Hi recently ive had high BP ive been prescribed tablets. But a few years ago i had a TIA and was prescribed Clopidogrel which i never took i just dont like taking medication at all. Now ive been prescribed it again and i have said i will take it but the list of possible side effects is scaring the hell out of me. Has anyone else been prescribed this with no side effects or has any advice please I havnt taken any yet 🙈
Clopidogrel !!: Hi recently ive had... - British Heart Fou...
Clopidogrel !!
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Lolaorange13
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MilkfairyHeart Star
I have been taking clopidogrel along with lots of other medications for over 12 years.
I am on clopidogrel for life.
The only problem I experience is some impressive bruises.
Thanku for the reply and its refreshing to read that the bruising is your only side effect because the list of possible side effects that comes with the tablets is pretty scary 🙈 Its comforting to know not everyone gets the side effects.
I'm the same.. just bruising.
Thanku for your reply much appreciated
Likewise just bruising if I catch myself on the door handle! I prefer the bruising as opposed to the risk of a stroke or TIA's!
My husband has also been taking it for years with no ill effects other than bruising but at 81 thinning skin could be a contributing factor.
Nearly every prescribed pill has a long list of potential side-effects, and I believe that risking these is better than not taking Clopidogrel which could lead to blood clots. The main effect seems to be bruising and bleeding. (We've several times discussed whether taking it should be paused before tooth extraction and the like; time was when advice recommended pausing, nowadays it seems to be not to, as the possibility of extra care being needed to staunch a wound is preferable to a blood clot.) Many doctors recommend that an antacid (such Lansoprazole) be taken with it to inhibit stomach problems. My GP urged me to take it, my heart surgeon said I didn't need to, a doctor on Friday said it was strongly recommended for the over-75s.
NHS website says "Most people who have had a TIA will need to take 1 or more medicines every day, long term, to help reduce their chances of having a stroke or another TIA."
Which do you regard as worse: the possibility of a stroke or another TIA, or the possibility of an unwanted effect from taking Clopidogrel?
Thanku for your reply i do fully understand the consequences of not taking the tablets but im someone who rarely goes to the doctors and i dont take any medication at all. Im pretty healthy n have a good diet n walk in the hills n mountains daily. I guess i feel that at 68 the rug is being pulled from underneath me and to be prescribed BP tabs was hard enough to take but now being told i have to also take these is to me awful cos i live life tablet free.The possible side effects are awful n scare the hell out of me. But i know if i dont take them another TIA or even worse could be on the cards. Im just finding it hard i guess to go from zero to tablets for life but with possible awful side effects and more doctor/hospital apps 🙈 I was hoping more people would say they are on them with hardly any side effects i guess to put my mind at rest. 🥲
I am afraid there are many people who believe that having a healthy diet, and taking plenty of exercise and doing all the 'right' things sort of guarantees they will never become ill. Unfortunately it doesn't work out like that since all that happens is that the risk of ill health is reduced but not eliminated, and if you are going to get something perhaps genetically programmed then you will get it. And certainly the older you get the more likely you are to become ill as I have found out. However the good news is that there are many people, including me, who take medication, sometimes for life, again like me, and don't suffer side effects. That's not to say people don't get side effects it's just that what you tend to hear about are those who get side effects who are actually in the minority. Anyway as far as clopidogrel is concerned I took it for 12 months following my HA and didn't notice any side effects, just increased bruising, but I still get that since I am also on low dose aspirin, but I prefer to take the aspirin (and the clopidogrel before it) because I view it as reducing my heart health risk. Nonetheless no one likes to take any unnecessary medication, I certainly don't, so you are right to question the need for taking taking your medication, but that needs to be balanced against the situation should you decline. So my suggestion is that you take the medication you have been prescribed understanding why you are taking it and what it is doing for you and what happens if you don't take it, including the clopidogrel, and see how you get on, and if side effects emerge go back to your GP to discuss the implications.
