Clopidogrel - Joint Pain

[Lulu_Lollipop]

Clopidogrel. Would love to hear of people's experiences with Clopidogrel. I've been on it since September 2019 when I had my stroke (along with Atorvastatin and blood pressure tablets). My bloods were fine when checked, but I was put on the tablets just in case. Stroke was caused by an infarction. I have been struggling with fatigue, awkwardness, stiffness and constant aches and pains and been trying to work out if it's down to age, brain surgery (large aneurysm clipped) or stroke. Did have a break from Atorvastatin, but that didn't reduce any of the pain. Rheumatologist saw me at the end of January and he says I have Osteoarthritis and referred me for xrays, ultra sound and MRI scans. Having MRI scan of spine today. Meanwhile I've heard from someone that Clopidogrel can cause arthritis and painful joints and muscles.

Anyone experienced this? Anyone come off Clopidogrel and if so, how? Put on anything else instead?

Thank you.

[piglette]

Clopidogrel can cause bleeding and so should not be taken with anti coagulants such as Warfarin, also not to be taken with aspirin or NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen. I am pretty sure you would not get osteo arthritis from it. I think your symptoms are caused by something else. Brilinta (ticagrelor) appears to be slightly more effective than Clopidogrel in reducing the percentage of cardio vascular death, infarction or stroke in the first year of treatment. Brilinta patients are said to have more breathing difficulties as a side effect compared to Clopidogrel.

[Amkoffee]

I can only tell you for my own experience that having been on Clopidogrel a very long time. And without doctors approval I stopped it for 3 months and did not find any relief of my joint pain. My joint pain is from a variety of things but mainly osteoarthritis. Please do not do what I did, it is very dangerous. I've had two strokes and two blood clots all of which could have killed me and didn't.

[Happyrosie]

my husband has been on it for about fifteen years. Yes he has joint pains but these are osteoarthritis and nothing to do with Clop. He has no side effects except it’s difficult to stop any bleeding - for example if we are out on a country walk and he brushes by some brambles and they scratch, then bleeding doesn’t stop for some hours. If he has dental treatment where bleeding occurs (e.g. tooth removal - then he must stop Clop several days beforehand. He knows that in doing so he risks clotting and hence stroke or heart attack if he does not take Clop.

[Catseyes235]

I’ve been taking it since a stroke in 2020. Any aches and pains, which I had before have reduced since from losing weight! Also a change of thyroid meds helped but that’s a different story.

I’ve only ever stopped taking it on the day of dental treatment and even with an extraction my blood clotted well. In fact I’ve been using a hard toothbrush as well with no ill effects despite advice to use a soft brush and my gums are bleeding less now. Hope you find some relief from your symptoms.

[Lulu_Lollipop]

Thank you, that's interesting. I was very thin when I had the stroke and I had the pain starting then, I guess because of weak right hand side and awkwardness. I've put on about a stone and a half since then. Not fat, but certainly heavier. That's down to having a more stable life (was going through nasty divorce when I had stroke and under huge pressure at work after returning with cognitive function issues after brain surgery). I do want to lose about a stone and I do think that'll help with the aches and pains. I'm just being fed rather too well by my lovely fiancé 😋 He's put on weight since moving in with me too and wants to get himself back in shape. Must do it!