Plavix And Leukemia

Updated

Is there a connection? My husband received 2 stents, one in October 2008 and a medicated one in November 2008. He was then placed on Plavix. In November 2009 he was diagnosed with AML leukemia, he passed away 6/2010 at the age of 56. There was no obvious reason for him to get leukemia, it is rare for someone that young to have AML. We know that his heart disease was genetic. He was very health conscious, always ate healthy, exercised and was in great physical condition. I have read little tidbits about Plavix causing bone marrow damage and am wondering if there are other Plavix patients that have or had Leukemia. Thanks, Chris

98 Replies (5 Pages)

Page:1Next PageLast Page
Earliest Newest Votes
1

There have been very rare cases of Leukemia reported in people using Plavix, however, the percent of occurrence has been less than 1%, so there has never been anything to definitively tie it to the usage of Plavix, but the suspicions are there. Therefore, proving it would also be a very difficult undertaking.

While it is rare for it to strike someone his age, it has happened and in a much greater percentage than the 1% associated with using the medication.

https:/­/­www.medschat.com/­wiki/­Plavix/­

https:/­/­www.medschat.com/­wiki/­Leukemia/­

I am very sorry for your loss, losing someone so young is especially tragic.

Is there anything else I can help with?

Was this helpful? 0
2

Thank you

Was this helpful? 0
3

My dear friend and neighbor was on Plavix for just under 2 years. In that time, her doctor never did a complete blood count, and apparently this isn't recommended by the drugs manufacturer. She was diagnosed with AML and died four months later. She went from feeling wonderful on Monday, to exhausted and sick on Wednesday. On Thursday, she saw the dr., entered the hosp. and was sent home to hospice care a week later. I'd demand regular monitoring of labs if I was on this drug.

Was this helpful? 0
4

Thank you for your response KM. You are correct, blood counts should be required. Ihope this discussion will be helpful to many readers. I want people to be aware that leukemia might be a possible side effect of Plavix.

Was this helpful? 0
5

I'm not sure if Plavix causes leukemia or not. One thing I would be concerned about is the radiation from a CT angiography. That's the imaging tests doctors use when they place a stent in a person's artery. The radiation level, the actual absorbed dose, is 50-100 mGy.

That is a HUGE AMOUNT OF RADIATION! To put it in perspective, there are 3 radiation "dose ranges" in the Hiroshima A-bomb study aka LSS study and 100 mGy is the HIGH range. Many of those people died of leukemia.

When you hear a CT scan is a small dose, and the measurement is given in mSv, that is their estimation of the EFFECT of the radiation, not the actual dose you receive. The dose you actually receive, given in mGy is much higher. Effective dose aka mSv is just an arbitrary value, a s.w.a.g. that the ICRP came up with to be able to market CT as a low dose procedure to people and make them feel safe. The mSv dose is just made up! It's a lie to make you feel better. What really tells you the dose from a CT scan, the true dose, is the CTDIvol, which is always given in mGy. Always ask for a cd copy of your imaging tests, it should have your dose report showing how much radiation you received. That way you can keep track of your cumulative dose and it will show the CTDIvol for every scan. CTDIvol is closer to the measurement used by LSS cohort studies on Hiroshima to actually determine a person's risk, NOT the effective dose given in mSv. Again, that is their way of minimalizing the risk to you to make you feel safe. People need to be aware of how much radiation these scans truly put out.

Was this helpful? 0
6

Very interesting. Thank you for the great information!

Was this helpful? 0
7

Hi my name is Pat my dad has been on plavix for a long time and now has developed AML also I velieve we need to contact someone to begin to look at this maybe the drug companies need to be sued it is the only way they will make changes, any thoughts?

Was this helpful? 2
8

I Think it does need to be looked into. My email address is [email protected] [1] . Feel free to contact me.

[1] Editor's note - In order to protect privacy, we do not allow individuals to post their personal contact information on our discussion threads (except in some very rare cases).

Was this helpful? 1
9

My mother also suffered a major heart attack in May of 2008 and a medicated stent was inserted. She was put on Plavix in addition to a full aspirin everyday. The following year, 2009, she saw her cardiologist but he DID NOT do blood work. Go Figure. In March of 2010 my healthy, beautiful, active, fit 75 year old mom suddenly became weak and developed a severe nose bleed that would not easily cease. She went to her general doctor who immediately ran blood work and she was then rushed to the hospital with extremely low platelets and red blood cells. A bone marrow biopsy two days later revealed Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I have felt all along that the PLAVIX cause my mothers leukemia. In early June, my mother lost her brief but horrendous battle. jThat July, I filed a complaint with the FDA regarding the fears I had of the PLAVIX not being monitored closely, and also that the doctor had her on the drug for 2 years when it was stated on the PLAVIX website that 6 months to 1 year were recommended. I don't understand how a doctor can prescribe this dangerous, powerful medication and not be required to do followup blood work.
I asked all of my mom's doctors during her treatment if the PLAVIX could have caused the leukemia, and their response was "no, it only affects the platelets, not the white cells". I don't believe the doctors were lying, I believe they are misinformed. This drug is dangerous and needs to be very closely monitored. I will never have my mom back, but I hope that soon they realize the danger with this drug.