Thanku for your time to reply everyone who has replied to my post has helped me today i do actually feel comforted with every reply tbf . Its just a strange world to me this medication road for life and not one i thought i would be on ever tbf 🥲 I have a lot to mull over now and decide but thanku so much for taking the time to reply along with everyone else. 😀
We are all on the same boat unfortunately. I never thought that at 58 I’d get ill either, well not yet anyway, but I had what they put down to a TIA several months back when I returned home late at night from work and couldn’t lock my door, my hand just wouldn’t move at all for what was seconds. They cannot pinpoint why it happened to me, but now I’m on statins and Clopidogrel for life too. I too ate healthily, getting exercise, etc, but it still happened. I was reluctant at first to take any medication, until they explained why it is needed, statins are needed which are not just for high cholesterol which I didn’t have, but to stabilise any plaque that can break away from the arteries and the Clopidogrel prevents a clot from forming. So it makes sense really to take any medication prescribed. I have no side effects from either other than the odd bruise from the Clopidogrel. I’d take it, it’s not worth taking any risks of a further TIA or worse.
Thanku for your reply i have refused statins and im altering my diet to get my cholesterol down with a 3 month review with the doctor to check then another in another 3 months if hes happy its down enough its good if not ive said i will take statins. Im still trying to get my head around tablets for life 🙈
It seems that everyone on this site had a fantastic diet, walked miles every day and went to the gym, and their heart condition was therefore a complete surprise.
Either people aren't as healthy, well exercised and food conscious as they claim, or there are numerous other factors involved which we can call by the medical term, "the luck of the draw."
I took clopidogrel for 12 months after my bypass then as was indicated from the start, it was removed.
I felt no ill effects other than you only had to see a photo of a hard surface to come up in a bruise.
I too have been lucky (up to now), I have never taken any medication all my life. I'm 63 and had a heart attack and stents fitted in May this year. Suddenly went from taking no medication - to taking eleven tablets a day! It was hard for me to accept at first, I couldn't get my head round it, and my anxiety was through the roof. But, I'm now slowly starting to accept that they are helping me to enjoy a second chance at life. The medication is working. My blood pressure and heart rate are now in the normal range. I've lost two stone in weight, so my BMI is now in the normal range. And my cholesterol has gone from 5.8 to 2.6! I was put on Prasugrel at first. It burnt the skin on my whole body within a week! It was changed to Clopidogrel and things have been better since then. I do get stomach pains, but my doctor said those are being caused by the Asprin rather than the Clopidogrel. Sadly, my Cardiologist will not consider me coming off the Asprin until my twelve month review next May '25- and may need to be on it forever. I think we both have to accept that we are getting older and anything we can do (or take) to support the ageing process must be a good thing in the long-term. Good luck.
Oh god what a battle you have had 😮 But thanku for your reply and your story im so glad im not the only one who feels anxious about this process it really does help to read your not the only one who has to go through this .
I had a heart attack out of the blue in march ages 57. I was active, never smoked, hardly drank and ate well! I've been on clopidogrel since then and will be til next march. I've had no side effects except bruising whenever I knock myself. Only downside is my knee replacement surgery has been delayed due to being on it!
Thanku for your reply i can imagine at 57 that would shock you for that to happen especially after looking after your health so well. Sorry u have had your op delayed on your knee but hopefully not for much longer the months seem to go so quickly these days🙈
adding to what’s been said - with which I absolutely concur - you need to remember that anything you put in your mouth and swallow is going to affect you in some way or other. Water. Slice of toast. Brussels sprouts. Beans. Wine. Clopidogrel.
Put like that yes i guess your absolutely correct thanku 😀
I love my clopidogrel. Reduced my migraines from about 30 a year down to about 3 a year. I can live with the ocassional bruising and bleeding from slight cuts.
Sooty
Thanku for the reply i do appreciate everyones input it does help me a lot 😀
I am very interested in your comments. You have been prescribed clopidigrel for migraines or was it was a coincidence that it was helping with migraines as well as a heart condition? My daughter suffers terrible migraines and gets an injection once some months but now they are breaking through. I’m not sure what steps will be taken.
Prescribing clopidogrel in 2014 for me was coincidental to migraines. I had a stroke and it was one of several drugs prescribed to reduce the chances of another stroke.
It took me some years to grasp that Clopi was preventing migraines. As soon as I stopped taking Clopi the migraines flooded back.
I had migraines for 60 years. Over the years I coped with them quite well. Odd times they laid me low, even hospitalised, but generally I refused to let them run my life.
I have found that plain aspirin helped combat any migraine symptoms But Clopidogrel prevented them starting.
In 2020 I had stenosis of my heart valve but this didn’t impact migraines. I had clopi before the heart op and after the heart op. I had to stop clopi whilst in hospital for the heart op (AVR) and sure enough the migraines returned.
I hope your daughter can win her battle with migraines.
