Clopidogrel and bruising

[Danny462]

Hi all came home from work today with bruising on both ankles where I was working in confined space my bum was sitting on my ankles. Also bruising on both upper arms. Just lately I appear to have a lot of bruising. I have been on clopidogrel since February 2019 also on aspirin, bisoprolol and stations. Does anyone else bruise so easily thanks

[080311]

Hi,

I am afraid it goes with the medication, sometimes I look like someone as punched my arm and all I have done is scratch an itch!

Best wishes Pauline

[jamesnufc]

Yeah Danny unfortunately so, I get bruises than think when did I hit my elbow etc yesterday so I guess on a positive it helps with short term memory 😆

[Nettekin]

Clopidigrel is a well known culprit for bruising. I was on it for a year and seemed to be covered in an ever-changing colourful pattern. I was pleased to come off it and the bruising stopped almost immediately. I do find the aspirin I still take makes healing take a bit longer if I cut myself.

[Magicfairy]

Yes, never without a bruise somewhere, have had some spectacular ones over the last two years 🙂

[Mentdent]

I’ve got loads of bruises. Normal I think

[Rogo23]

My wife recons that a hard look will raise bruises since I started on clopppy d.On the plus side a nice slowly purpleing bruse dose add interest to a otherwise bland expanse of skin.

Well that's what I tell myself.

Not sure that I am listening though 🤔.

[Qualipop]

Very very normal. Clopidogrel is a blood thinner and makes you bruise at the slightest touch. When you come off it it will improve although aspirin will cause lighter bruising.

[Danny462]

Thanks for replying everyone. A couple of my work colleagues have seen my bruises and I work for a company which is really health and safety conscious. Now if my manager says anything I can tell him it's normal on my meds.

[Fish4Info]

Although bruising is common, you may want to discuss its extent with your gp/consultant. Dual antiplatelet therapy (I.e. two lots of "bloodthinners") can be quite aggressive. My recollection is that it used to be recommended for 6-12 months after certain cardiac interventions (e.g. stents or bypass grafts). One thing it's worth keeping an eye out for are black 'motions' or 'poos'. These could indicate a gastro-intestinal (GI) bleed, which is quite serious and can cause anaemia. I was taken off clopidogrel 14.5 years ago precisely because I had a GI bleed and severe anaemia, nearly requiring a blood transfusion. Most people don't have this sort of reaction but it's something to watch out for. Take care and hope the bruising sorts itself out.

[Danny462 in reply to Fish4Info]

Wow thanks for your reply I think that's what the pharmacist was concerned about so I booked a telephone appointment online with my GP

[Fish4Info in reply to Danny462]

Thanks. Good luck with the appointment. I've now been on aspirin as a single "blood thinner" for 14.5 years ever since (as well as the other stuff like beta blockers, ace inhibitors, statin etc.).

[Simes11]

Firstly, that’s a VERY long time to still be on Clopidogrel! 🤔Has someone forgotten to take you off it??! 😬I’ve been on it (Plavix, et al) twice over the past 12 years, once for 18 mths & then for 12 mths & yep, bruises galore! 😳 Still bruise easily on daily Aspirin, but nowhere near as ‘drammatically’! 😄

[Danny462 in reply to Simes11]

Thanks for reply the pharmacist said that my medication may have been overlooked but my medical records state 12 to 18 months possibly for life.

[Fish4Info]

I obvs agree with Simes11 that it's very long time to be on clopidogrel. (Clopidigrel as a dual therapy was only originally licensed/recommended for short term use (6-12 months) after cardiac events.) Like you, Danny462 , it was suggested (by my surgeon) that I be on it for life as I was so young to need a CABGx4 at 47. The idea was to (try to) give the operation a 35 year outcome before needing a redo. I knew it was a 'punt' (and was being actively discussed in medical literature at the time). But the GI bleed and anaemia meant the 'punt' wasn't worth taking in my case. I 'yellow carded' the combination (clopidogrel and aspirin) and I think opinion also hardened against long term use of dual therapy.

[Qualipop]

That is a long time. It's usually 6 to 12 months although I see your comments says "Possibly for life" in which case I woudl expect you to have regular blood tests