Was this helpful? 2
10

I believe that the doctors are taking the stance that if the patient doesn't show any adverse effects from the PLAVIX, then they just keep them on it. They treat it like its a statin drug, when it is a very powerful medication that alters the blood and HAS INDEED caused neutropenia, leukemia, low platelets, overall low blood counts, etc. My mom was never exposed to benzene or any other chemical tied to causing leukemia. She never smoked, nor was around people who did. She had inherited heart disease which cause a heart attack and caused a stent to be inserted in 2008. For the next two years she was on PLAVIX and no followup blood work was done for CBC. In March 2010 she was diagnosed with the AML and on June 7, 2010 she was gone. We need to sound the alarm on the misuse of PLAVIX. Doctors are not following the drug manufacturer's recommendation and it is dangerous!

Was this helpful? 1
11

This post sounds like you are speaking exactly of how my mothers story went, only she was gone in 10 weeks. She was on the PLAVIX just under two years, without being monitored, and diagnosed with AML which took her life in 10 weeks. You are right, the doctors must be required to closely monitor their patients on PLAVIX. Maybe then, the blood changes could be caught in the myelodysplastic stage, or even earlier and not be in full blown leukemia.

Was this helpful? 1
12

My mother's situation is a repeat of your husband's experience. She received 2 stents in May 2008 and was given Plavix. She stayed on the drug for more than 2 years. This past week she was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS a precursor to AML. Her blood count is down to 4 and she is expected to die soon. She is now in a nursing home because she is so weak she can't do anything.
I don't understand why her low blood count was not found before now. Three weeks ago she was going up and down stairs and doing her own laundry. Does anyone know of a lawsuit? I am so angry. I had been doing research into some of the drugs I take for my high blood pressure and high cholesterol and already am angry with the drug companies. Zocor has destroyed my short-term memory. I am looking for more natural means to treat disease and prevent it. I no longer have faith in the drug companies and FDA to protect us. In Europe and China they use herbs and natural substances to treat disease. The drug companies are so powerful here.

Was this helpful? 0
13

My mom is 73 yrs. old. She had two stents put in. This was in 2009. She has been on Plavix since. Two weeks ago she had bloodwork and her platelet count was low. She was told to stop Plavix. Next week she has an appointment with an oncologist. She never felt right while taking it.

Was this helpful? 0
14

I have tried posting my email address but this site won't let me. Try searching for the same info on Topix. People have been able to contact me through that posting---Chris Hill

Was this helpful? 0
15

I HAVE CONTACTED A LAW FIRM OUT OF NEW YORK CITY THAT ALSO BELIEVE THERE IS A CONNECTION

Was this helpful? 0
16

Thanks Pat. Keep in touch.---Chris

Was this helpful? 0
17

I have been reading and studying natural approaches to various health challenges we face. I will be glad to share some of what I have come accross with you and a couple of web sites if you are interested.

Was this helpful? 0
18

Pat, are you on Facebook? I would love to speak to you regarding the lawfirm that believes there is a connection to Plavix and AML.
I am on Facebook, Ruth Brock, and you can message me thru my page. Would love to hear what you have discovered with your research. Thanks, Ruth

Was this helpful? 0
19

My mom was 70 yrs old and had been on Plavix because of a stroke 9 yrs ago. She was very active and had been babysitting for me in Sept when she felt shortness of breaths... she went to hospital where they found blood clots in her lungs and the bloodwork revealed AML in Blast Crisis... she died 3 days later. She had all of her blood work done in June and it showed nothing abnormal... I'm so sad and angry... and keep asking myself... WHY?

Was this helpful? 0
20

Bonnie,
I am so sorry. I wish I had some answers for you but I do not. I believe now more than ever that plavix is the cause. Please keep checking this site and other plavix message boards for any updates that may come up. Best wishes, Chris

Was this helpful? 0
Page:1Next PageLast Page

Most Recent Replies:

98

Re: Sue G (# 95) Expand Referenced Message

Me too! I know in my gut it was Plavix! So do my children.