Best wishes
Sooty
Hi I’ve only taken clopidogrel since May 2022 (assuming for life) instead of aspirin as that played merry hell with my stomach. I also take lansoprazole to compensate for any issues for the stomach of taking clopidogrel. I don’t have side effects as a result.
When you say list are you reading all the uncommon and rare side effects as well? They’re uncommon and rare for a reason.
bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/clopi...
👍
yes ive been reading them all and it scares me but i feel im backed up against the wall cos clearly i need them but my head is in overdrive with all the info and the side effects 🙈
My husband was like you and ended up taking them and apart from the bruising and bleeding has had no side effects. Why don't you try taking them and if they disagree with you, you could always discuss with the GP and come off of them. They are much better than taking aspirin on the stomach by the way.
Ten years ago I didn’t need any medicines tablets drugs or pills. Now I need loads. I’m getting old. I accept the side effects because the consequences of not taking the drugs are probably worse.
Hi , I've been on clopidogrel for about 10 years with a mix of other Meds i was told as long as i cope with it I'd be on it for the rest of my days the only thing i find if a get a bruise its usually a cracker but other than that its been fine . Though i find reading the side effects of every medication could mess with you as they all potentially could be bad . Im looking at the fact they are helping me still be here . All the best 👍
Thanku for your reply thats a long time to be on them and your so right reading side effects is not a good thing but i always over anylyze medication 🙈
Had quadruple bypass following Nstemi last July . I don’t like taking meds either but I’d rather have the meds as prescribed post surgery than take chances . Clopidogrel was prescribed for a year. Didn’t have any issues . Still on aspirin , pantaprazole , lowest dose of bisoprolol (will trial a stop soon , consultant says to) and half a 1.25 tablet of ramipril.
Hi Lolaorange, I had a bad reaction to aspirin then, when I was switched, an equally bad reaction to clopidogrel as well as a bad reaction to the PPIs prescribed (lansoprazole) to mitigate the side effects. I'm now on apixaban (5 years now) and seem to be coping well without PPIs. If you do react badly to clopidogrel, you could think about discussing the possibility of switching to a low dose of apixaban instead. It might be worth asking. In my opinion (I'm not medically trained at all) people react very differently to meds. Side effects that really upset some people do not adversely affect others at all. The list of woes that the drug companies put with their product covers everything possible to avoid litigation. I was advised long ago that listed side effects are best ignored until/unless experiencing something peculiar when on new meds, then discuss with a clinician. In other words, try the clopidogrel for a while and see if it works for you.
I've been on Clopidogrel for last 3 years after mild HA and having a couple stents fitted. Was told I'd be on it for 2 tears. Doc had just took me off it. I'm a bit worried about not taking it. Still on Aspirin. And a few other heart/circulatory system drugs. Had no side effects other than bit bruising and bleeding bit longer when nicking myself shaving for example. I too felt I was fit at 64 when I had heart attack, regular waliking, hiking, swimming etc. The choice is take tabs for life or high risk of another HA or similar. Its a no- brainer. If a drug causes side effects I feel are too much then I'll be back to docs for an alternative. After a few months of recovery, I'm still swimming fell walking, hiking and go gym 5 times a week. Good luck.
Nice to know if things improve u can come off it but i guess thats due to the other medications you have. Its also nice to read you have your life back as in activities too i dont wanna lose what i love either. Thanku for your reply😀
I've been taking Clopidogrel for around 15 years with the only problem being that cuts bleed a bit more than otherwise. Have to have plasters handy.
Same answer here. Even a mild knock against a piece of furniture results in a spectacular bruise. I'm careful not to cut myself. I've been on clopidogrel for a year, and bruising seems to be the only side effect that I've noticed.
I’ve been taking Clopidogrel since I had a stroke six years ago. Initially I was taking Lansoprazole to counter side effects but after a month decided to stop that and see if I actually had those side effects. I didn’t. The only side effect I have from Clopidogrel is increased bruising.
To reinforce what other people have said, being seemingly healthy is no guarantee that things won’t happen. I was 60 when I had my stroke, on no medication and until then I’d never spent a night in hospital. I was working, active, not overweight, a non-smoker and only drank alcohol in moderation. There was no reason for me to have a stroke and yet I did.
I’ve made a good recovery from my stroke but it’s certainly not an experience I want to repeat so I’m happy to take Clopidogrel for the rest of my life. I would urge you to start taking it too.
