Refrain from Taking
Most prescriptive stomach remedies should not be taken while on Plavix. Several of these are: Tagamet, Nexium, Prevacid and Omeprazole (Prilosec). These drugs have a tendency to reduce the effectiveness of Plavix. The reason for this is because they block a specific enzyme’s ability to turn Plavix into its most potent form. If you take these acid blockers then you should discuss the effects of them with a health care provider if they aren’t aware that you are taking them. An alternative solution could possibly be implemented, especially if you have a strong need for these other medications.
The FDA claims that it isn’t the fact that Prilosec and Nexium are proton pump inhibitors, but as was stated above, they actually interfere with the enzyme known as ‘CYP 2C19’ which is what activates Plavix to work most effectively in the human body. There is controversy surrounding this as some healthcare providers claim that these two classes of drugs might actually help people on Plavix, while others say they should not be combined. This is simply something that you must discuss with your healthcare provider to be certain about the risks or interferences associated with combining them.
Tips & Suggestions
You should never stop taking your other prescription drugs until you’ve spoken with your health care professional first. It is definitely considered unsafe to stop taking medications that your doctor has authorized you to consume on a daily basis. Do not take it upon yourself to quit taking any of your medications unless you have been advised to do so by a professional medical provider.
Many doctors try to avoid these drug interactions in many ways. Because patients that are on PPI’s definitely need them, most health care professionals recommend taking drugs such as Nexium or Prilosec 12 hours before you take your Plavix. Most claim that this will minimize the interactions of these drugs with Plavix, yet the FDA claims that this still will not provide a suitable strategy to avoid the interference of Plavix working effectively in the body. In the end, it is up to you and your doctor to come to a satisfactory solution to allow you to be able to remain on all of the prescription medications that you need to feel at your best.