Was this helpful? 0
97

Re: Ruth (# 9) Expand Referenced Message

My husband was 54 and I know in my gut Plavix killed him. His cardiologist committed suicide and his family doctor prescribed it for years and I don't think it can be taken that long. My life has been ruined :(

Was this helpful? 0
96

My husband also took Plavix and died from AML at the age of 54

Was this helpful? 0
95

Hello. I live in the UK and my husband died of AML in Jan '13 after being on Plavix, this has destroyed me. He was on a trial for this God forsaken drug and when I rang the doctor in charge of the trial he laughed and said I was talking rubbish so if I was talking rubbish why had he felt it necessary to warn Harvard something or other in Boston that my husband had died of leukaemia. To the day I die I will blame this drug.

Was this helpful? 0
94

Thanks for the info. I have received a lot of radiation over the past 18 months. Diagnosed with lymphoma 1/16. Have had 3PET/CT scans. 20 radiation therapy treatments. Several CT scans. Numerous x-rays. In 2010 had 6 stents placed, under flouroscopy. Have been on Plavix since then. All makes me a bit nervous.

Was this helpful? 0
93

I did fill out an FDA report back in 2010 right after losing my mother. I have heard absolutely nothing back, not even an acknowledgement of receiving my complaint against Plavix. Please everyone, file the complaint to the FDA. The more of us they hear from, they will eventually have to look into this.

Was this helpful? 3
92

It is imperative that we report the seriousness of Plavix or its generic Clopidogrel. The FDA takes suspected adverse drug experiences seriously and encourage you to submit a report to the FDA's MedWatch Program on your relative's behalf. This is the FDA program for reporting serious adverse drug events. You can report directory to MedWatch via the internet. You can find a link to the voluntary reporting form by going to the MedWatch homepage [fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch.htm] click on the red "Report a Problem" tab and then click on Consumer Patient tab found on the right side of the page. Alternatively, you can download the appropriate paper reporting form [found at fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowtoReport.htm] and either fax it to 1-800-FDA-0178 or mail it to the address indicated on the form. Please get the message out to them. There is a definite correlation between Plavix and Leukemia!!

Was this helpful? 1
91

My husband had the actual drug Plavix for about 6 months. After it was taken off patent he was given generic Plavix. The Supreme Court ruled that a generic pharmaceutical drug company can not be litigated against. Therefore there is no way an attorney will take the case. I am writing everyone. Congressman , newspapers, etc because this decision has to be reversed. Be mindful that 80 percent of drugs dispensed are generic.

Was this helpful? 1
90

Good morning everyone. My after in law has been on Plavix sever years and was just diagnosed with Leukemia. For him, this is a death sentence because he is 87 and won't be able to do the chemo or radiation.

We need a laywer!!

Was this helpful? 0
89

Hi Stephanie, I agree with you 100%. I'm still looking for info as well as legal cases. I will post on this site should I find anything and I ask you to post as well.

Was this helpful? 2
Sort Thread by Most Recent

More Discussions:

h 86 and leukemia?

Anybody know if this is helpful against leukemia? ## Hello, Sharon! How are you? Unfortunately, I haven't been able ...

2 REPLIES
Vimpat and Leukemia

I was taking Vimpat in 2012 and 2013. I was recently diagnosed with Leukemia (CML). Has anyone been diagnosed with Leuke...

2 REPLIES
Plavix and Vyvanse

I have Narcolepsy and have been taking various drugs (e.g. Adderall, Dexotrine, Vyvanse) for the condition for the past ...

4 REPLIES
plavix and flexeril

I'm s/p stroke and taking plavix. Can I take flexeril for my back pain? ## Hello, Gigi! How are you? I didn't fi...

2 REPLIES
Plavix and alcohol side effects

My husband drinks every night and he takes this med. I let him know he is killing himself. Please help. ## Plavix contai...

2 REPLIES
Plavix and alcohol

I don't drink everyday but sometimes a couple nights in a row for events. I also take 75mg plavix. Is it safe? ## No...

1 REPLY
Plavix and intestinal and eye bleeing

In June of this year, I had an acute event in which my intestines started dying and I came very close to death myself. M...

1 REPLY
Plavix 75 mg and baby aspirin 81 mg inter action

Am 78 and had 2 stents put in 6-1/2 years ago. Taking Plavix 75 mg and aspirin 81 mg. Gradually have seen darkening of s...

1 REPLY
Plavix Lipitor And Alcohol

will taking plavix and lipitor have any effect on a dui bac? ## They aren't going to change the results, per se, but...

1 REPLY
Sensa and Plavix

I take plavis will sensa affect this drug ## Are you referring to the weight loss product, Sensa? If that is so, then I ...

1 REPLY