Thanku for your reply im learning so much from everyones stories and im now thinking im lucky to have got to 68 with no problems. Guess im gonna have to suck it all up now and accept getting older comes with problems it doesnt matter how much you look after yourself 🙈Im glad you have made a good recovery yourself 😀
Hi,
I first had Clopidogrel in 2011 for a year after my HA and stent.
I then had it again in 2019 for a year after 5 x stents.
I also had another spell on it as the aspirin was agitating my stomach.
I don't like taking tablets either and can't get on with statins but apart from bruising and bleeding nicely from cuts I didn't seem to have any there problems.
I have since had 2 x more stents on 2 occasions and am now on Ticagrelor for 12 months instead of Clopidogrel 🤦♂️
I hope you do ok on it.
Oh WOW you have been through a lot jeez im glad you have come through the other side and are ok now 👌
Hi I have been taking it for many years with no problems.Just have to stop if I need surgery.Good luck. Nanna Jude.
Hi
I take 9 meds each day with similar warnings. Every single one has some side effects that could be frightening. However, since the meds are approved and have passed rigorous safety trials, the risk is low. I suffer no effects from any.
I think you’ll find that the risk of side effects is far less than the risk of suffering the medical event they prevent if you don’t take them.
Cheers
Husband has it and just be careful re bruising. He'd come in from gardening with cuts before and does now none are much worse than they were
Please don't be afraid to take this medication if you have been prescribed it. I know everyone is different and can have different side effects to individual medication and I am no means medically trained to advise on medication. However the only side effects I have is easily bruising if I knock myself by accident.
Have taken this medication since heart attack 2022, never had any bother with it I take all my heart meds at night. Like you I also hate taken meds, but with heart disease and the fear of another heart attack or even worse a stroke I had to grow up and take my meds.
Thanku for your reply i think im gonna have to grow up too arent i now 🥲🙈
i am on clopidogrel for life and had no side effects again like Milkfairy some bruises some of which are quiet large and colourful been taking this for two years now after having stents fitted
Been on Clopidigrol for years after having stomach problems with Aspirin never had a problem with it.
I've been taking this for 4 years with no side effects. I
I have been taking clopidogrel for several years and have never had any side affects and will be on it for life. Occasionally bruise more easily.
Hi. I had a mild HA in September and was put on Clopidrogel along with other tablets. Happy to say only side effect is I bruise very easily. Otherwise nothing to report xx
I was on that for a long time. It’s a perfectly safe drug and as far as I remember, I had very very little to no side-effects on it. Also a little piece of advice never read the side-effects of any of the medications. I take about 12 to 13 tablets a day and I’m still standing lol 😂 xx
I cant not read them though im so set against medication of any sort but its looking like i need to just take them🙈
I was prescribed it after having a TIA. It gave me terrible indigestion. I stopped taking it. But everyone is different. You might be okay. Try it and see.
I don’t believe any of the comments adds the key word possible before ‘side effects’…. as others have pointed out, many of those listed (and the potentially more serious ones) are uncommon or rare (with the odds stated) the only ones I tend to keep in mind when starting a new drug (temporary or possibly long term) are the common ones which may be circa 1 in 10 - so as the Americans say, do the math… and compare with the risk of another TIA - balance the risks and possible consequences of taking or not taking a drug (which is what medics have to do) and read up on it if you don’t understand the concept - remember also that inherently the balance will be overwhelmingly in favour of at least trying medication. Finally note that even if you do get some side effects these may lessen or go away with time as your body gets used to the drug. I can understand your reluctance if you’ve managed to avoid taking medication up until now, but in the end life catches up with most of us 😬 Good luck
Thanku for your reply yes life is catching up with me for sure now 🙈
Hi Lolaorange13
I’ve been on Clopidogrel for a year now with no side effects at all. I’m also on Apixaban. Like you I hate taking medications but as you’ve had a TIA it’s the best option to thanks an anti platelets and thinners. Best of luck
I understand. I was about the same age as you, feeling quite chuffed that I didn't need the multiple medications my friends and sisters needed, and sadly now need multiple meds myself. I also found it difficult as I have quite a lot of adverse reactions to medications, sometimes to the most innocuous things I have taken clopidigrel myself, and my mother also took it for years. I'm on a different med now instead, and have to say if you think the PIL for that is alarming you should see the one for the med I'm on now! I didn't have any problems with it, neither did mum.
