Advice, not blame

[Ianc69]

I finished my course of Prasugel ( took for 1 year) and doctor forgot to prescribe clopadrel ( not sure of spelling) 1 month later I have suffered another heart attack. Could this latest episode have been avoided if I'd had the tablets prescribed?

[Tos92]

Hi   Ianc69

I’m very sorry to hear about your recent heart attack.

I don’t think anyone would be able to tell you if the heart attack could have been avoided if the GP were to prescribe you the Clopidogrel sooner. My simple understanding of Clopidogrel is that it aims to prevent blood clots from developing.

Did the the cardiologists or doctors that treated you for your recent heart attack tell you what the cause was and if it was down to plaque build up or a blood clot? Both of these things can obstruct the coronary arteries and cause a heart attack. It’s also possible to have a heart attack without non-obstructed arteries as well however, you don’t state whether you had a STEMI or an NSTEMI.

I would suggest you put in a complaint to the GP if you deem appropriate for the error or mistake made in not prescribing the medication.

Let us know how you get on.

All the best.

Tos

[Hidden]

I’m on clopidogrel for life my cardiologist said it’s best in the longer term as a preventative measure. It’s more or less a super aspirin without rotting your stomach lining.

[Hidden]

I think it’s maybe because of I have stomach sensitivity issues

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Other than three lines of narrative in your post, members have no knowledge of your medical history certainly in detail, your general state of health, and importantly the degree of heart disease you have. Further, no-one on here is likely qualified to answer your query. So any answers, although well meaning, should be treated with caution. Certainly some answers are largely speculative in my opinion.

[MummaSoap in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Yes, I agree, there are many variables of which even lanc69 may not be aware of - as is the difficulty when dealing with varying conditions and situations within diagnosed conditions.

As you say, the majority of us are unqualified (myself included) to answer, all we can do is share personal experiences based on facts.

@lanc69 I would recommend you contact your cardiologist for advice specific to your circumstances but I would also urge you consider, what difference would having this information make to me right now? It may give you closure or it may fuel resentment for a situation that may have been out of your hands anyway. Of course you’re entitled to feel however you currently feel - I’m not disputing that.

Thinking of you and hope that your recovery is going well; please keep us posted with how you’re doing.

Best wishes

Soap 🧼

[Adhtz21]

Sorry to hear this.

If in doubt why not email the BMA / GMC and ask them to open a preliminary investigation to see if there needs to be a full fitness to practise investigation.

I hope that your health and situation improves.

Mistakes happen but I’m afraid that when it impacts on your life, you need to look after yourself. It might be worth contacting a No win no fee medical negligence Solicitor for advice. Choose carefully though if that is the path that you take.

[momander]

Hi lanc 69 As none of us here are qualified to answer your question it would be best to contact your GP or cardiologist. My understanding is that you are on clopidogrel or prasugrel for 1 year only, but aspirin for life. Some people may jave sensitivities to medication so perhaps landioprazole may be prescribed to help. I have not heard anyone swap from one drug to another after a year. For peace of mind I would definitely speak to a professional. I'm so sorry you had another heart attack though, that's awful. Good luck and take care

[wischo]

They do switch from Aspirin to Clopidogrel as I had tummy trouble with Aspirin and my cardiologist sent me a script for Clopidogrel instead. I persevered on Aspirin and took the enteric coated type and am now able to tolerate them. In answer to your question yes your lack of antiplatelet medication may well have contributed to your second heart attack, however as you were meant to be taking this medication for life I think really you should have notified your GP as soon as you were left without protection. Also the cause of your 2nd attack may not have anything to do with anticoagulation at all. I hope that you are recovering well and wish you well in the future and as mentioned in the comments always check you have the proper meds as doctors make mistakes but we do have to take control of our meds ourselves as well.