I'm sorry to say the only way you will know is to try it. Although it can be reassuring to hear the experiences of other people nobody else will have the exact same metabolism as you. The manufacturers have to mention all reported side effects, no matter how infrequently they happen. It has taken me a little time to pluck up the courage to try some new ones, but I'm slowly getting better at it because after all, any unwanted side effects do stop when you stop the offending medication if you and your doctor decide the side effects are too troubling.
Good luck, I know it's tough.
Yea im also chuffed not to be taking anything so i get you there. But now i guess i need to give me head a wobble and accept with age comes medication to carry on .....oh dam 🙈
You must be exhausted after replying to everyone, but it's nice to get plenty of answers.Rather than thinking "with age comes medications" think that the meds could well be extending your life, or preserving the quality of it.
I must say I'm beginning to not recognise myself from even 20 years ago. Apart from all the usual even my eyes have changed colour, weird or what?
Hope you get on okay with clopidogrel.
I understand. I was about the same age as you, feeling quite chuffed that I didn't need the multiple medications my friends and sisters needed, and sadly now need multiple meds myself. I also found it difficult as I have quite a lot of adverse reactions to medications, sometimes to the most innocuous things I have taken clopidigrel myself, and my mother also took it for years. I'm on a different med now instead, and have to say if you think the PIL for that is alarming you should see the one for the med I'm on now! I didn't have any problems with it, neither did mum.
I'm sorry to say the only way you will know is to try it. Although it can be reassuring to hear the experiences of other people nobody else will have the exact same metabolism as you. The manufacturers have to mention all reported side effects, no matter how infrequently they happen. It has taken me a little time to pluck up the courage to try some new ones, but I'm slowly getting better at it because after all, any unwanted side effects do stop when you stop the offending medication if you and your doctor decide the side effects are too troubling.
Good luck, I know it's tough.
Unfortunately by law they have to list every possible side effect. But luckily only a very few people get them. My husband has been on it for over 2 years. Thankfully no side effects. So hopefully you won't get them either.
Best regards
Shabana
Good morning Lolaorange13, I would concur with all of the advice given, in that it would be preferable to take the medication than to risk another TIA. I have had two TIA’s but only ten years on from the first one has the probable cause been found. I have a surgery appointment in November to fix a large PFO which was never checked for back when I had my TIA’s originally. I personally am hugely relieved and grateful to now be on Clopidogrel as it provides me with the piece of mind that I have not had for a decade. I would say that initially I was prescribed Clopidogrel by Almus (Alamy) which made me feel incredible, no bruising, no migraines, no breathlessness, whereas latterly my GP surgery have prescribed a Clopidogrel by Milpharm, no side effects as such other than bruising (which is nothing to be concerned by) but the breathlessness and migraines are back to normal. My Consultant has requested a return to the Alamy because some people respond better to particular brands. This may not be remotely helpful to anyone else but it is something that was glaringly obvious for me. The Alamo Clopidogrel was honestly a game changer and I would now be concerned if I was not taking any. I teach yoga, have been vegan for twenty years and class myself as fit and well too but a healthy lifestyle has nothing to do with our anatomical makeup and medication is therefore an unfortunate reality, which enables us to do what we love. Best of luck, you can always try it and diarise your symptoms and discuss with your GP but aside from bruising the benefits far out way the risk according to the threads here. Have a lovely day. ☀️
Thanku Peony im lucky to have so many people posting on here in response to my message. Ive had 1 TIA but now i have high BP and also a dilated kidney from kidney stones last year its a bit like being on a slide at the moment and all downhill 🙈
I do hope that you receive the reassurance from the GP that you need regarding the medication and that you start to feel better soon. Very best wishes. ☀️
Thanku Peony14 hopefully it will all work out for us both 😀
I’ve been taking clopidogrel for 20 years now and taking it for life with various other meds, I’m 68 now and the only side effects I have is bruising easier, I walk everyday and also use an exercise bike, remember as with any meds they are “possible “ side effects
I would not worry about taking medication, it has to be done, goes with the territory! All meds have some sort of side effects. The only saving grace is that your medication could only be temporary.
My Clopidogrel was suddenly stopped by the hospital and replaced with something else when thing started to change in my heart activity. That's the key thing and is unique to each individual, how the heart reacts to these changes. So I would go with the docs advice only then can they help us with these changes.
Have been taking Clopidogrel for 10 months and have no side effects whatsoever.
Trust your doctor, you’ll be ok.
I had a TIA in 2019 prescribed Clopidogrel, rather take it than have another stroke is my opinion, I too am on other meds. There are side effects with all meds. I have to take my clopidogrel with food as I am prone to stomach ulcers. I have had no side effects so far..
All medications and supplements come with the possibility of side-effects. They are listed in the PIL for good reason, so that you can look out for them. However, because they are listed does not mean that you will experience any of them! Food products do not come with such a leaflet, it is up to us to find out which foodstuffs affect us as each individual is different.Everything we put into our stomach can cause side-effects, whether medications or food, so there is no good reason to reject any medication due to fear of this. For instance, a certain blood-pressure tablet has a well-known side-effect experienced by many, but the solution is to change the medication, so there is actually no problem at all.
My partner has been on clopidogrel for many years, and will be on it for life as a necessity for a particular medical condition. Despite being very sensitive to most medications, he has had absolutely no side-effects.
A good lifestyle is no guarantee of good health, as there are many contributory factors to illness of any kind. Even though my partner had an active lifestyle, a very healthy diet, was not overweight , and did not smoke or drink, that did not prevent two TIAs this year, with investigations indicating that he had had previous ones too. Any medication offered was gratefully accepted, even aspirin which causes him great problems.
Most of us will require treatment of some sort as we age, and if it can make our conditions easier to live with, or prevent others developing, we accept it, possibly being able to change it if any side-effects are too great. The nocebo effect can mean that side-effects may seem to be developing if we think about them, so the best thing to do is to take them with an open mind. Don't forget that clopidogrel is the gold standard treatment for a TIA for good reason.
Thanku for your informative reply getting old certainly sucks doesnt it 🙈
Hello Lola,
I was in a similar situation to yours: I never took any medication regularly and would often ride out mild headaches rather than even take a pain killer. However, I had a heart attack in March which required a triple bypass and 10 different pills to take in the immediate weeks after the operation. I was also, like you, very fit for my age. My pre-operation respiratory test showed I had the lung function of a 49 year old. I was 70 at the time and prior to the heart attack I went cycling regularly and ran up 8 flights of stairs rather than take the lift 3 times a week.
When I received my bag load of medications, I made a point of just reading about what the pills were for and the sections that begin: 'Contact your GP if you experience any of the following side effects ... '.
After a career as a teacher, I'm aware of the power of auto-suggestion. Also, it's not at all unusual for people read about side-effects and then be more likely to feel they are suffering those side effects. So I avoided reading the potential side effects of medicines until I felt something odd thing that could not be a consequence of the surgery.
Like most people above, Clopidogrel did not cause me any problems except for making me more prone to bruising. After 6 months, I am less prone to bruising and have had no other side effects.
It was a different story regarding the BP medication. I've had a life-long history of lower than average blood pressure. So I was surprised to find myself on 3 medicines that lowered blood pressure. After a month, it was apparent I was overdosing on BP medication so the dosage was reduced and things got much better.
Forgive me for repeating what so many other posters have said but I definitely think you should try Clopidogrel - ideally for a month so your system can settle in with the medication. You can always report unwanted side effects to your GP and have the medication adjusted if necessary. What's the alternative apart from increasing your risk of another TIA?
Hi I've been on them for many years the only thing I get from them I pass wind a lot if you read everything in the medication pamphlet you wouldn't take anything you have to wigh up what could go wrong if you don't take them I had 3 blood clots under my knee they put me apixaban I had know trouble with them but for some reason they changed me cloperdogrel
I had clopidogrel for a year after my heart attack. The ONLY side effect was bruising quickly if I had even the slightest bump. It's a very safe drug.
Yes I take it…. Sure beats having a stroke…If you look for side effects you will find them …. I have none and feel reassured that I am doing the best to prevent a cardiovascular event.
I have taken it for a tia for 6 years. I think I’m more scared of having a stroke than having any side effects. Only side effect is easy bruising
in April I had a stent fitted and was put on low-dose aspirin and clopidogrel for twelve months , at the end of the twelve months , I am to discontinue the clopidogrel and continue on with the low-dose aspirin. My mom, has a different cardiologist and he does the opposite . He takes people off of aspirin and has them continue with the clopidogrel. My mother has never had any heart events or stents . His explanation was that at one time baby aspirin was used as it was readily available and fairly inexpensive compared to the prescription drug, clopidogrel . Now that there is a generic available he prefers the prescription drug over the 81 mg baby aspirin…. Perhaps that is due to the fact that it has less effect on stomach than aspirin .
Hello,I took Clopidogrel for almost a year following my heart attack and did not experience any side effects or bruising.
Best of luck.
this was the only prescribe medication that had very bad side effects for me, in the end the GP stopped them after I complained re the trouble I had with them, the GP response was some people can get along with them and others cant, I suppose until you start taking the medication there is no way of knowing, if you decide to take them your body will let you know how you feel.
been on them for 9 years and no side effects except bruising x
I took clopidogrel when I had the minor stroke, had to have omeprazole as it affected my tummy. When they finally found that I had AF and that is what caused the stroke they changed the medication as I needed to be on a blood thinner rather than an anticoagulant . Do you have AF as they should change it if you do?
Thanku for your reply.The doctor has contacted the hospital to arrange an appointment at the heart clinic so i guess i will know more when that time comes. I do have panic attacks for sometimes no reason but ive always thought its more heart related than panic tbh. Hopefully i will know soon.🙈
hi as has been said bruising is all I’ve had.
I have being using clopidogrel for 8 years which to me no major side effects
I’ve been on this for 18 months luckily no side effects just bruises mainly from gym I’m on it for life and yes I hate any meds but I truly believe it’s keeping the tia’s at bay so job done wish I could say the same for the 4 bp meds I’ve tried just plain awful wouldn’t mind but none have worked at all.
Lolaorange13• in reply to
Seems a few have problems with BP meds i havnt been on mine ling enough i guess yet. I check my BP twice a day its still high 🙈
I was on Clopidogrel post heart attack and after a time was then told to come off them. Then had a TIA and put back on them and will be for life now. Never had any issues with them.
Wishing you the best.
Late to this party, but I share your ethos - I've worked hard to come off everything and tolerate osteoarthritis.I had a CT scan that highlighted blocked arteries - the cardio nurse wanted me on aspirin, clopidogrel, beta blockers, Lansoprazole, and a statin.
Turns out after angio I don't have blocked arteries. So all those meds would have been pointless.
I do, however have Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, generally progressive and terminal; seems it's easily confused with heart issues.
Right.
Long and short is there is meds that will slow progress, it's not curable. Just had a conversation with my consultant, we're going to review after another lung test in January. Even then I'll weigh the benefit of quantity of life over quality of life; terminal diagnosis does that.
I wish you well.
Thanku for your reply and sharing with me your story im sad to read your diagnosis that will be very hard to try n process im sure.. My worry is nothing compared to yours and yet u took time to wish me well bless you. Hope you have the best advice n care to help u make the right decision for you.
I’ve been prescribed the same and also have high blood pressure and also had several TIA’s I’ve been taking it for 4 years now and never had a single side effect.
I was put on Clopidogrel after having a TIA in February . ( 3 years ago I had open heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm and a faulty aortic valve caused by high BP ) Apart from bruising slightly more easily, I've had no side effects. I'd rather take the meds than risk a stroke.Honestly, I would take the tablets as suggested .
I have been taking Clopidogrel along with other meds for 2 years and have not experienced any side effects to date. If you do have side effects that are worrying then speak to your GP about a possible alternative.
Also give your body a chance to adjust as things can settle down after it has got used to the meds. We are all different and react to meds in different ways. Hope this helps good luck 🍀🍀😊🌞X.
hi I have been on it for 10 mths along with aspirin no side affects , but every one is different , just take it like you I used to read all the possibilities . which really are so over the top you're better off not reading them ,good luck hope things improve for you 👍
I’ve been on Clopidogrel for several months and have not noticed any side effects. I am a clumsy person, but bruises don’t appear to last any longer than normal.
I was not taking any medication before Feb this year, when I was diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease and then subsequently in June, had a stent fitted in my LAD (heart) due to narrowing; I’m now on a cocktail of drugs. I hate the thought of being dependent on them but don’t relish the consequences of not taking them. Ive only just retired (age 66) and plan on being around as long as possible to watch my grandkids grow up.
Thanku for your reply seems like so many of us are at the age now where we need help its strange but i guess we get used to it in time 🙈Ive never even heard of what u have or some of what others have either but im glad u have all shared your stories cos i am now aware of so much 🙈
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